Get to Know Alicante, Spain’s Hidden Gem

Imagine a wine region with a history dating back 3,000 years. A territory comprised solely of small family wineries that innovate the traditions of the generations that came before. An area that few know was the first Designation of Origin in the world. Alicante, in the southeast of Spain, is all of this, and so much more.

A Place of Historical Significance

Located between Valencia and Murcia, Alicante resides on the Costa Blanca (White Coast) of the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby mountains provide air currents through the vineyards and extended hours of sunshine create ideal growing conditions for grapes. Poor calcareous soils mean vines struggle to find nutrients, and their hard work is rewarded with fruit with great complexity and concentration.

 Archeological finds uncovered winemaking equipment and remains of seeds believed to be centuries old, and further documents show the wines of the region had a presence in numerous European courts since the 15^th century.

What made these wines so valued were their strict quality regulations. In 1510, an organization was created within the Alicante city government to regulate and protect winemaking traditions and exports. This consortium, overseen by King Fernando I of Aragon, is considered to be the first Designation of Origin, and a model for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system we know today. Alicante is renowned for its commitment to quality, and for influencing winemaking all over the world.

Mindfully Made Wines

Today, winemakers put mindful practices at the forefront of their work. Organic and biodynamic farming leads the way in the vineyard, and several estates carry the Demeter certification. In the cellar, an emphasis on low-intervention winemaking results in personality-driven wines that are made without the interference of additives. Ongoing sustainability initiatives, such as reducing a winery’s carbon footprint, emphasize winemakers’ intentions to preserve their historic land for the future, and the region currently meets 13 out of the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations. The care and attention paid to viticulture and viniculture speaks to Alicante’s respect for the generations, both past and future, that make up the region’s rich heritage.

A Wealth of Varieties

Alicante also distinguishes itself from other regions with its wealth of native varieties. Monastrell, in particular, stands apart as a marquee grape. This drought-resistant variety thrives in the hot and dry climate and is capable of producing a range of styles, from bright and fresh rosés to full-bodied and structured reds. It is also the backbone of Fondillón, one of the world’s most unique and complex wines. This wine gets its character from grapes left to raisinate on the vine, followed by aging in a solera system, similar to sherry. The white variety Muscat, another specialty, serves as an aromatic counterpoint to powerful Monastrell, as well as Alicante Bouschet.

In recent years, a movement to recover ancestral grapes revived nearly extinct varieties. Winemakers take grapes like Valenci, Forcallat, and Giró and let their imaginations run wild. Amphora aging, sweet styles, long aging — there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to understanding what these indigenous grapes can do.

Thanks to these dynamic discoveries and experiments, the area has been enjoying a quality renaissance over the last couple of decades, garnering attention and acclaim at numerous competitions and among the wine trade. For wine lovers in the know, Alicante offers exceptional value.

Family Wineries: The Heart of Alicante

It may surprise some to learn that despite these big initiatives and innovations, only 45 wineries make up the Alicante wine industry. They are all small, family-run operations who are passionate about sharing their heritage with the rest of the world. Their independence allows them to forge their own path and style. Whether building on the traditions of the generations before or bringing fresh ideas into the vineyards and cellars, Alicante producers lead the way when it comes to creativity, and dynamic winemaking.

History, tradition, and innovation: it’s what makes Alicante the world’s most exciting place for wine. To learn more about Alicante, Spain’s secret gem of a region, click here and explore the wines below.

Article published with the support of FEADER-EU funds.

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How Provence Crafts the Best Rosés in the World

Provence sets the benchmark for rosé. With its distinctive pink hue and fresh profile, the style of wine is emulated all over the world. But producers in this southern French region know it is their terroir, and deep history of winemaking, that make Provence rosé stand out above all others.

 The Birthplace of Rosé

Provence is known as the birthplace of rosé and the wine is deeply ingrained in the region’s identity. Centuries ago, Greeks brought vines to what is now called Marseilles, making Provence the very first French vineyard. When the Romans later arrived, they settled in Provence and further developed winemaking. While Provence has a vinous tradition and heritage dating back thousands of years, developments in recent history have played a major role in the recognition and acclaim Provence rosé wines receive today. In the late 1970s, a group of visionary winegrowers challenged the notions of winemaking at the time and committed to producing high-quality rosé wines. Through their revolutionary mindset, Provence became one of the most revered wine regions in the world. With 2,600 years of winemaking history, there’s an unparalleled level of experience in Provence, and it shows in the artfully crafted wines.

