One of the highlights of the Bordeaux calendar, the Blaye Spring Wine Festival celebrated its 19th edition on 13 and 14 April 2013. Over the weekend 80 winegrowers from the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation gathered in the heart of Blaye’s Citadel to offer visitors wine tastings in a warm, friendly and relaxed environment.

But that was not all: a host of other free attractions were on offer, including walks through the vineyards, boat trips on the Gironde estuary and even helicopter flights as raffle prizes. Introductions to wine-tasting were another option, along with a new feature: a blending workshop where visitors could make their own bottle of Blaye Spring Festival wine. The food-and-wine pairing workshop led by our chef Yann Douet was another favourite.

Visitors were also able to discover Blaye’s historic heritage, including the Clos de l’Echauguette vineyard within the Citadel, and take guided tours of the Citadel organised by the Blaye Tourist Office.

Exhibitions, a food market, barrel-making demonstrations and many other attractions helped to enhance the unique experience of the Blaye Spring Wine Festival.