The Tasting Panel magazine

96 / the tasting panel / september 2009 F or the trade and consumers alike, calling ahead to make an appoint- ment is still the only way to experience Bordeaux's most prestigious châteaux, but there is growing evidence that wineries both large and small see value in welcoming consumers with open arms. Château Fonplégade, one of six Right Bank châteaux owned by American billion- aire Stephen Adams, is sited in the very heart of St. Emil- ion, with vineyard blocks that share the coveted limestone hilltop with the likes of Château Canon. What sets Fonplégade apart from its neighbors is the OPEN sign posted at the entrance of its long gravel drive. During the summer season of June through September, Fonplégade's tasting room is open every day. About 30 minutes southwest of St. Emilion lies the small village of St. Germain du Puch, home to the 96-acre estate of Château Lestrille-Capmartin. Lestrille, which exports 50 percent of its production, has always enjoyed a strong following of direct-to-consumer sales, and fi fth-generation winemaker Estelle Roum- age is capitalizing on what is now a visible trend in Bordeaux. Roumage, who travels regularly to the U.S. and England, has undertaken a major over- haul of Lestrille's tasting room, one that is de- signed to attract both domestic and foreign consumers alike. The addition of an 80-seat wine bar and restaurant (Le Bar à Vins and La Table) serving seasonal, locally-grown cui- sine and wines from the region will occupy a space previously used for shipping and storage. A modern, glass-walled tasting room (Le Chai) has been designed to provide a dra- matic view of the barrel room for groups as large as 50, and a retail area (La Boutique) will offer wines from the region, books, tableware and specialty food products. Just outside Bordeaux, Château Kirwan, a third growth cru classé near Margaux, sets the standard for consumer hospitality on the Left Bank. Kirwan was recognized in 2008 by the Bordeaux Wine Festival with "The Best of Wine Tourism" award for the exceptional experience they offer their guests, though the winery keeps very limited walk-in hours. The addition of a new visitors' center at the château includes a video lounge showing a fi lm about the history of the property and its winemaking, as well as a tasting room and boutique that are open to walk-in guests at 4:00 pm daily at the cost of six euros. In the neighboring commune of Saint- Estèphe, facilities at Cos d'Estournel, a second growth grand cru classé, have also recently been upgraded to better receive visiting groups. In addition to its newly renovated high-tech cellar and a dramatic black-fl oored barrel room, Cos d'Estournel has also opened a new visitors center that includes a museum, retail boutique and a walkway with a view the cellars. Signs of encouragement at Château Fonplégade. France by Deborah Parker Wong The elegant, modern tasting room at Château Fonplégade provides easy access for consumers who en- joy more spontaneous wine tourism. E≠ orts to woo consumers are a sign of the times Putting Out the Welcome Mat in Bordeaux

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