Today, these rosé specialists come together under the name Vins de Provence, which encompasses three appellations: Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence and Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.

Understanding the Provence Style

Vins de Provence rosé is characterized by its pale hue, freshness, and lifted aromatics. But it rose to global acclaim for being dry, as opposed to the sweet blush wines commonly found in the market decades ago. It simultaneously exhibits fruit and savory notes, plus a bright acidity. But this is just a broad strokes definition: within the category of “Provence rosé,” a diversity of styles exists. From refreshing aperitif options to gastronomic wines, Provence rosés work across all occasions and seasons. It is a wine of pleasure and a wine born from the senses. 

The rosy-hued wines also embody the lifestyle of their Provence homeland. A certain joie de vivre defines the south of France. This sophisticated mindset, the art of living, is seen in the wines, and rosé integrates itself into memorable moments, big and small.

An Ideal Terroir

The beauty of the Provence landscape captures many vacationers’ imaginations, but the dry, sunny area, with its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, is also ideal for grape growing. Vines thrive in well-draining soils, and a patchwork of microclimates plays host to over a dozen grape varieties. Most importantly, the Mistral wind blows through the vineyards, regularly cleaning the rows and removing parasites and potential mildew. 

These conditions lend themselves to sustainable farming. The vast majority of land under vine is certified organic or High Environmental Value (HEV) – an impressive accomplishment. But Vins de Provence continues to push boundaries and aims to reach 100 percent within the decade.

People are another element that makes up terroir, and the personalities behind the wines are as diverse as the region itself. Private cellars, growers, and cooperatives of vignerons contribute to the dynamic character of the region.

An Attention to Detail

Ninety percent of production in Provence is rosé. Because of this incomparable dedication, every step of the winemaking process, from vine training to harvesting to vinification, is done with an eye toward producing the best quality rosé wine possible. This high degree of expertise results in expressive wines that speak to Provence’s unique terroir.

Although other regions might treat rosé as an afterthought to their reds or whites, fruit in Provence is cultivated and vinified specifically for rosé production. Vins de Provence producers are rosé specialists, and this intentionality puts Provence rosés in a league of their own.

A Single Word As A Sign of Quality

The term “Provence” signifies quality. Although many regions try to emulate the Provence style, there is only one original. That one simple term on a label–Provence—is an assurance that the bottle in question is one of the best rosés in the world.

To learn more about Vins de Provence and its expertise in crafting the best rosés in the world, click here.

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C’est Fantastique! Sainte Marguerite in Provence Launches New Rosé

Hopping on the next flight to Provence may not be in the cards this summer, though Pernod Ricard USA has the next best solution. Following the acquisition of Sainte Marguerite en Provence in 2022, the brand is introducing its two latest rosé cuvées—Château Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rosé 2023 Cru Classe and Maison Sainte Marguerite Symphonie Rosé 2023—just in time for the upcoming summer season. These two unique wines offer an unexpected and elevated way to enjoy Provençal rosé, particularly for those curious to explore the path less traveled. 

About Fantastique and Symphonie

According to Pernod Ricard USA, these new signature rosé cuvées do not conform to a moment, place or season. They’re perfect for enjoying year-round as an apéritif or elevated accompaniment to a sprawling variety of dishes.

Symphonie Rosé pays homage to the long-standing savoir-faire of quality-focused rosé production embodied by the Provence region. Harmonious and finessed, the wine pours a shimmering pink hue in the glass, complemented by delicate aromatics of citrus and peach. Light and airy, the wine offers an accessible introduction to the house style of the Domaine. 

Fantastique rosé is the only certified organic and vegan cru classé rosé to hail from the Côtes de Provence. Composed of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino) sourced from the best parcels of the Château Sainte Marguerite vineyard, the wine offers floral-tinged flavors of peach, pear, citrus, and tropical fruits. Also, it’s crafted using latest-generation vineyard technology, which simultaneously reduces the estate’s carbon footprint. 

