Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
79.1 %
Usually responds within 9 days
Feedback
48
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a small independently owned vineyard in the Cotes de Bourg appellation 50 min NW of Bordeaux.
2019 was our first harvest, 100% hand picked and a very promising vintage. We prioritise quality over quantity, seek to foster environmentally sustainable practices, innovation, and positive cultural exchanges with volunteers from different parts of the world.
As a volunteer-only host, we do not offer paid work, and cannot propose tasks related to our commercial operations on the workaway platform.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Helping at the Chateau will provide a first-hand insight into the process of wine-making in Bordeaux. We aim to provide the setting for a convivial experience for people from diverse backgrounds to work, share meals, and make the most of their visit to the region
Help
We hope to host volunteers for various roles in 2023. While staying at a working vineyard, volunteers will have ample opportunities to learn about vineyard practices and the winemaking process on the estate, and the opportunity to explore the region and visit other local wineries
Examples of the volunteer-led projects we plan to undertake in 2022 are listed below:
--Vegetable Garden Setup-- [March - April] Plan and prepare grounds for vegetable garden, install trellising and fences as necessary. Expansion of the existing composting facilities to process organic waste from the café and winery
--Chicken coop construction/installation
-- House renovation, including light painting and plastering
--Beehive Installation-- Assess the premises for beehive installation, strategy for honey extraction and modifications to vineyard practices to nurture the bee population. Lay out protocol for eventual “Bee Friendly” certification
--Art Projects-- Many possibilities, including painting murals in the winery (see the big white concrete walls pictured). All volunteers are encouraged to be creative, leave their mark with a painting, illustration or even the design of a future wine label
We also welcome your ideas for other projects along these lines. Prospective volunteers should understand the property is still a work in progress. We expect volunteers to be proactive and motivated to leave the property in better shape than they find it
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
The main house at the property is under renovation, and at the moment on-site accommodation consists of a mobile home which has two private twin/double rooms, shower, toilet, kitchen and dining area
Due to limited accommodations we normally accept no more than 2 or 3 volunteers at any given time, when help is required. During the warmer months (May-October) additional space for camping/campervan parking is available.
Please note that wi-fi is not available onsite. We recommend visitors arrange their own mobile data plans according to their needs
What else ...
Bicycles are available to explore the neighbouring vineyards and visit the town of Bourg on the banks of the Garonne river. Transfers to and from the local train or bus station will be arranged on arrival and departure
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
20 to 25 hours per week
Host ref number: 996463796479
Feedback (23)
07/11/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea)
Many thanks Lea for all your help, and being a good sport during a busy time in preparation for the main harvest. Especially for helping organise the harvest lunch and making it an unforgettable experience for the other volunteers. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here, including the figs on everything except the pizza! To other prospective hosts,… read more
(Excellent
)
06/11/2022
I had a wonderful and exciting stay. Although I only stayed for one week it felt like a lot longer since I was able to participate in such a variety of tasks. I was working at the field in the morning to help bind up young wines, prepared for the rosé harvest, learned about and helped with the botteling of last years wine and finally participated… read more
02/11/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
It was a great pleasure to host Lauren & travel companion Ken. They were both enthusiastic to learn and share their knowledge about food and wine. Was wonderful to see them make the most of their short stay, both at the property and beyond. Its always a pleasure to host visitors with a specific interest in the region.
Details of the stay were… read more
Details of the stay were… read more
(Excellent
)
30/10/2022
We stayed with Alex for two weeks and had an amazing time! The vineyard was secluded and beautiful, the weather was mostly sunny in early October, and work was flexible- we read outside, visited neighboring wineries, and walked to Bourg on our afternoons off. Alex took care of groceries and we had fun cooking lunch and dinner for our group. The… read more
27/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Shields & Joe)
Communication was good overall, but points are deducted because they did not show up on the agreed date.
