I twittered a bit about working at Vinexpo last week. It occurs to me, however, that many of you probably have very little idea of what Vinexpo is all about.
What can I say? Vinexpo is the world's biggest wine fair. It's a professionals-only affair but I get to go along with an army of other interpreters to translate the conferences and the tastings for wine experts from every corner of the wine-loving globe.
This massive circus of all things wine takes place every two years in the Parc des Expositions at Bordeaux Lac. A floating walkway — orange this year — takes you across the lake to the main building which is over two kilometres long. This year's attendance was down 7% with only 47000 visitors due to the slump, but there was certainly no evidence of slumpiness in the ethanol-laden air. Inside the main building you could walk for hours and hours along alleys lined with stands from all over the world vying for attention. Bespoke besuited buyers and sellers gargled and spat.
There's a lot of money in wine and I'm quite sure that the cumulative value of just the shiny shoes on the attendees feet would match the GDP of a medium-sized country.
12 comments:
I've always wanted to go to Vinexpo. What is your job there? Have you gotten any good deals on the Margaux?
But Lesley! You forgot to re-mention and re-post that LOVELY pic of my hairy boyfriend, Sébastien Chabal.
Surely that was one of the most important parts of the Vinexpo, non?
What a fun an delicious place to work. If only you could share some samples with your thirsty readers.;-)
Dedenes : No, no deals I'm afraid. Unless you're buying in hectolitres.
Antipo: Just for you Chabal
Laz Belette: It's a bit frustrating translating all that slurping from behind glass!
I'd love to know your picks.
I like those three 'b's! Bespoke besuited buyers ...
Listened to radio programme where doctor was saying that red wine being good for you is a myth ... I suppose health worries will kill off Vinexpo sooner or later.
Hey pal, i'm there next year!
Mim: I didn't get to taste much this year - apart from a Château Yquem 2001. The panel's conclusion was that it is perhaps over-rated.
Deborah: Also translated a panel wine-drinking, health and the Loi Evin. The jury is still out.
Beaverboosh: Wear your best shoes.
Dear Lesley,
Excuse me contacting you via your blog. I stumbled upon it while investigating La vie Bordelaise.
I am considering a move to Bordeaux to pursue further my career as a wine journalist - I was in the city last week.
May I please fire a few questions at you?
What is the typical rent on a one-bed flat/studio? What estate agents are best to use to look for rented accommodation? On the whole, do you enjoy living in Bordeaux?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Stuart George
Flat 79 Hartington Court
Lansdowne Way
London
SW8 2ED
020 7720 8033
Please visit my new blog: http://worcestersauce.wordpress.com/
Hello Stuart,
Rents vary tremendously in Bordeaux. I helped one of my daughters look for a one room flat/studio last September. In fact she was going to share with her boyfriend so we also looked at two roomed places which were MUCH better value.
No estate agent seems better than any other. It is all a matter of pure chance. The best advice I can give you is DONT be in a hurry and visit thousands until you find the right one!
Claire found a beautiful two roomed flat between Cours Victor Hugo and Cours Alscace Lorraine for 523 euros but she was only the second to visit. I had just seen ONE room in Alsace Lorraine with no windows for 400 euros. BE CAREFUL!
cheers,
Deborah
Thanks Deborah.
Do you know of any websites for Bordeaux rentals that I can start looking at?
Stuart George
Hello Stuart .... I'll ask the daughter tomorrow! She spent a lot of time online.
I'll send to your blog and give it the once over while I am at it!
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