“Our top priorities at the vineyard are respect for the environment, our customers and our staff. This echoes the standards that guide us in everything we do,” says Olivier Fayard, Sainte Marguerite en Provence CEO and winemaker. “We gained knowledge of the different terroirs while building up the vineyard. For nearly 50 years, we’ve learned how to understand them in order to express their best qualities.” Fayard states that the hallmark of a great wine producer is the ability to think outside of the box and continuously evolve, which have been two driving factors at the estate since its earliest days. 

About the Vineyard

Comprising nearly 500 acres, the Sainte Marguerite en Provence vineyard comprises 11 plots spread across roughly 13.5 miles, all located in one of the most coveted areas of the Côtes-de-Provence AOC. The area’s diverse microclimates and array of soil types allow for the cultivation of many grape varietals, which in turn creates beautiful natural diversity. The vineyard has been cultivated organically for over 20 years, meaning that no herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides are ever used. 

About Sainte Marguerite en Provence

Sainte Marguerite en Provence is a passion-fueled, quality-driven company located on the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline of southern France. Spearheaded by the Fayard family, the company has paved the way for innovative, high-quality rosé over four decades, led by a spirit of curiosity and independence. The brand was originally founded in 1977 by Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard, two self-taught visionaries with a passion for showcasing the immense potential of high-quality rosé from Provence. 

Today, Sainte Marguerite en Provence embodies a modern, contemporary approach toward rosé production with a focus on terroir and the region’s signature joie de vivre. The exceptional quality of Sainte Marguerite rosés, paired with the family’s generations-old quest for authenticity, elevates the brand’s wines far beyond the generic bottles that flood the current market. 

Celebrate National Rosé Day with Sainte Marguerite en Provence’s Fantastique and Symphonie cuvées on Saturday, June 8^th. To explore the wines of Sainte Marguerite en Provence further, visit  www.smpwines.com or follow @saintemargueriteenprovence on Instagram.

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Just in Time For Summer, Kendall-Jackson Expands Their Best-Selling Low Calorie Collection

Since 1982, Kendall-Jackson has built a reputation for high-quality, highly acclaimed wines. Sourcing from vineyards throughout California’s diverse coastal terrains and terroirs, head winemaker Randy Ullom crafts the flagship Vintner’s Reserve—America’s #1 -selling Chardonnay since 1992—as well as a portfolio of other beloved labels, including Avant, Grand Reserve, Jackson Estate, and Stature.

In 2021, Kendall-Jackson released its Low Calorie Chardonnay, produced with the same commitment to quality as the bestselling Vintner’s Reserve. At just 85 calories, 3 grams of carbs, zero grams of sugar, zero grams of fat, zero grams of protein, and 9% ABV per 5-ounce serving, the wine offers a refreshing option for active lifestyles, without sacrificing quality or flavor. Following the path of the Vintner’s Reserve, it is now the #1 selling Low Calorie Chardonnay in the country.

And now, just in time for summer, Kendall-Jackson is releasing two new additions to the Low Calorie line of wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé.

“When we started this endeavor, we knew that the taste and flavor of the low calorie wines would have to meet the level of quality that Kendall-Jackson consumers trust and love,” says Kendall-Jackson Head Winemaker Randy Ullom. “If we didn’t think these wines were delicious, we would not bottle them.”

Fruit for the low calorie wines comes from the same vineyards as the rest of the Kendall-Jackson portfolio. “Over the years we've taken these different growing areas and learned what each terroir brings to the component that goes into a blend,” says Ullom.

As a leader in sustainable farming as well as water and energy conservation, 100% of Kendall-Jackson’s estate vineyards are certified sustainable. Also, as part of Kendall-Jackson’s commitment to sustainability, all low calorie wines go into lighter-weight bottles. Using less glass results in a lower carbon footprint and helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The style for the Low Calorie collection is achieved by harvesting twice in the fall. The first pick is early in the season, and selected grapes are lower in sugar. A second pass later on garners grapes with more concentration and complexity. When blended together, they create highly aromatic and vibrant wines. 

Just like the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay and Low Calorie Chardonnay, the Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc is barrel fermented to add richness and texture to the palate. As partial owners of a stave mill in France, Kendall-Jackson can specify its oak needs for the barrels down to the tree level, from grain tightness to toast levels, ensuring balance in the final wines.