Skills, they did carry out the assigned tasks competently, albeit working the bare minimum. A point of frustration was that they were consistently unable to show up ready to work on time, even when a very manageable 9am start time was… read more
Skills, they did carry out the assigned tasks competently, albeit working the bare minimum. A point of frustration was that they were consistently unable to show up ready to work on time, even when a very manageable 9am start time was… read more
(Good
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
07/11/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea)
Many thanks Lea for all your help, and being a good sport during a busy time in preparation for the main harvest. Especially for helping organise the harvest lunch and making it an unforgettable experience for the other volunteers. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here, including the figs on everything except the pizza! To other prospective hosts,… read more
(Excellent
)
06/11/2022
Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host
I had a wonderful and exciting stay. Although I only stayed for one week it felt like a lot longer since I was able to participate in such a variety of tasks. I was working at the field in the morning to help bind up young wines, prepared for the rosé harvest, learned about and helped with the botteling of last years wine and finally participated… read more
02/11/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
It was a great pleasure to host Lauren & travel companion Ken. They were both enthusiastic to learn and share their knowledge about food and wine. Was wonderful to see them make the most of their short stay, both at the property and beyond. Its always a pleasure to host visitors with a specific interest in the region.
Details of the stay were… read more
Details of the stay were… read more
(Excellent
)
30/10/2022
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
We stayed with Alex for two weeks and had an amazing time! The vineyard was secluded and beautiful, the weather was mostly sunny in early October, and work was flexible- we read outside, visited neighboring wineries, and walked to Bourg on our afternoons off. Alex took care of groceries and we had fun cooking lunch and dinner for our group. The… read more
27/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Shields & Joe)
Communication was good overall, but points are deducted because they did not show up on the agreed date.
Skills, they did carry out the assigned tasks competently, albeit working the bare minimum. A point of frustration was that they were consistently unable to show up ready to work on time, even when a very manageable 9am start time was… read more
Skills, they did carry out the assigned tasks competently, albeit working the bare minimum. A point of frustration was that they were consistently unable to show up ready to work on time, even when a very manageable 9am start time was… read more
(Good
)
24/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Edilene )
I really enjoyed hosting Edilene for 2 weeks. She is very outgoing and sociable, and was happy to get involved in the work from the first day. Good and easy communication. Edilene easily adapted to the rustic conditions at the wineyard, and was enthusiastic to get involved beyond the normal expectations. I’d welcome her back anytime, and am happy… read more
(Excellent
)
29/04/2022
Left by Workawayer (Edilene ) for host
I spent 2 great weeks at Alex place. The job was new for me and for my friend (another workawayer who's also volunteering there at the time), but Alex was kind and patient to teach us how to do it. He was always present and keen to share a good time together (cooking, eating, talking, enjoying anyhow). The place is beautiful. The job is not… read more
24/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah & Eoin)
It was a pleasure to host Hannah at the vineyard during the summer. Good and easy communication. She is very sociable and easily adapted to the rustic conditions at the vineyard. Hannah was quick to learn, and went adobe and beyond the gardening chores, and in helping me improve the presentation of the living areas to welcome other guests. I would… read more
(Excellent
)
18/05/2022
Left by Workawayer (Hannah & Eoin) for host
Staying with Alex was an amazing experience. This was my first workaway and I couldn't be more grateful to have been here. The work varied from tending to the vines, animal care and work on the chateau. The current accommodation is a mobile home and Alex is clear from the beginning that it is rustic. Highlight of the day was the amazing food… read more
23/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lei)
I really enjoyed hosting Lei for 2 weeks at the vineyard during the summer. Although it was a new experience for her, she enthusiastically jumped into any of her assigned tasks. She is sociable, a hard worker, and also a good cook. I recommend her without hesitation to other hosts and would happily invite her to stay here again in the future
(Excellent
)
07/06/2022
Left by Workawayer (Lei) for host
I had a very wonderful two weeks here. The work wasn't difficult, it was easy. We had plenty of time to do our own thing and Alex was always very patient in explaining to me about the wines. And he's definitely a very professional chef, haha, his cooking is always delicious and he's happy to share his recipes. Other than that, as someone who… read more
23/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Maaike)
It was a pleasure to host Maaike on short notice but at a time her help was very much appreciated. Good and easy communication. Maaike was a quick learner and an autonomous worker, very keen to help. Her easy-going and positive attitude made the stay a positive experience all around
(Excellent
)
23/07/2022
Left by Workawayer (Maaike) for host
My stay at Alex's place was arranged very last-minute but very clear and fast. I stayed with Alex for 2 weeks during March, it was my first workaway experience and it turned out very well and comfortable. The communication in advance and at his place was always very clear, he wants you to know what to expect and succeeds in this. Also the work is… read more
23/10/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah Emily)
It was a pleasure to host Sarah on short notice but at a time her help was very much appreciated. Good and easy communication, Sarah is a keen worker and a quick learner, and happy to put in some extra hours during the harvest. Welcome back anytime!
