La Fleur de Bouard , the « pearl » of Pomerol

18/02/202618/02/2026 par Antoine Beucher

Château La Fleur de Boüard is a magnificent estate included in our « Pomerol » private tour. It is a true hidden gem that we look forward to showing you during your stay in the Bordeaux wine region.

Located in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, just a stone’s throw from the prestigious plateaus of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, this estate belongs to the Boüard de Laforest family, who also own the world-renowned Château Angélus. Driven by Hubert de Boüard’s vision, the property has benefited from major investments, establishing it as one of the Right Bank’s must-see destinations.

La Fleur de Boüard produces wines of great finesse, characterized by a silky texture and remarkable aromatic complexity. It is the perfect stop for those seeking the best wine tour bordeaux, seamlessly blending family tradition with technical innovation.

During your wine tour, you will discover a winemaking facility unlike any other in the world: its gravity-flow cellar. Nicknamed the « Chai de Lumière » (Cellar of Light), it features 28 suspended, inverted truncated-cone vats that appear to float in mid-air. This system allows for extremely precise vinification, preserving the fruit’s integrity to produce a pure and elegant wine. Wine Cab invites you to enjoy an immersive experience, complete with a spectacular sound and light show in the heart of the cellar, followed by a private tasting of the estate’s iconic cuvées.

After this technical and sensory immersion, your English taxi will whisk you through the rolling hills to continue your wine tour Pomerol. You will enjoy the comfort of our classic London cab, taking in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards before heading to other exceptional estates.

It is a timeless experience, a true immersion just 45 minutes from Bordeaux city center. This Pomerol private tour, including the visit to La Fleur de Boüard, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your private wine tour.

Carrelets, emblems of the Gironde estuary.

29/03/202504/07/2023 par Antoine Beucher

CARRELETS, EMBLEMS OF THE GIRONDE ESTUARY

The carrelet has been part of the Gironde landscape for many, many years. It gives the estuary quite a look, and its regulars are quite proud of it! Origins, presentation, best spots in Gironde: zoom in on these little wooden huts on stilts and this colorful and traditional fishing technique. Learn about the history of the carrelet, the emblem of the Gironde estuary.

THE CARRELET, FROM ITS ORIGINS TO THE PRESENT DAY

The word carrelet is thought to have originated around the 17th century, spelled « quarlet ». In its early days, it referred to a large square net, held in place by curved poles, installed at the stern of a boat. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the first carrelets were built, mounted on a wooden platform connected to the shore by a gangway. It was from the 1940s-50s onwards that these installations began to develop. The first paid vacations played a key role!

Today, a carrelet refers to both the net (i.e. the fishing technique) and the hut housing it. In terms of technique, the carrelet is a mesh net attached to a round or square frame, itself suspended by 4 metal cables. A winch is used to raise and lower the net on the incoming and outgoing tides.

So, what about the famous « cabane » that makes the Gironde so charming? Not just anyone can build one, and not just any old way. Each installation, managed by the Autonomous Port of Bordeaux and subject to an authorization for temporary occupation of the public domain, must comply with precise environmental standards. Apart from the mast and frame holding the net, the hut, platform and gangway must be made of wood. The whole structure rests on large piles, usually driven into the mud or set into place on a rock.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, this is fishing without a boat. It’s done on the waves from the hut set up on the banks of the river. Another special feature is that no bait is required. Crayfish, prawns and smelts are just some of the fishers’ favourites.

CARRELETS, THE EMBLEMATIC STARS OF THE GIRONDE ESTUARY

Did you know that since February 12, 2021, carrelet fishing has been part of France’s intangible cultural heritage? The banks of the Gironde estuary alone are home to almost 660 carrelets: enough to satisfy your desire for discovery during a stay in the region!

The carrelets are an integral part of Gironde’s picture postcard, and are a welcome sight for walkers, who never fail to take beautiful photos. Like sentinels of the river, mounted on wooden stilts, they enliven and dress up the banks of the Gironde. An immaculate blue summer sky, a setting sun, a foggy winter morning: the carrelet puts on a show of its undeniable charm, whatever the season or time of day!