As for the Rosé, summer wouldn’t be complete without it—and the Low Calorie Rosé is a fresh and lively wine that’s bound to become a new favorite. It displays juicy strawberry and red berry notes, which are balanced with bright acidity. It will be available exclusively online and in retail locations throughout California. 

With the long days of summer come barbecues, days at the beach, and Kendall-Jackson’s Low Calorie wines pair perfectly with these warm-weather pleasures. They complement all your favorite summer dishes, from seafood to salads, and are also ideal as aperitif wines to kick off a party.

And when summer’s over, you’ll still want to reach for the Low Calorie Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé. For those with active lifestyles or those who follow mindful drinking practices, Low Calorie wines offer year-round enjoyment as all of Kendall-Jackson’s award-winning wines without sacrificing the very essence of the beverage that makes us love wine in the first place.

To learn more about Kendall-Jackson’s Low Calorie line of wines, including their best-selling Chardonnay, new Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé, click here.

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Saperavi: A Noble, World-Class Grape Variety

 

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Discover Historic Vines and New Roots in Charlottesville, Virginia

“Summertime is the perfect season to admire the rolling green hills of the Monticello Wine Trail and explore the trail’s unique culinary and entertainment experiences.”

Summer is quickly approaching—now is the time to start planning a wine getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia, Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year. Located just two and half hours southwest of Washington, D.C., the picturesque area is home to the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) and award-winning wineries. With its numerous tasting rooms, family-friendly experiences and an exciting culinary scene, Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County make for a wonderful summer escape.

The Charlottesville region’s viticultural history runs deep. As far back as 1770’s, Thomas Jefferson envisioned stretches of vineyards at his Monticello estate. Today, visionary producers continue to push boundaries in this thoroughly modern region. From winemaking techniques to grape varieties, a spirit of experimentation imbues their work. Collaboration is also a key element to the region’s success; winemakers freely share ideas and propel each other to greater heights.

Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot are just a few of the red wine grapes that make their home in the vineyards, along with Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Viognier and a roster of other whites. These varieties are used to produce a wide array of bottles that include rosé, sparkling and dessert wines. With this sort of diversity, paired with the region’s ability to produce terroir-driven wines, it is no wonder the Charlottesville area receives such high accolades.

Wine Experiences and More

Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s natural landscape, set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is stunning and its Monticello Wine Trail boasts more than 40 wineries. Summertime is the perfect season to admire the rolling green hills and explore the trail’s unique culinary and entertainment experiences.

Every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through October, King Family Vineyards hosts polo matches at their Roseland Farm. Free and open to the public, guests can purchase wine, enjoy fare from various food trucks and watch horses and riders gallop around the field while picnicking with a bottle of wine. Their 2019 Meritage is a top pick—it won the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup, the state’s annual premiere wine competition.

Meanwhile, Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards is the region’s self-proclaimed “culinary vineyard,” which only hints at the delicious experiences guests can enjoy. Whether it’s a vineyard tour followed by a wine and food pairing, cooking classes or a seasonal wine dinner, food and wine go hand-in-hand at this winery.

Though the wine experiences are world-class, family-friendly offerings in particular make Charlottesville’s wine country stand out from other regions. At Keswick Vineyards, kids can play a round of miniature golf while adults taste through the winery’s offerings in a build-your-own flight.

Of course, music lovers will want to check out Blenheim Vineyards, established in 2000 by musician Dave Matthews. More than just a mecca for carefully crafted wines, the winery is home to Oenoverse, an organization that aims to create a more diverse wine industry through inclusive events. Every fall, Oenoverse hosts Two Up, Wine Down, a wine festival in downtown Charlottesville that spotlights BIPOC winemakers.

Where to Sip and Sleep

Hospitality is at the heart of the Charlottesville area’s wine culture and numerous accommodations are available to make visitors feel a warm Southern welcome.

The Inn at Stinson Vineyards, located amidst the vines, bills itself as a modern bed and breakfast. Guests get exclusive access to the Inn’s fine-dining restaurant and are invited to greet each morning with a three-course breakfast.

Barboursville Vineyards is one of the wineries credited with starting Virginia’s modern wine renaissance. Founded in 1976 by Gianni Zonin of Italy’s Zonin family, the estate is known for its Italian varieties as well as Bordeaux blends. Those European-inspired wines pair flawlessly with the Italian cuisine served at their on-site restaurant, Palladio. And the on-site cottages are just as luxurious.

