A Celebration of Pomerol
In October 2025, the American Friends of Cité du Vin embarked on a remarkable journey through the storied vineyards of Pomerol, one of Bordeaux’s smallest yet most celebrated appellations. The 2025 President’s Trip: A Celebration of Pomerol brought together members, collectors, and friends of La Cité du Vin for an intimate, behind-the-scenes exploration of the region’s most exceptional estates.
Over three unforgettable days, guests were welcomed into the private world of Bordeaux’s great châteaux — touring vineyards, tasting extraordinary vintages, and dining alongside the winemakers and families who shape the legacy of this cherished land.
From the history-rich cellars of Vieux Château Certan to the elegance of La Conseillante and the deep familial heritage of Château de Sales, every moment revealed the artistry, generosity, and passion that define Pomerol.
This special journey was more than a wine trip — it was a celebration of shared values: excellence, friendship, and the timeless connection between culture and the vine.
Monday: An Ode to Pomerol’s Past and Future
Highlights: Vieux Château Certan • Le Pin • Château Séraphine • Château Clinet • Château Beauregard • Château Petit-Village
Our first day set the tone for an extraordinary adventure. It was a day steeped in heritage and marked by the personal warmth of Pomerol’s most admired families.
At Vieux Château Certan (VCC), we were welcomed by Alexandre Thienpont himself, who guided
our guests through the estate’s history and its 100th Anniversary Vintage (2024). His quiet humor and eloquence brought to life the story of a château that has weathered centuries yet continues to set the standard for excellence.
Next door, the mythical Le Pin revealed a different kind of magic. Jacques Thienpont greeted us in the sleek new chai, sharing insights on the evolution of one of the world’s most coveted wines. Standing among just 2.8 hectares of vines that produce a few hundred cases per year, our guests felt the weight of rarity and the lightness of true artistry.
Lunch followed at Château Séraphine, a young estate redefining modern Pomerol. Charlotte Krajewski welcomed us with radiant hospitality, and Chef Tetsuroh Miyamoto’s refined cuisine, blending Japanese, Asian, and French influences, perfectly complemented the wines’ freshness and elegance.
The afternoon unfolded at Château Clinet, where Nathalie Bez, shared the vision for the future of Pomerol: precision, sustainability, and authenticity.
We ended the day at Château Beauregard, whose rich Templar heritage and organic transformation offered inspiration for the next century of Bordeaux. Dinner was hosted nearby at Château Petit-Village, where candlelight, laughter, and conversation flowed as gracefully as the wines themselves, a perfect close to an unforgettable first day.
Tuesday: The Moueix Legacy and the Spirit of Excellence
Highlights: Château La Fleur-Pétrus • Hosanna • Latour à Pomerol • Trotanoy • Château La Conseillante • Château L’Évangile
Tuesday was devoted to the Jean-Pierre Moueix legacy, a cornerstone of Pomerol’s global prestige.
We began at Château La Fleur-Pétrus, whose position between Pétrus and La Fleur gives it one of the most envied terroirs in the world. Hosted by Édouard Moueix, our group gathered at Château Belair-Monange in Saint-Émilion, where we enjoyed a panoramic lunch overlooking the rolling vineyards and a comprehensive tasting of the family’s fabled wines — La Fleur-Pétrus, Hosanna, Latour à Pomerol, and Trotanoy.
Each glass revealed a different face of Pomerol:
- Hosanna, elegant and mineral, from its red gravel and blue clay.
- Latour à Pomerol, generous and structured, echoing Madame Loubat’s visionary touch.
- Trotanoy, powerful and profound, is born from its iron-rich soils and century-old vines.
- La Fleur-Pétrus, supple and fragrant, with red cherry, violets, and graphite. It is graceful and perfectly balanced.
The afternoon unfolded at Château La Conseillante, where the Nicolas family, stewards since 1871, have embraced sustainable innovation without losing an ounce of grace. Perfumed, poised, and pure, the wines spoke of continuity and courage.
Our day ended with enchantment at Château L’Évangile, under the guidance of Juliette Couderc, one of Bordeaux’s most exciting young talents. Accompanied by her rescue dog ZaZa, Juliette led us through the vineyards, her passion radiating through every story. The tour concluded with an elegant apéritif and a toast to Pomerol’s next generation, and to the bright future of Bordeaux.
Wednesday: Heritage, Hospitality, and the Heart of Pomerol
Highlights: Château Gazin • Château de Sales
Our final day in Pomerol was devoted not only to the legacy of vineyards, but also to that of families who have safeguarded their land and spirit across centuries.
At Château Gazin, once a medieval hospice for pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostela, we were welcomed by Nicolas de Bailliencourt. His graciousness, humor, and passion filled the morning as we tasted the 2010 and 2015 vintages. Homemade gougères prepared by his sister, Inez, added a charming personal touch for a moment that embodied the generous soul of Pomerol.
From there, we journeyed to Château de Sales, the largest and oldest family-owned estate in the appellation, where the de Lambert family has maintained ownership since 1578. Our hosts, Bruno de Lambert, his son Gonzague, and general manager Marie-Laure Latourre, offered a captivating tour of the historic château, its archives, and vineyards. A treasured 1785 atlas and tales from the French Revolution brought centuries of history to vivid life.
Lunch in the château’s elegant salon featured a vertical tasting of four vintages (1970, 1990, 2000, and 2010), each a graceful reflection of time’s passage and the family’s unwavering dedication.
Reflections from the Heart of Bordeaux
As our journey through Pomerol drew to a close, we carried home more than memories and the essence of Bordeaux itself: generosity, artistry, and an abiding respect for the vine.
The 2025 President’s Trip reaffirmed the mission of the American Friends of Cité du Vin to celebrate and share the world’s wine culture, connecting people through discovery, learning, and the simple joy of the table.
To all who joined us, and to the remarkable hosts who opened their châteaux and hearts, we extend our deepest gratitude. Together, we toasted not only to the magic of Pomerol but to the future of La Cité du Vin, a beacon for all who believe that wine is more than a drink; it is a story of humanity, heritage, and harmony.
À votre santé; until we meet again among the vines.