How Bordeaux Won Me Over (And Why It Might Win You Over Too)

How It Started: Bordeaux? No Thanks.

It has been a wild ride these past few years diving into the world of wine, and today I wanted to share some thoughts on a region that's been particularly eye-opening for me.  When I started working here back in 2021, I knew I liked wine, sure.  But Bordeaux?  If I’m being completely honest, Bordeaux always carried this air of being… unapproachable.  Expensive, maybe even a little stuffy – definitely not the first bottle I'd reach for.  And that’s coming from someone who’s always up for trying something new—whether it’s a rare varietal from an obscure wine region, a super dark pink rosé, or a dry, acidic white that others shy away from.  Bordeaux just didn’t spark my interest.  I remember the weeks during my sommelier classes where we discussed Bordeaux, and being completely overwhelmed by all of it.  

Seeing Wine Through New Eyes

Fast forward to 2023,  I was lucky enough to go on my first industry trip to South Africa. It was an eye-opening experience.  I saw how wine is made from the ground up, and meeting the winemakers gave me a whole new perspective.  There’s something so deeply personal about seeing where the grapes are grown, with the people who care for them, and then sitting with the winemaker and trying the wine they poured their heart into making.  After we wrapped up our time in South Africa, Paul went straight to Bordeaux for his first En Primeur week while I flew back solo to the states.

A New Perspective: Turns Out, Bordeaux Is Pretty Great

Over the past few years, especially since Paul came back from that trip raving about the potential of Bordeaux, I’ve been learning a lot.  I attend as many tastings as I can, and have thoroughly enjoyed expanding my wine horizons.  Amidst it all, I have realized just how exciting and diverse Bordeaux truly is.  It isn’t some exclusive club that requires a secret password (or a six-figure income) to join. It’s discoverable, it’s approachable, and it’s way more dynamic and fun than I ever gave it credit for.

Good Bordeaux Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

And here’s the surprising thing, especially for someone like me – a millennial who’s recently married and very much in "save for a house and start a family" mode – you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars to drink fantastic Bordeaux.  That’s what’s been so exciting about tasting the 2022 vintage. These wines are not only affordable, but also super approachable in their youth. You can cellar and develop them if you want, but you can just as easily open one tonight, decant it, and have a glass (or two) now.

Four Years Later, and Just Getting Started

Four years after my wine journey officially began, I am now a certified sommelier, have great relationships with customers, and feel confident in my wine knowledge. And, in just a few days, I’ll be heading to Bordeaux myself for my very first En Primeur week!  While Paul can offer deep insights from years in the industry, my perspective is likely similar to many of yours.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the intricacies of Bordeaux, but I’m ready to continue learning and discovering.  That has been my favorite part of this industry, learning.  With wine, there is always something new, whether it's a varietal I have yet to really explore or a region I have seriously underestimated.  There is always something to discover.  I hope this sparks a little curiosity for you too—and I can’t wait to share what I find when I get back!