In the heart of southwestern France lies Bordeaux, a city renowned for its exquisite wines that have captured the palates of connoisseurs worldwide. Bordeaux's winemaking legacy begins centuries ago with the rise of Aquitaine as the beating heart of France’s agriculture industry. Bordeaux wines have journeyed far from their vine-covered hillsides to over 150 countries. This international acclaim owes much to Bordeaux’s commitment to quality as well as its distinct nature and flavour profile. Creating the identity of Bordeaux wines begins with Emperor Napoleon III, who recognized the need to preserve the reputation of Gironde wines. He was responsible for the creation of a classification system that certifies the excellence of Bordeaux wines. In 1973, Bordeaux wines received an additional layer of prestige with the award of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This designation recognizes the unique terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and tradition—that shapes Bordeaux wines into the masterpieces they are today. The Bordeaux wine industry takes foothold in the estuaries of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, stretching from the Atlantic coast to 100 kilometers inland. The terroir, characterized by gravely, sandy soils and warm temperatures, provides the perfect environment for vine cultivation. This distinctive setting nurtures a diverse range of grape varieties, giving Bordeaux wines their rich taste and sophisticated flavor profile. Red, white, and rosé Bordeaux wines encompass a wide range of grape types – Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon being among the most popular. In Bordeaux, winemaking isn't merely an industry; it's an art form handed down through generations. The city's wines embody timeless elegance crafted by hands that have tended to vines for centuries. It’s this careful maintenance of tradition and unwavering care that cements Bordeaux wines as a unique export desired across the entire world.