A journey to the prestigious Bordeaux wine region
The week kicked off with insights from Estelle Touzet - an accomplished sommelier and founder of a consulting firm, previously serving as head sommelier at Le Meurice in Paris and director of sommelier services at The Ritz. Students delved into various topics, ranging from tasting techniques to the art of table service, while also gaining valuable advice from their peers in the MSc Wine & Hospitality Management programme to prepare for their upcoming WSET Level 3 exams.
A highlight of the week was the vineyard visits, particularly in Saint-Émilion, the UNESCO-listed vineyard. At the Maison du Vin de Saint-Émilion, students attended a thematic masterclass led by Véronique Bourrigaud, a prominent wine tourism manager, learning about the history and unique characteristics of the region's grape varieties. The day continued with tastings and a gourmet lunch at Clos des Jacobins and Château de Candale, both esteemed wine estates. The exploration of Saint Emilion concluded with a visit to Château de Ferrand, a renowned Grand Cru estate, where students explored the terroir with Julien Cailleau, the estate's sommelier.
Following week two, students continued their exploration alongside Estelle Touzet, covering topics such as sustainable agriculture, food and wine pairing, and service techniques. Concurrently, they ventured into Médoc and its prestigious vineyards through KEDGE Wine School's collaboration with the Council of Great Classified Growths 1885 (Médoc & Sauternes). The day began at Chateau Gruaud-Larose, offering stunning views of the vineyards and insights into its exceptional terroir. This was followed by an informative visit to Château Pédesclaux, a fifth Grand Cru Classé, for tastings and a Michelin-starred lunch. The day concluded at the prestigious Château Margaux, renowned as one of the world's finest wines, with an exclusive tour and exceptional tasting. The sommelier competition marked the culmination of this immersive experience, allowing students to showcase their learning and dedication to the world of wine through various challenges.