(Excellent
)
15/10/2022
Left by Workawayer (Sarah Emily) for host
Had an amazing time at the château! Alex was lovely and is great at explaining what he is doing all the time so you can learn a lot about making wine if you are interested. The caravan was very cozy to stay in and the views are incredible :)
18/09/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe)
Was a pleasure hosting Chloe, she is a warm, friendly and attentive person. She helped me organise and welcome upcoming guests, put her heart and soul into a big weeding project, and was a good sport about getting up before dawn to help irrigate in the face of an exceptionally hot and dry summer on the farm. Chole made the most of her brief visit… read more
(Excellent
)
24/08/2022
Left by Workawayer (Chloe) for host
I had such a lovely time at this Château! It is the perfect place to relax and breathe between the grape vines. Alex is a very kind and accommodating host that is always trying to make sure you are comfortable. The work is doable and if you are interested in wine then it is hardly work at all. I learned a lot during my short time here and would… read more
15/07/2022
Left by Workawayer (Kevin) for host
Mi sono scritto a Workaway perché era da tantissimo tempo che volevo vivere un'esperienza al di fuori della mia comfort zone e così è stato!
Nelle mie due settimane qui ho imparato tantissime cose riguardo la viticultura ed enologia Bordolese, la denominazione Cotes de Bourg dov'è appunta lo Chateau è un posto meraviglioso circondato da vigne e… read more
Nelle mie due settimane qui ho imparato tantissime cose riguardo la viticultura ed enologia Bordolese, la denominazione Cotes de Bourg dov'è appunta lo Chateau è un posto meraviglioso circondato da vigne e… read more
12/09/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Erika)
Leonie and Erika arrived together after meeting earlier in their travels (and receive the same review). They both turned out to be a very good fit with my project, friendly and easy-going, and happy to take on any number of tasks. A highlight of their stay was when I asked them to look at some discarded window shutters, measure them up, research &… read more
(Excellent
)
20/08/2021
Left by Workawayer (Erika) for host
I stayed a little bit more than a week at the vineyard with my friend and we really appreciated our time there: we learned a lot about wine, shared good meals with his friends, walked and biked around, cooked..And even though the work was quite hard and repetitive (epamprage), we still enjoyed it. THANK YOU Alex for sharing your knowledge with us… read more
11/09/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Leonie)
Leonie and Erika arrived together after meeting earlier in their travels (and receive the same review). They both turned out to be a very good fit with my project, friendly and easy-going, and happy to take on any number of tasks. A highlight of their stay was when I asked them to look at some discarded window shutters, measure them up, research &… read more
(Excellent
)
29/08/2021
Left by Workawayer (Leonie) for host
Alex Property is beautiful! He accepted my last minute request and welcomed me with delicious empanadas! I did epamprage, which is hard but enjoyable work. Alex always ensured that I want to do this work and after a few days he let me and my friend design and build a shelter for his future sheeps(was a lot of fun!). Im excited to know how your… read more
10/08/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Marente)
Marente is not afraid of hard work or putting in extra hours - and does not lose her enthusiasm & smile afterwards. Contagious enthusiasm in particular where it comes to agriculture. I'd welcome her back anytime and absolutely recommend her to other hosts
(Excellent
)
09/10/2020
Left by Workawayer (Marente) for host
After some quick and clear communication, I came to Alex' place on quite a short notice. He was a great host, easy to get along with and very knowledgeable about wine making. We had a great team of grape pickers and I enjoyed the good atmosphere in the vineyard. Would definitely recommend his place if you would like to learn about wine and grape… read more
18/05/2021
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
Alex is a considerate and experienced host. He was flexible and went out of his way to assure that Workawayers were comfortable and had everything we needed. He is incredibly knowledgable about wine and generously shared his knowledge with us over meals. The work is not too difficult (and the incredible views from the fields made it not even seem… read more
