The Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a stunning place to visit whilst in the Bordeaux region of France. We were lucky enough to be given a tour of the vineyard after spending a wonderful evening right next door at Les Sources de Caudalie. Not only that but we also got the chance to taste the delicious wines on offer. We also bought a bottle of sweet white wine (see the picture right at the bottom of the post) to drink on my 40th birthday (with my cake!) which was absolutely divine.
The 78-hectare vineyard boasts a 16th century tower and the most spectacular underground cellar where 1000 barrels are resting – and from where the Château’s world famous elegant red wines are produced. It really is a beautiful location and was the perfect way to end our visit to the region – after spending such an awesome previous day at the adjacent spa & hotel (which, incidentally, is owned by members of the same family).
Surprisingly, considering I live in a country that is becoming more well known for its wines, this was the first time I’ve ever had a tour of a vineyard and I found the whole process quite fascinating. Even Michael, who doesn’t drink, was intrigued. (I try and encourage him to taste wines whenever I have a glass but his response is always the same after a sip – “it tastes like wine”!)
As an author with a (very!) vivid imagination, I found my mind wandering a little once we’d headed down into the Château Smith Haut Lafitte cellars, picturing vampires and the like hiding among the barrels (like I said, very vivid imagination!). But once our lovely tour guide continued on with her talk, I was brought straight back to the wine-making process. I was duly impressed by some of their state-of-the-art equipment as well as their barrel-making process. Sadly, the cooper was not there are the time to show us how its done, but our hostess certainly did her best to describe it.
I would highly recommend a visit to the Château Smith Haut Lafitte Vineyard but, if you’re unable to get there, at least keep an eye out for their wines the next time you’re looking for a good bottle. You won’t be disappointed.
