Chateau Haut-Bailly, Bordeaux
When visiting Bordeaux in September 2024 to look at regenerative practices (especially agroforestry) being implementing in vineyards, I was intrigued to visit Haut-Bailly as an organisation called Reforest’Action has been running a programme of agroforestry there.
As soon as I arrived and met the inspiring Veronique Sanders, I knew this was going to be excellent. 4th generation custodian of the estate, Veronique is as impressive as Haut-Bailly. Agroecological practices, regenerative practices, sustainable practices, whatever you want to call them… they are not new here. This is not an estate that has jumped on a bandwagon. They have always farmed in concert with nature.
They have never used herbicide.
No monocultures here
Some of these vines are 120 years old. The soils must be exceptional to keep them going that long. Unusually different varieties of vines are planted together, with vines tagged at veraison to indicate whether they are to be harvested early or later. Veronique has some beautiful maps of how the use of the land has evolved over the centuries. There used to be a mix of vines and other plants but over time all the land was put to vine. She has overseen a programme of reintroducing biodiversity, persevering in the face of adversity when newly planted hedges have been killed off by droughts and cold.
The cover crops ensure year round ground cover.
Agroforestry
Looking down from the stunning new winery (partially hidden by gardens growing on the roof) you get an understanding of how Graves is one of the most forested parts of Bordeaux. There are trees planted all around the vines.
Water use
A huge water tank has been built into the design of the new winery, with harvested water stored for when it is needed.
Soil health
Mustard tests have shown that earthworm counts have gone up hugely.