11/04/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Helena)
Thankyou Helena for all your hard work, good company, and for looking after the chickens! Helena was a friendly, positive and creative guest, and was a great help to us during her stay. I would welcome her back any time, and recommend her without any hesitation
(Excellent
)
02/04/2021
Left by Workawayer (Helena) for host
Beautiful place, beautiful people, beautiful sunsets! I totally recommend it, working in the vineyards is a nice job to do specially if the weather is nice! Really enjoyed my time there with Alex, Grace, Leon and Jill! I felt very peaceful and free to manage my working time as I liked. Thanks a lot !
13/03/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Marcelo)
Sara and Marcelo are a friendly, helpful and responsible couple, it was a pleasure to host them. Communications were very clear from the beginning, they scheduled their stay well in advance and showed up on the agreed day. They were pro-active in managing their jobs with little or no supervision necessary, and always found other ways to be… read more
(Excellent
)
09/03/2021
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Marcelo) for host
We went to Alexander's place to learn about vineyard, and it was the perfect place for this, Alexander knows a lot about wine and vineyard and he taught us a lot, thank you for that !
Moreover, the place is beautiful, near of Bourg, Blaye, Bordeaux,... it's easy to go on the week end to visit
Alexander has lots of work to do by himself so if you… read more
Moreover, the place is beautiful, near of Bourg, Blaye, Bordeaux,... it's easy to go on the week end to visit
Alexander has lots of work to do by himself so if you… read more
15/07/2020
Left by Workawayer (Mario Alejandro) for host
Quiero agradecer a Alex por permitirme tener mi primera experiencia cómo workawayer, me fui feliz de haber estado 3 semanas en el chateau, pude conocer un poco más de la cultura del vino, y también conocer los pueblos que rodean el lugar, Alex siempre fue atento y correcto con las horas de trabajo. Puedo decir que cocina muy rico y los vinos de la… read more
02/06/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ian)
Ian was a very easy guest to host, particularly as he brought along his own accomodation! Friendly, easygoing, and a hard worker. He generously agreed to work full-time for two weeks , helping me get caught up after confinement deprived me of some of my regular help. I'd be very happy to have him back in the future, and have no hesitation in… read more
(Excellent
)
30/03/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ségolène)
I am very grateful for Ségolène’s hard work and positive, friendly attitude during her short stay at the property. Working in the vineyard can be quite hard, especially in winter, so it made all the difference to have her motivating us during the pruning and in the social times in the evenings. I would love to have you back at the château sometime… read more
(Excellent
)
25/02/2020
Left by Workawayer (Ségolène) for host
I stayed for approximately 10 days to do some pruning and I enjoyed a lot my experience at this place. It’s quite remote but the neighbours are super nice and even invited us once to come over and have some coffee and crêpes with them. Alex is a very great host who cares a lot about the wellbeing of his workawayers! (snacks and wine are always… read more
30/03/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Kérian)
Maria was a hard worker and great company over the two weeks she stayed at the vineyard. She is a quick learner and had a genuine interest in all aspects of wine-making. Together we finished the planned work ahead of schedule, and she enthusiastically helped me with additional projects - With all the disruptions in the spring of 2020 I am very… read more
(Excellent
)
11/03/2020
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Kérian) for host
I was looking to get to know the culture of wine and I couldn't have found any better place to do it! I enjoyed working with Alex at the same time I learned about wine and the have to's of wine production in France. In the vineyard I was able to enjoy great natural landscapes, the small towns around and good cuisine; during my days off I enjoyed… read more
29/03/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Vanessa)
It was a pleasure to host Vanessa for a few weeks of winter pruning at the vineyard. She was a very diligent worker under the sometimes harsh winter conditions, and very sociable with other volunteers, preparing meals and keeping the team motivated through the project.