In addition to these vineyard estates, Albemarle County is home to numerous inns, resorts, well-known hotel groups.

There are many resources available to help visitors plan an unforgettable trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County. For detailed information on the region, request or download the Visitor Guide or sign up for the e-Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the newest events and offerings.

Start planning your summer getaway today at www.visitcharlottesville.org.

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Lions Head Collection Finds Its Place in Napa Valley

An innovative wine collection announces a new tasting experience
and its inaugural reserve red blend – inspired by Greek myth.

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Mixed for Manhattan Cocktail Recipes

While working on The New York City Issue of Wine Enthusiast we were inspired by the streets, sights and sounds of Manhattan and the other boroughs at every turn. Each neighborhood in the City has a flavor all its own—these three epic downtown destinations call for cocktails as iconic as they are.

Neighborhood: Meat Packing District

Drink: Absolut Lillet Cosmo

Over brunch or happy hour in the MPD discussing the romantic entanglements of the night before, just like that, this twist on the classic is sure to put the sex in your city. This cocktail riff stays true to the spirit and flavor profile of a Cosmopolitan. But the swap of juice for Lillet Blanc and Savoia aperitif wines brings a bit more body, backbone and ups the sophistication level on this sipper.

Ingredients

2 ounces Absolut

1 ounce Lillet Blanc

¾ ounce Savoia Rosso

½ ounce elderflower liqueur

½ ounce lemon juice

Orange peel, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into coupe glass. Garnish with orange peel.

Neighborhood: South Street Seaport

Drink: Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon Old Fashioned

A seafaring stranger’s take on one of the OG cocktail recipes, this refined rocks drink speaks to the neighborhood’s history and the ship-to-shore production of the spirit. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon is produced in very small batches, with the barrels traveling to parts around the globe—the churning of wave action on the boat and the weather conditions contributing character to the process, delivering a gentle whiskey with crême brûlée and vanilla notes. Barrels see an average of 25 ports across 5 continents and cross the equator twice.

Ingredients

2 ounces Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon

1/2 teaspoon demerara sugar

3 dashes Angostura bitters

2–3 drops saline (8:2 water to salt ratio)

Thick-cut orange peel, for garnish

Spoon demerara sugar into a mixing glass and add bitters, stirring to combine. Add Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon, 2–3 drops of saline (of a 20% solution) and fill with ice. Stir 20–30 rotations (about 15 to 30 seconds) to achieve appropriate dilution and chill. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube and garnish with thick cut orange peel. Go nuts and add a cherry, too, if desired.

Neighborhood: Lower East Side

Drink: Del Maguey Vida Negroni Blanc

This south-of-the-border twist with a French accent on nearby Little Italy’s favorite aperitivo is as delicious as it is hip. The slightly citrus Italicus, a white bitter used here in place of the traditional red, serves to uplift the smokey and floral notes of the Del Maguey Vida. A deceptively boozy but decidedly well-balanced twist on the classic you’ll want to sip all spring and summer.

Ingredients

¾ ounce Del Maguey Vida

¾ ounce Lillet Blanc

¾ ounce Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto

Lime peel, for garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir 20–30 rotations. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Express lime over glass and garnish with a lime peel.

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Wairau River: Rooted in Heritage, Rooted in Family

With origins dating back to 1870, the Rose family’s legacy is intrinsically tied to the Rapaura district of Marlborough, New Zealand. Roughly a century later, they changed the course of the region’s wine history.

What started as a standard agricultural operation has turned into one of the most dynamic and innovative wineries in the Wairau Valley. Today, this family-owned and -run estate continues to set the national standard for quality Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. 

A Family Affair

Phil and Chris Rose started off farming alfalfa for export to Japan. But when it became an economically unsustainable crop, they decided to plant grapes instead. In 1978, they rooted the first vines into what is now known as the Home Block Vineyard. In the early days, they supplemented production with fruit sourced from other local growers and sold wine under the name Rose Family Estate. Fast forward to 1991, the first wines under the label Wairau River were released. To this day, the estate remains a true family affair: All five Rose children are involved in the industry, with four (plus their partners) firmly at the helm of Wairau River. Wairau River (which translates to “many waters” in Māori) is now one of the largest family-owned wineries in New Zealand.

