Bordeaux Uncorked Part IV: Bordeaux After Dark – Bubbles, Botrytis & Liquid Gold

Join us as we finish our Bordeaux journey with a celebration of bubbles, decadence and the remarkable ways in which climate, geology and human ingenuity combine to create some of the world's most captivating wines.

Our final evening in this 4-part series uncorks Bordeaux's most surprising side, where elegant sparkling wines, luscious, sweet wines and centuries of innovation reveal a region that is full of delicious surprises.

Long before Crémant de Bordeaux became one of France's newest sparkling appellations, winemakers were already perfecting traditional method sparkling wines in the cool limestone tunnels beneath Bordeaux. Today, Crémant de Bordeaux continues that tradition with hand-harvested grapes, vibrant acidity and beautifully balanced sparkling wines that offer exceptional value and unmistakable Bordeaux character. We'll uncover the craftsmanship behind Bordeaux's sparkling wines, the art of blending, and why these often-overlooked styles are becoming some of the region's most exciting discoveries.

Then we'll head south to one of the most magical wine regions in the world. In Sauternes and Barsac, nature performs a remarkable balancing act. Autumn mornings shrouded in mist, warm sunny afternoons and gentle drying winds create the perfect conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea—the famous "noble rot" that transforms ripe grapes into tiny, shrivelled berries bursting with intensely concentrated sweetness and astonishing complexity. 

We'll discover why this unique microclimate exists, how the Ciron River and the surrounding forests help create this annual miracle, and why every vintage depends on nature getting the recipe exactly right. Expect extraordinary aromas of honey, apricot, marmalade, tropical fruit, saffron and delicate spice, balanced by vibrant freshness that allows the very finest examples to age gracefully for decades

We try to accommodate all dietary requirements, providing we are notified at least 48hrs in advance. Please note gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the class.