The Faces of Bordeaux - Veronique Sanders-van Beek, Château Haut-Bailly , Cru Classé de Graves
At The Bordeaux Concierge, our aim is to introduce our clients to the real Bordeaux. This includes meeting the people that make Bordeaux what it is today. As part of this effort, we will bring these vibrant personalities to our audience at home through our new series, The Faces of Bordeaux. Throughout this series, we will introduce you to château owners, winemakers, cellar masters and members of the hospitality teams from an eclectic assemblage of châteaux across the Bordeaux region. We will also introduce you to some of our favorite restaurant owners, chefs, and market stallholders who all contribute to Bordeaux’s burgeoning culinary scene, as well as others who can provide a different perspective including tour guides, wine journalists, and experience providers.
Please join us as we introduce you to
The Faces of Bordeaux
Véronique Sanders - van Beek
CEO
Château Haut-Bailly , Cru Classé de Graves
How long have you been in your role at Château Haut-Bailly?
I have been the CEO of Château Haut-Bailly since 2000.
What has been your career path to date?
I started my career studying literature, economics and communication at the Sorbonne in Paris. After that I worked a few years as a consultant in Prague, Hamburg and Paris. At the same time, wine had always been part of my blood, so in 1997-1998 I obtained the DUAD (University Diploma in Wine Tasting Aptitude) from the University of Bordeaux to perfect my knowledge. In July 1998, my grandfather Jean Sanders sold Château Haut-Bailly to an American, Robert G. Wilmers, who entrusted me with the position of manager of the property. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, Graves, Barsac et Sauternes, as well as that of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and the Académie du Vin de Bordeaux,
What do you enjoy most about your work?
It’s unique. We are connected both to nature and to an exciting international universe. We never do the same thing two days in a row. The richness of our profession makes our work, above all, a passion.
“We have been making wine here for almost a thousand years and Haut-Bailly has always been owned by strong and charismatic personalities, all of whom have brought something to the Château’s history.”
Château Haut-Bailly during harvest. © Taylor Yandell
In your view, what makes Château Haut-Bailly special?
First, its history & heritage. We have been making wine here for almost a thousand years and Haut-Bailly has always been owned by strong and charismatic personalities, all of whom have brought something to the Château’s history. Then, there is Haut-Bailly's terroir. The estate is located in the heart of the Graves appellation on one of the highest hills on the left bank. Our vines benefit greatly from this unique topography because of the microclimate and efficient natural drainage. Additionally, the vineyard features a complex patchwork of plots made up of gravel and fossils from the tertiary period. We also have a 4 hectare plot of very old vines that are more than a 100 years old. All of these components make our wines special and unique. Château Haut-Bailly’s wines strike a subtle balance between finesse and concentration, smoothness and structure, soft tannins and pronounced aromatics. The epitome of purity and elegance! Finally, the proximity with the sister Château, Château Le Pape, and its prestigious guest rooms, allows us to offer a real wine tourism experience to our visitors.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Traveling and discovering the world is also one of my passions. From my travels was born the desire to create a haven of peace for other travelers. A place where one can set down their suitcase and watch the vines grow in the heart of a vineyard. Today, Château Le Pape and its five prestigious guest rooms have welcomed guests since 2015. This guest house was designed as a family home. Located at the gateway to Bordeaux in the middle of the vines, this place provides a wonderful calm atmosphere, a lovely discrete venue to get away from it all. It is an oasis of peace and harmony devoted to wine lovers, who can also visit the cellars of the great growths and enjoy lunches or dinners at La Table Privée du Château Haut-Bailly.
What profession other than your own would you love to attempt?
Egyptologist, professor, writer, mom at home… I will probably need several lives to realize all my passions.
“Château Haut-Bailly’s wines strike a subtle balance between finesse and concentration, smoothness and structure, soft tannins and pronounced aromatics. The epitome of purity and elegance!”
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes glistening in the morning dew.
What is your favorite thing about Bordeaux?
Its architectural classicism and its incredible dynamism today. The city is beautiful, it lives, it is welcoming, and it is a pleasure to admire it. You can do everything on foot or by bike. A stroll on the quais or in the vieux Bordeaux and if you need more nature and freedom, you can escape for a day in the vineyards or the seaside. And of course, Bordeaux’s gastronomy is also very famous; the city benefits from the presence of numerous wine bars and restaurants with excellent wine lists.
What is the number one thing visitors to Bordeaux should do/see while they are here?
I would suggest walking to discover the city center, and then visit the Opera, the three Art Museums of Bordeaux (Beaux-Arts Museum, CAPC - Centre for Contemporary Arts - and the MADD - Museum of Design and Decorative Arts), and finish with the remarkable Cité du Vin. We will then wait for them to return to Château Haut-Bailly and Château Le Pape to rest from a busy day!
Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves, is located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, just south of Bordeaux. The 33 hectare vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Visitors are invited to discover the artisanal craft of winemaking, take in the view over the vineyard, and indulge in the pleasures of fine French dining via cooking workshops and private dining. They also have five guest rooms at Château Le Pape, an 18th century house located half a mile from Château Haut-Bailly.
Ready to book your trip to Bordeaux and visit Château Haut-Bailly?
Schedule your complimentary consultation today.
Private dining at Château Haut-Bailly. © Taylor Yandell