Bordeaux Wine Biking 9/23

Another wish of Gene’s fulfilled by Mary’s great tour planning.

We were a small, age diverse group of eight cycling oenophiles. A couple of New Zealanders who currently live in London (young man works at BBC), an “engaged on this trip” couple from Oklahoma, a well traveled Canadian retired tech businessman and academic and the three of us! Led by Tim, who lives in St Emilion with his wife and three sons where our cycling begins. He has two business partners we encountered and an office in Bordeaux as well.

Tim is also a 🥝 (New Zealander and I believe Māori) who played professional rugby for 12 years, much of it in London. So, a genial and interesting group.

We had pedal assist electric bikes (thank God). Took me a while to adapt – I’ve only riden Marys once last summer and then the late August day trip on the Columbia Gorge last year. And I may say the cobblestone in town gave me some moments!! But we made the entire trip safely – even with our generous tastings.

This was our first stop. The weather stayed overcast which was perfect for biking.

Chateau de Chambrun and Chateau Moncets – Lelande du Pomerol. Despite the pristine limestone exterior this is a venerable Chateau ( oh no, I’ve forgotten just how old !!) being restored for events.

I spotted a fox on premises as we walked about!

Many empty barrels waiting to be filled with this years harvest which is deemed to be a good one. Last years was rained out more or less with few grapes that escaped mildew and only a small production locally, especially in this biodiversitie winery establishment.

Followed by on-site luncheon of local charcuterie selections. And wine, of course!!!!

And we’re off again! This time to a small family owned winery. Chateau Grouprie.

More working winery than chateau, it sits on high value Pomerol and “near” Pomerol appellation vines.

Back into Saint Emilion and a tasting at Rustic Vines. They also operate a wine club.

We’ve had generous pours for tasting. I must confess my palate became a little dull with so many reds here at the end. The chateaus we visited are young establishments that our tour host considers to be emerging wines to enjoy!

We turned in our bikes at just before 4pm. Quite a day of cycling! And just to be sure I wasn’t feeling too self assured on my two wheeled steed, the last 50 ft of the ride has a hard, steep right on cobblestone – required my foot brake to be applied! But we all came out unscathed thanks to the wine gods!