Grape harvest at Château Papounan
It was a little before 8 a.m. when we began our third harvest at Château Papounan. The morning was cool, typical of autumns in the Medoc, but the sun quickly warmed our rows of vines. The timing was perfect – one week after the Médoc Wine Marathon, The perfect weekend to harvest our grapes.
The 2025 vintage should be very good!
All the winegrowers of the appellation Saint-Estèphe They all agree: 2025 will be an exceptional vintage. Despite a dry summer that kept the berries small, the aromatic concentration of our grapes is remarkable.
Our plot of 0.2 hectares, planted in equal parts with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, benefited from ideal weather, sparing us the usual diseases like mildew.
However, the lack of rain in July and early August kept the bunches quite small, which concentrates the aromas.
Fortunately, there was good rain at the end of August and the beginning of September, just enough to give the grapes a little volume without diluting their beautiful concentration. When we cut the bunches that morning, we could immediately see the quality: magnificent grapes, perfect bloom, ideal ripeness.
The old saying goes that years ending in 5 always produce great vintages in the Médoc. 2005, 2015, and now 2025. Coincidence or not, seeing our grapes this year, we want to believe it.
The grape harvest is so much better with friends
This year, we were not alone. Our friends Marc and Réjane, recently settled on the right bank after having lived in a multitude of countries (we met them in the United States), crossed the Gironde to give us a hand.
And what a difference! Last year, it was just the two of us for 10 hours – we were exhausted. This year, with four of us, we finished in 5 hours in a great atmosphere. Amarok, Our Alaskan malamute, was supervising us as usual, making his rounds between the rows.
A well-organized day
This year we invested in new transport crates – proper red and grey harvest crates that really make the work easier. Our small 0.2-hectare plot is planted half Merlot, half Cabernet Sauvignon, the classic Saint-Étienne blend.
Around mid-morning, we took a break for a proper breakfast: homemade jam, fresh bread, and croissants. It's important to take your time, even during the grape harvest.
By early afternoon, it was all over. A little over 320 kg of grapes ready to go to the cooperative. It's not a huge amount – all the local winemakers are reporting lower yields this year – but it's more than enough for us. These grapes will become part of the Marquis of Saint-Estèphe, the wine from the cooperative.
After the effort, the reward
After work, it's time to party! We fired up the barbecue, but not with ordinary charcoal – with vine cuttings. These vine branches burn incredibly hot and give the meat an incomparable flavor. On the menu: a huge T-bone steak from... Pigoud by Dylan, the local butcher of Saint-Estèphe.
And to thank Marc and Réjane? We opened a bottle of Pagodes de Cos, the second wine of the Château Cos d'Estournel. This is one of our favorites, and this was the perfect opportunity.
There's something special about sharing a meal after working together in the vineyards. The conversations are different, the wine tastes even better, and the memories created are authentic. Réjane took lots of photos and even a short video—moments of simple joy that can't be staged.
In 2026?
It's difficult to predict the exact date – it depends on the weather, the sugar levels, and many other factors that change every year. But with climate change, the grape harvest in the Médoc is happening earlier and earlier. The weekend after the Médoc Wine Marathon is usually the right time. For the small producers of the Marquis de Saint-Estèphe cooperative, it is always a Saturday.
Want to experience this? ? Book your stay at Château Papounan, in the heart of our vineyards
Grape harvest at Château Papounan
It was a little before 8 a.m. when we began our third harvest at Château Papounan. The morning was cool, typical of autumns in the