On the left bank, at the Pointe du Médoc, near the Richard lighthouse, in Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac, admire the string of carrelets along the estuary. On the right bank, in Gauriac or La Roque de Thau, the carrelets give the picturesque Corniche road an added charm that few can resist!

LE CARRELET: AN AUTHENTIC AND FRIENDLY FISHING EXPERIENCE

Proudly jutting out into the river, the carrelet offers a very special kind of fishing. The little hut and platform can be decorated and furnished to suit the angler’s taste. Furniture, flowers and a barbecue make this little spot more than just a place to fish: it’s a convivial place where fishing enthusiasts like to gather with family and friends to share a pleasant moment of pleasure and relaxation.

When renting a carrelet, it’s more a question of atmosphere than anything else. Fish according to the tide, feast on your catch with a meal prepared on site, enjoy the tranquility of the banks of the Gironde… a tempting program imbued with authenticity that’s not about to end.

Indeed, the locals are keen to perpetuate this symbol and celebrate this magnificent heritage: numerous festivals are held in honor of the carrelets. Pauillac, Braud and Saint-Louis, the Richard lighthouse… all organize « La nuit des carrelets« , which, on a summer’s evening, dresses up these traditional wooden huts in a thousand lights.

Take a stroll along the banks of the Gironde estuary and soak up the authentic charm of the carrelets. Perhaps take advantage of a tailor-made tour with Wine Cab in an English cab to admire them, and why not try your hand at this type of fishing. Some carrelets in Gironde are available for hire for a few hours. Taste the atmosphere, take a break, strike a pose and, above all, come back enchanted! Contact Wine Cab and put together your own carrelets discovery tour.

Sauternes, the world’s most famous sweet wines.

23/06/202315/06/2023 par Antoine Beucher

Sauternes, the world's most famous sweet wines

the story of an exceptional vineyard

The Sauternes wine appellation has a rich and captivating history going back many centuries. Located in the Bordeaux wine region, south-east of Bordeaux, the Sauternes vineyards are renowned for producing sweet wines of exceptional quality. The history of Sauternes is littered with stories of visionary winemakers who harnessed nature’s blessings to create exceptional wines. To discover the fascinating history of Sauternes is to delve into the secrets of this miraculous vineyard and understand the factors that have contributed to its international renown.

Botrytis, a miraculous mushroom

So what is so special about this vineyard? Botrytis Cinerea is a mushroom that thrives in specific climatic conditions, where morning humidity and fog, blessed by the River Ciron, meet ripe grapes. Botrytis affects the skin of grapes, causing small lesions that lead to evaporation of water and concentration of sugars. This high sugar content is essential for making sweet and liquorous Sauternes wines, giving the palate its characteristic sweetness and richness. In terms of sensory details, these wines present notes of honey, apricot, exotic fruit and flowers, offering a rich, seductive aromatic palette.

tHE DIFFERENT STAGES FROM GRAPE TO BOTTLE

The grapes used to produce Sauternes wines are white, mainly Sémillon, with a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Harvesting is selective, picking only grapes affected by noble rot. After harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted so that a second selection can be made to retain the affected bunches.

This guarantees the quality and concentration of the grapes used for vinification. The third stage involves gentle pressing to preserve the aromas and characteristics of the grapes. Then the mixture is transferred to the alcoholic fermentation tank to transform the sugars into alcohol. Fermentation times vary from one winery to another.

Once this stage has been validated, the wine is transferred to oak barrels, where it ages for a variable period, generally from 18 to 36 months. After barrel aging, the different batches of wine from the different parcels are blended to create the final wine. The blend may include wines from different years to maintain a consistent style and quality.

Finally, for most Sauternes cuvées, tasting does not take place immediately after bottling. Sauternes wines are often aged in bottles for several years before they are released on the market. This additional aging allows the aromas and flavors to develop further, creating more complex, balanced wines.

