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Bordeaux Festival; Saturday at Waterford Wine & Spirits

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 15:14 GMT by fox6now
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Waterford’s Bordeaux Festival Shines on Saturday – A Celebration of Wine, Spirits and Community

On Saturday, the historic city of Waterford welcomed wine‑enthusiasts and curious locals alike to its highly‑anticipated Bordeaux Festival, an event that celebrated the rich traditions of Bordeaux‑style wines while showcasing the region’s burgeoning craft spirits scene. The festival, held in the city’s vibrant waterfront precinct, attracted hundreds of visitors, many of whom were first‑timers eager to taste a new selection of wines and spirits from both well‑established vineyards and up‑and‑coming distilleries.

A Day of Sips and Stories

The event opened at noon with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by the Mayor of Waterford and the festival’s chief organizer, Sarah O’Neill, who praised the city’s growing reputation as a hub for quality beverages. “Waterford has always been a place where people appreciate good food and drink,” O’Neill told reporters. “This festival is a testament to our community’s passion for both heritage and innovation.”

Throughout the day, a number of Bordeaux‑style wines – from crisp, light‑bodied whites to velvety, full‑bodied reds – were on display. The featured wineries included classic French houses such as Château Pichon‑Couteaux and Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti, as well as local Waterford producers who had begun to explore Bordeaux‑inspired blends. Each wine was accompanied by detailed tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and information on the wine‑making process.

In addition to the wine tastings, the festival highlighted an array of local spirits. Distilleries such as “Waterford Spirits Co.”, “Cork & Oak Distillery”, and “Riverstone Distillery” set up interactive stations where visitors could sample whiskey, gin, and brandy, learn about the distillation process, and even participate in a “blending” activity where they created their own mini‑batch of spirit. One distillery’s master blender, James Callaghan, explained the inspiration behind their signature “Bordeaux‑Spiced Gin”: “We wanted to capture the elegance of Bordeaux vineyards and combine it with the botanical complexity of gin. It’s a celebration of both worlds.”

Local Gastronomy Meets Global Flavors

A standout feature of the event was the “Bordeaux‑Bites” food trail, which ran along the riverfront promenade. Local chefs and culinary artisans served dishes designed to complement the wines and spirits on offer. Visitors sampled everything from a classic Bordeaux beef stew to a modern take on oysters served with a sparkling rosé. Food vendor Tomás McCarthy, who prepared the beef stew, said, “The idea was to bring a taste of Bordeaux to Waterford, but with a local twist. We used Irish beef and fresh herbs from the city’s gardens.”

The festival also hosted a series of workshops and seminars. Wine‑tasting workshops taught attendees how to identify aroma notes, read wine labels, and pair wine with food. Distillery‑run sessions on “The Art of Aging” explored the importance of barrel selection and aging techniques, while a panel discussion featuring vineyard managers and distillers tackled the future of Irish viticulture and spirit production.

Community Spirit and Economic Boost

Beyond the taste‑testing and culinary delights, the Bordeaux Festival served as an important community gathering. Local schools participated in a “Wine & Spirits for Kids” program, where students created mock‑tails and learned about responsible drinking. The event drew in families, couples, and business professionals alike, contributing a noticeable boost to the city’s hospitality sector.

Local business owner, Maria Gonzales, who runs a boutique wine shop in the city center, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival’s impact on the local economy. “Events like this bring people into town, create jobs, and give our community a chance to shine. It’s more than just about the wine; it’s about the culture, the people, and the economy.”

According to a quick survey conducted by the festival’s organizers, over 80% of participants said they would attend next year’s event. Many also noted that the festival had broadened their understanding of Bordeaux wines and inspired them to explore other global wine traditions.

Looking Forward

The Bordeaux Festival has already become a staple on Waterford’s cultural calendar. O’Neill announced that the next edition will expand to include a “Bordeaux‑Brew” segment, featuring local craft breweries producing Bordeaux‑inspired ales and stouts. “We want to keep pushing the boundaries,” O’Neill said. “The spirit of the festival is about innovation, community, and, of course, great taste.”

As the city’s skyline lights glowed over the river on Saturday night, the final glass clinked in celebration. Waterford’s Bordeaux Festival not only offered a delightful array of wines and spirits but also underscored the city’s evolving identity as a destination for quality drink and culinary craftsmanship. With plans already in motion for next year, the festival is poised to continue its tradition of bringing together locals and visitors for a memorable, palate‑pleasing experience.