2005 primeurs tastings for amateurs in Bordeaux

Christopher Johnson-Gilbert was asking recently and rather plaintively Who gets to taste en primeur in Bordeaux? I explained that this year it might be more difficult than usual to gatecrash the professional tastings at the beginning of April. But I have just received news that, for the first time as far as I know, there are to be official tastings open to the public, on the weekend of 06/07 may 06 in Bordeaux.

 

Le Weekend des Grands Amateurs (amateur having a much nobler meaning in French than in English) is being organised by the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, the same outfit as organises the professional tastings a month earlier. They promise at least 100 classified growths at the Saturday tasting (in the salubrious address of Hangar 14, Quai des Chartons). Tickets are 55 euros if booked by 21 apr 06, 65 euros thereafter.

 

There are also dinners in the châteaux on the Saturday night (120 euros a pop, to be booked by 21 apr) and wine tours/tastings at the properties on the Sunday (15 euros a head – free if you have taken part in the Saturday events) or golf even.

 

Congratulations to the UGC for coming up with this. I know that organising the pro tastings is a massive job so I can only assume they have taken on extra staff. Bravo!  

 

To find out more and sign up, see http://www.ugcb.net/commerce/wga/index.html

or contact Anne Attia
Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux
O5 56 51 91 91
UNION DES GRANDS CRUS DE BORDEAUX
10, Cours du 30 Juillet 33000 Bordeaux France
tel: +(33) 0556-51-91-91 Fax : +(33) 0556-51-64-12
ugc@ugcb.net

And to get to Bordeaux from the UK, don’t forget there is the horribly but conveniently early flight from Gatwick and check out Ryanair to Bergerac too. Easyjet are said to be starting flights to Bordeaux from Luton – from June. Once a travel agent….