Sauternes grands crus

But then, how can we talk about Sauternes wines without mentioning its major figures First and foremost, Château d’Yquem. This is surely the most famous and prestigious estate in Sauternes. It is renowned for producing exceptional sweet wines and is considered the greatest Sauternes wine. Its wines are renowned for their richness, complexity and ageing capacity, as we have just learned. Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, located in Bommes, is a historic Sauternes estate dating back to the 13th century! The château has had different owners over the centuries, but is currently owned by Silvio Denz, a Swiss entrepreneur with a passion for wine. Lafaurie-Peyraguey wines are renowned for their richness, complexity and elegance. Finally, Wine Cab recommends the famous Château Sigalas-Rabaud, also located in Bommes. Sigalas-Rabaud wines are renowned for their elegance, freshness and aromatic complexity, with surprising notes of exotic fruits, honey and spices.

A UNIQUE TOUR IN PRESTIGIOUS APPELLATION

Too often overshadowed by the great names such as Saint-Émilion or Médoc, Sauternes wines are still not recognized for their true worth.

That’s why Wine Cab offers you the chance to discover these vineyards with visits to châteaux selected for the quality of their wines and their history. If you’re looking for an exclusive tour off the beaten track, and are drawn to delicate, flavorful wines of great elegance, contact us so we can create a tailor-made tour for you.

Book your wine tour of the prestigious Sauternes estates now and enjoy an unforgettable Bordeaux wine tasting experience.

Amphorae, thousand-year-old containers to enhance wine

19/06/202301/06/2023 par Antoine Beucher

Amphorae, thousand-year-old containers to enhance wine

For millennia, amphorae have been used for winemaking. These unglazed clay containers have survived the centuries and are still used by some winemakers to produce unique wines. Amphorae allow for gentle fermentation and interaction with ambient air, giving rise to wines with earthy and mineral aromas, as well as a complex and rich texture.

The origin of the amphora

Amphorae have a long history dating back to ancient times. The first models date back to the 3rd millennium BC and were discovered in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and Spain. These fired clay containers were used to store and transport a variety of products, including wine. The first evidence of amphorae being used for winemaking was found in Greece, where they were used as early as the 7th century BC.

Over the centuries, the use of amphorae for winemaking spread throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in the wine regions of Greece and Italy. The Romans also adopted this practice and began exporting wines stored in amphorae throughout Europe.

In France, the use of amphorae for winemaking arrived with the Romans, who introduced this practice in the wine regions of southern France, including Provence. In Bordeaux, amphorae were used for winemaking as early as the Gallo-Roman period, over 2000 years ago.

Their use then declined in Europe, as other winemaking and storage methods, such as oak barrels, became more popular. However, the use of amphorae for winemaking has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, particularly in the most innovative wine regions, such as Bordeaux.

Barrel or Amphorae ?

When it comes to choosing between barrels and amphoras, it largely depends on each producer’s preferences and the style of wine they want to achieve. Wooden barrels can impart notes of vanilla, spices, or toasted wood, which can be ideal for powerful red wines or rich and complex white wines. However, it is important to note that barrels can also mask the natural fruity aromas of the wine.

Clay amphoras, on the other hand, have a more subtle impact on the taste of wine. They allow for delicate interaction with the ambient air, resulting in gentle fermentation and the expression of natural grape characteristics. This winemaking method is ideal for light and elegant red and white wines that showcase the finesse and complexity of fruity aromas. It should also be noted that wines aged in amphoras can have a rougher texture and less smoothness than those aged in barrels.

Ultimately, the choice between barrel and amphora depends on the style of wine one wants to achieve. If you prefer subtly aged fruity and light wines, then amphoras could be the ideal choice. If you’re looking for more powerful and aroma-rich wines with woody and spicy notes, then wooden barrels may be more suitable. It is important to taste different types of wines to discover what suits your personal preferences best.

The amphorae and their relationship with the Bordeaux region

Bordeaux is a world-renowned wine region for the quality of its wines. Many Bordeaux wine producers use amphorae to produce unique and complex wines. Classified grand cru chateaux such as Château Palmer and Château Haut-Brion were pioneers in the use of amphorae to produce exceptional wines. The region is known for its clay-limestone soils and the presence of many waterways, which creates a microclimate favorable to vine growing. Bordeaux wines are known for their elegance, aromatic richness, and aging potential. The use of amphorae in winemaking allows for the full expression of the Bordeaux terroir and the production of highly complex wines.