(Excellent
)
23/03/2020
Left by Workawayer (Vanessa) for host
This was my first workaway experience, where I stayed two weeks. Alex is a great host! He picked me up in Bordeaux. He takes care of everything and is really interested in that you feel good and have a good time. During my stay I had to prune the wine. He explained how to do it and in general a lot about growing and producing wine. I learned a lot… read more
17/03/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ciara)
It was a pleasure to host Ciara during her short stay at the vineyard - she is very friendly, sociable, and also was a diligent and competent worker, I would definitely recommend her as a volunteer and would be happy to host her again in the future
(Excellent
)
27/02/2020
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
I know I am pretty late with my feedback but I really enjoyed working at the vineyard. Helping Alex out really means diving into the world of winemaking and learning a lot. Alex is also a really understanding and helpful host, sorry again that I had to leave earlier than expected. So I really enjoyed my stay here, would totally recommend it!
11/12/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah showed great initiative and was a valuable member of the pruning team, and later as a barista apprentice in Bordeaux. She is friendly, sociable, and a pleasure to work with. Good communication, and very conscientious in helping with extra work such as cooking and household chores. I wish her all the best in her future travels and have no… read more
(Excellent
)
16/12/2019
Left by Workawayer (Ragnhild Marie) for host
I spent two weeks at the vineyard and I had a good time! Alex was a great host, and taught me so much about wine culture, and the process of winemaking. The area is beautiful and the people were great! I would definetly recommend Alex as a host to other workawayers!
11/12/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ragnhild Marie)
It was a pleasure to host Ragnhild to help with the winter pruning at our vineyard. She is friendly, easygoing, and a hard worker. She showed great initiative to learn about the vineyard operations and quickly mastered the skills for the task at hand.
(Excellent
)
16/12/2019
Left by Workawayer (Kenny) for host
Amazing experience working with Alex in his chateau! My english is not very good but Alex speaks spanish so we had a good communication. I spent 5 days and learned a lot from wine. Alex is an excellent host, I recommend him 100%. Thanks Alex and León
14/12/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kenny)
Kenny came to join the winter pruning team with barely 12 hours notice. He is a quick learner, and a hard worked with a genuine passion for learning about viticulture. It was a pleasure to have him visit
(Excellent
)
21/10/2019
Left by Workawayer (Mckinley & Carlee) for host
Alex was an excellent down to earth host. He went out of his way to make sure that everyone was accommodated for. He picked a great batch of volunteers that made our stay even more memorable. Every night was filled with great food, music, laughter, and of course good company. Would come back to France to work for him again. Thanks Alex and Leon… read more
05/10/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mckinley & Carlee)
Mckinley & Carlee are a lovely couple with a great attitude. Both went above and beyond what was expected. Their contagious positive energy helped motivate the whole team on days we had to work extra-long hours. A great asset to the 2019 harvest, I would love to have them back in the future
(Excellent
)
14/10/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Aleksandra)
Ola is a hard worker and an easy person to get along with. She is outgoing, keen to share some of her recipes from home and learn about other peoples’ cultures. She was also conscientious of the fact that the vendanges are a time when scheduling can be a little uncertain and work days can be long. She put the needs of the château before her own… read more
(Excellent
)
13/10/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jarne)
Jarne responded to a last minute vacancy, and showed up at the property within 48 hours. Easy and clear communication. He was very helpful in finishing the grape harvest, working well with the team and pushing through 10+ hour days without any trouble. A great asset to the workaway community and someone I’d love to have back next year
(Excellent
)