Pioneers in New Zealand Wine

Wairau River’s fruit comes solely from the 14 estate vineyards owned by the family. Located mainly along the banks of the eponymous waterway, these shallow and nutrient-poor soils yield a small number of grapes with intensely concentrated flavor. The region’s warm days and cool nights further benefit the fruit, which fully matures on the vine while developing bright acidity. This unique terroir and the family’s farming techniques enable Wairau River to craft wines of the highest quality.

These world-class selections include their Sauvignon Blanc. The family was a pioneer in this popular white wine decades before the greater Marlborough region achieved international acclaim for its expression of the varietal. The aromatic fruit comes from five different sites on the northern side of Wairau Valley: Home Block, Cravens, The Angler, Rapaura and Burnside. Planted in 1983, these 40-year-old vines produce grapes with stunning complexity and weight. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to highlight its tropical fruit character and mineral quality.

The operation’s Pinot Noir also comes from five distinct blocks on the northern side of the valley. The family harvests these delicate grapes in the cool morning hours, gently destems bunches and hand plunges the grapes to extract color and tannins, all of which lend vibrant acidity and focus to the juice. Once fermentation is complete, wines rest for nine months in French oak barriques, which give the tannins a supple, rounded mouthfeel.

Another varietal that holds a special place in the family’s heart is Pinot Gris. Sourced exclusively from the Home Block—the Rose’s very first vineyard—these are some of the oldest Pinot Gris vines in the region. They produce highly nuanced wines with lively freshness and weight. But the family coaxes out even more texture from the varietal by resting it on the lees for extended periods to achieve the signature style of Wairau River Pinot Gris.

A Focus On Sustainability

From the outset, Phil and Chris knew conventional farming wouldn’t result in the terroir-driven style of wines they sought, nor would it aid in creating the legacy estate the family envisioned. Sustainability drives the family’s work.

Wairau River aligns itself with 11 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on environmental, social and governance initiatives. The winery is also a Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand member. By 2030, the family aims to send zero waste to landfills, reduce carbon emissions and increase their use of renewable energy. They also emphasize employee well-being and strive to lead with transparency when communicating with stakeholders. 

Click here to learn more about the Rose family, Wairau River and their wines.

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Win a Wine Lovers’ Trip For Two

to Chateau Magnol

 

The Heart of Barton & Guestier

in the Fabulous Region of Bordeaux France

Château Magnol is the heart of Barton & Guestier, hosting the company’s headquarters, guesthouse and a wine school, the B&G Food & Wine Academy.

Barton & Guestier is one of the oldest wine houses in Bordeaux from where Thomas Barton and Daniel Guestier established a reputation for French wines around the world. They were the first to offer all the great French wines under one name. In the USA, B&G wines were imported and recommended by Thomas Jefferson himself as from the end of the 18th century.

The Barton & Guestier Food & Wine Academy was created back in 1989 and has welcomed and trained around 450 trade partners per year. Guests immerse themselves in the “French Art of Living” experience while enjoying training, wine dinners, and food and wine pairing workshops among other offerings.

This incredible experience is now open for the readers from Wine Enthusiast by participating in the sweepstake!

Update: This sweepstakes has ended.

Château Magnol, an 18th century castle, offers 12 comfortable rooms where guests benefit from the serenity of the château life. An experienced team looks after the well-being of the guests and all of the courses are carefully prepared by Chef Yann Orgebin, Château Magnol’s dedicated Chef.  Orgebin pays great attention to the food & wine pairings to help discover new flavors and sensations, delight our senses and to enhance our wines.

The Barton & Guestier Food & Wine Academy presents a three-day educational program.
Omar Barbosa, Best Sommelier of Mexico, and Education & Hospitality Manager teaches various theoretical subjects like winemaking and tasting techniques, the French AOC system, and much more. Of course, the theory is combined with practical sessions of wine tasting, blending sessions and food & wine pairings. Our guests can try new combinations, taste, and find the match that delivers new emotions.

A walk through the vineyards of Château Magnol will lead you to the Domaine, where you will discover the cellars for vinification and barrel aging. We will show you some famous classified growths in the region and a take you on a visit to Bordeaux with our private guide. Château Magnol is looking forward to welcoming you!

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