In summary, the use of amphoras has become a widespread practice in the Bordeaux region, allowing for the production of unique and complex wines. If you are in the region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover these ancestral techniques by visiting the cellars, chateaux, and wineries that use amphoras in their winemaking process. You will be able to experience an unforgettable taste experience by tasting wines with mineral and earthy aromas that testify to the richness of the Bordeaux terroir.

Don’t wait any longer to book your wine tour in Bordeaux at https://www.wine-cab.com/our-classic-tours/ and discover the secrets of the wines made thanks to tastings directly from the amphora or the barrel ! Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just curious, you won’t be disappointed by this unique experience that will allow you to discover the richness and diversity of Bordeaux wines.

You are first class material, so is Wine Cab

12/05/202013/08/2019 par Antoine Beucher

You are first class material, so is Wine Cab

Wine Cab is already working with some the most prestigious Châteaux of the Bordeaux vineyards! Mouton Rothschild, Lafitte Rothschild, Smith Haut Lafitte, Mission Haut Brion, Pavie or Eyquem. If you want the best, we can give you the best of what Bordeaux has to offer!

If you are looking for an exclusive wine tour, we can open the doors of some of the most prestigious Chateaux of Bordeaux for really unique experience.

You will be welcome like a distinguished guest for a private visit where you will have the chance to taste some of the finest and oldest vintage.

On your demand we can adapt our traditional tour into a prestige experience with some visit and tastings on some of the most Top of Range vineyards.

Médoc, Saint Emilion, Sauternes or Pessac Léognan for a full day or a half day all our tours can be adapted to your request on this prestige experience. We got you covered!

Anniversary, special trip, honeymoon, or you may be a very fine wine connoisseur, or you just want to be extra this day. Don’t worry we get you!

Furthermore, Wine Cab extend your luxury experience by inviting your trip in an exquisite true vintage London Black Cab equipped with a Mini Bar at the back. Your chauffeur and guide will pick you and drop off right at your doorstep after your tour.

So, what are you still waiting for a go explore the jewel of the wine routes of Bordeaux, and let Wine Cab take care of everything? A real one of kind high end experience to enjoy while you are in Bordeaux.

Don’t hesitate to contact here the team here at Wine Cab to discuss, organise this made especially for your tour, so you have nothing to take care of.

But don’t worry the Wine Cab won’t require the Black Tie!

Some important information about the Cab

12/08/2019 par Antoine Beucher

Some important informations about the cab

Meet what make Wine Cab such an exceptional, unique and amazing experience: The Cab of course!

Have a peek inside the most valuable player here at Wine Cab the cab itself!

Today, Wine Cab is three taxi trailing the vineyards of Bordeaux. Blue, White and of course a Bordeaux. Three traditional London Black but with a twist : A minibar hidden in one one of the folding seat for a tasting session inside the cab.

For your tour on the Wine Trails, you can be up to 4 people inside, 3 on the backseat and one on the folding chair. The other folding chair is used for the mini bar. The optimum comfort will be with 2 people seating at the back of the Cab. But 4 people can also be fun and cozy! It will be like a tasting room with the mini bar.

Apart from the addition of the mini bar, our vintage cabs are still in their original condition.

After a life of going back and forth the street of London our cab is living a true second youth on going back and forth the wine trails of Bordeaux. What a retirement plan and how to end a career. Don’t be jealous!

Because our Cab is a vintage vehicle, please note that there is no air condition and in the summer time it can get very warm and hot regarding the weather. So, the inside temperature in the cab could be warm.

Don’t worry, we have everything you could need to face the heat. We will bring the cooler with some fresh water and water sprays for your face.

But the most important thing to get refreshed is the tasting is our dry white wine from “Entre de Mers” freshly served.

Also you will find some fresh air by visiting some cellars in the Chateaux, selected just for you ! 15 degrees all year long

When Wine Cab Became Wine Boat

08/08/2019 par Antoine Beucher

You are first class material, so is Wine Cab

For a day the London Black Cab left the traditional wineyards to explore the seaside a little: even our cab enjoys a bit of beach time on the summer time or at any other moment of the year also! The seaside is only one our away so why not enjoying it

If wine tasting is not your thing or just want to discover other things for the Gironde while you are here but never “without your wine cab” don’t worry, at Wine Cab we got you covered and will take you straight across to the seaside!

