Bike tour in the vineyard
- 29/04/2024
- Auteur : Vincent
As a fan of non-motorized two-wheelers (good for the planet, isn’t it?), I used to get up early in the morning to explore a few of our wine appellations in the last few years, both renowned throughout the world or more confidential.
I remember one day in autumn 2022 when I decided to embark one of my friends in my joyful wine adventure! Let’s get on a bike, bringing my « survival kit » (which always includes my bicycle pump, solar cream and water bottle – ‘cause yes, the weather usually remains warm and sunny in that period!) and meet her at Bordeaux’s railway station. Right bank heading, when grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet-Franc may be considered as “Kings”, for a 40-kilometer trip! A few wine properties in mind and an approximated itinerary in order to let ourselves to go with our wishes…
Once we arrived at Libourne’s railway station with our own bicycles, we took the direction of the city centre to concoct a local menu, before settling by the quays of the Isle (tributary of our Dordogne River) to get our lunch.
Shortly after leaving the city, we already saw the first plots of vines recently harvested, part of the Lalande-de-Pomerol wine appellation. Total disconnection! Strolling along narrow roads and paths, between nice properties and smaller wine estates. A few of these chateaux also produce typical red wines under the appellations named Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, located not far away from our place. Then we rapidly arrived within the unmissable wine appellation of Pomerol. After a quick stop at the local Wine House, followed by a picture at the front of Petrus to capture this moment, we kept roaming with our bikes this easy-to-ride territory, stopping to visit chateau Tailhas, a family-owned estate in classical style. Stunning effect guaranteed!
Now, it is time to “heat our muscular calves”, crossing a surrounding appellation nearby Saint-Emilion, named Montagne (translation “Mountain”). This word seems to be perfectly appropriated when we discover some hilly and winding roads. Far away from our position, we were able to sight one of the most famous wine properties of this terroir: chateau Saint-Georges. Looking like an impregnable fortress on a hilltop, it offers an incredible viewpoint all around the surroundings! After effort comes comfort, let’s have a break in the middle of the vines between two rows, a glass of red wine in hand, keep focusing on the next and final steps of our journey!
Let’s let the wind carrying us towards the medieval town and its UNESCO classified vineyard. Our look is irresistibly attracted by the well-known Great Growths of the appellation: Cheval Blanc, one of the famous “First A”, La Dominique and its contemporary artwork designed by Jean Nouvel or Grand Corbin and its elegant mansion. Before entering the medieval town, we just decided to make a latest stop in an organic property (also classified), Cadet Bon.
Here we are, we did it! We are now walking through the typical cobbled streets of Saint-Emilion, abounding of local handcrafts, wine cellars and traditional restaurants. Well, let’s do a final effort: the climbing which leads to the spire of the monolithic church, the largest in Europe! How do we say again? “Blow out the cobwebs”, but the view worth it. Need some fresh air? We chose to explore some underground caves owned by Maison Galhaud, a familiar property housed in one of the oldest buildings of the village! A very kind and friendly welcome, and an owner that appears to be inexhaustible about the History and the secrets of this place.
A few last pedal strokes in the heart of this prestigious wine appellation before heading to the local railway station to get our train back to Bordeaux. Time flew up as we were immerging ourselves into the pictures of that fabulous day! Next step: a wine getaway into the Sauternes wine area 😉 Cheers!