Master Crafter Wood&Fire Nadalie Bordeaux wine barrel France #francewithme1 #nadalie

Welcome to France With Me 1! Today, we’re diving into the heart of Bordeaux, home to one of the world’s most famous wine regions, and exploring the Bordeaux Wine Festival and the art of crafting wine barrels at Nadalié Tonnellerie.

Bordeaux Wine Festival: A Celebration of the Vine
Every two years, Bordeaux hosts its spectacular Bordeaux Wine Festival (Fête du Vin), drawing wine lovers from around the globe. This four-day event, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Garonne River, is a true celebration of the region’s rich wine heritage. Along the festival’s sprawling wine route, visitors can sample hundreds of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and the region’s famous sweet Sauternes.

The festival is more than just tastings—it’s a cultural experience. There are wine-tasting workshops, food pairings, and opportunities to meet the vignerons (wine producers) who pour their passion into each bottle. In the evenings, the city comes alive with live music, fireworks, and breathtaking light shows that illuminate Bordeaux’s historic waterfront. It’s a chance to celebrate the craftsmanship, the soil, and the centuries-old traditions that make Bordeaux wines so special.

The Craft of Wine Barrels: Nadalié Tonnellerie
But great wine is not just about the grape—it’s also about the barrel. The aging process in oak barrels is essential for developing the complex flavors and aromas that fine wines are known for, and that’s where Nadalié Tonnellerie comes in.

Nadalié is one of the oldest and most respected barrel-making (tonnellerie) companies in Bordeaux, dating back to 1902. Located just outside Bordeaux in Ludon-Médoc, this family-owned company has been crafting high-quality oak barrels for over five generations. The barrels they produce are used by prestigious wineries not just in France, but around the world.

The process of barrel-making is both an art and a science. Nadalié sources its oak primarily from France’s Allier and Vosges forests, selecting only the finest wood with a perfect balance of tannins and aromas. The wood is seasoned outdoors for years to achieve the right texture and moisture. Once ready, the coopers—highly skilled artisans—begin shaping the staves, bending them using fire, and assembling the barrels by hand, with each barrel tailored to the specific needs of the winery. The final step involves toasting the inside of the barrel, which adds delicate vanilla, caramel, and spice notes to the wine as it ages.

At Nadalié Tonnellerie, tradition and innovation work hand-in-hand. Though the methods have been passed down for over a century, the company also invests in research and modern techniques to perfect the art of barrel-making, ensuring that their barrels enhance the wine in the best possible way.

If you’re passionate about wine, the story of Bordeaux isn’t complete without a glimpse into the world of barrel crafting. From the Bordeaux Wine Festival, where wine flows as freely as conversation, to the Nadalié cooperage, where barrels are born and wine matures to perfection, this is a journey through centuries of tradition and craftsmanship.

So if you’re a lover of wine and all things French, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to France With Me 1. Let me know if you’d like to visit a winery next, or perhaps explore more about the art of winemaking!