Start the day with a pick-up in our cab, direction Arcahon where you can enjoy some time together in the cab with the mini bar and some dry white wine.

You will arrive at the harbour of Arcachon and on board everybody. A pinasse, the traditional boat the bassin d’Arcachon book especially for you. Enjoy a trip alongside the most iconic landscape like the Cabanne Tchanqué or le banc d’Arguin accompanied by a private sailor.

Congrats : you made it to the small and charming village of Le Canon, renown for being a village of oysterman. You will of course enter one of those cabin a taste the famous oysters of the Bassin with of course some vin blanc and local pathé. The one true post card of the Bassin

After this little break your boat will be waiting for you with a composed just for you picnic made of local food. Enjoy it on your way back to Arcachon with the fresh iar of the sea and the sun above your head.

An unforgettable, exquisite and exclusive that wine can organize especially for you. Discover on other side of the Gironde aside from the vineyard but always in the spirit of Wine Cab: fun, classy and always a good time with your friend.

So what are you still waiting for? Wine Cab can organise this gateway just for you on your demand. For more information just email us and we will get you on board your Pinasse.

5 good reason to fall asleep in a “Wine Cab”

08/08/201923/05/2019 par Antoine Beucher

5 good reasons to fall asleep in a “Wine Cab”

Of course, it will be a shame, because you are here to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Bordeaux vineyard. But either jet lag or just to let go in the heat of the afternoon, here are 5 reasons why you could fall asleep in a Wine Cab tour on the vineyards of Bordeaux.

1) A nap to remember!

What an opportunity! A nap like you never seen before! What a thing to brag when you will come back at the office. Imagine on your way back to your hotel to just let go on the calm roads. And your driver being an expert of course, you will be lulled but the road. However, we do not guarantee your driver to be delicate when it will be time to wake you up!

2) It’s cuddling time!

Wine Cab is oftenly choose by the cutest couples to have a ride in the vineyard. After a tasting or two, you will fall in the arms of your Romeo or your Juliette. We can’t imagine a better way to have a little nap: in the arms of your sweet heart

3) At home it’s 3 a.m.

From America to China, the clients of Wine Cab are coming from all other the world and sometimes just hopped of the plane directly in the cab completely jet lagged and, it’s not unusual to see our guest slowly falling asleep on the back of the wine cab. But just let go it’s ok !

4) Aftermath of the tastings

After the visits of a few Chateau and a few tastings falling asleep is sometimes the only way out for some wine taster in Wine Cab. But don’t worry we won’t tell anyone (as long as you don’t snore)

5) Because you just enjoy yourself!

To be honest seeing that you feel yourself like home in our Cab is the biggest victory for us ! So just enjoy yourself and relax for once you have the time !

La Fleur de Bouard , the « pearl » of Pomerol

Château La Fleur de Boüard is a magnificent estate included in our « Pomerol » private tour. It is a true hidden gem that we look forward

CARRELETS, EMBLEMS OF THE GIRONDE ESTUARY

THE CARRELET, FROM ITS ORIGINS TO THE PRESENT DAY

CARRELETS, THE EMBLEMATIC STARS OF THE GIRONDE ESTUARY

LE CARRELET: AN AUTHENTIC AND FRIENDLY FISHING EXPERIENCE

Sauternes, the world's most famous sweet wines

the story of an exceptional vineyard

Botrytis, a miraculous mushroom

tHE DIFFERENT STAGES FROM GRAPE TO BOTTLE

Sauternes grands crus

A UNIQUE TOUR IN PRESTIGIOUS APPELLATION

Amphorae, thousand-year-old containers to enhance wine

The origin of the amphora

Barrel or Amphorae ?

The amphorae and their relationship with the Bordeaux region

You are first class material, so is Wine Cab

Some important informations about the cab

You are first class material, so is Wine Cab

5 good reasons to fall asleep in a “Wine Cab”

What to do when you are in Bordeaux: Bordeaux E-Bike Wine Tour

Château Malescasse