June 8, 2014
Three buses picked us up from the hotel and drove half hour to reach the picturesque vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, which occupies 78 hectares of vast rolling hills as far as the eyes can see.
It’s 6 pm but the sun is still blazing hot, kala mo alas tres lang.
Vines were first planted here in the 14th century by the Verrier du Bosq family, related to the duke of Valois. In 1990 Olympian couple Daniel and Florence Cathiard bought the Chateau and since then have devoted their passion for making fine organic wine.
In the olden times, roses are planted around the vines because they serve as an alarm and the first line of defense against pests. Pests attack the roses first. When the owners see that the roses are dying or infested, they immediately spray organic pesticides like marigold, thyme, basil, rosemary, etc. Strictly no chemicals. Nowadays, roses are still planted but more to keep the tradition and for beautification of surroundings.
We were given a short tour of their winery. We saw a portion of their underground cellar building holding 1,000 barrels. It’s so cold in here.
This could be one bedroom
In the 18th century, George Smith added his coat of arms to that of the Chateau, with a crescent moon symbolizing the Port of Bordeaux.
An American couple wanted to buy a case of white wine but the lady said they don’t ship. Their wines could be found in major wine stores all over America.
It smells so good here. Doesn’t smell like wine but the wooden oak barrels emit some good smell.
There are lifesized art pieces displayed around the estate.
This cherubim is in the basement past the cellar.
I could tell that the owners are art collectors.
This place is so pretty. There’s not one tiny garbage on the ground. It’s perfect.
Angel Rosales, taking photos of the wine bottles.
According to online reports, this brand has become so popular in China that fake ones have proliferated. They contain pure alcohol that could damage the throat and vocal chords of heavy drinkers. The wines are sold in legitimate establishments that’s why it is difficult to track down the culprits according to the report. Some say that empty bottles of the real Smith Haut Lafitte wines from restaurants could be falling into the hands of wine fakers.
The number of bottles sold in China in a year is more than the actual production capacity of the Chateau according to the report.
