The Olympic torch relay is one of the most symbolic traditions in sports, embodying unity, peace, and the coming together of nations. This year's relay, leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, was an extraordinary celebration, weaving through some of France's most iconic fine wine regions. From Bordeaux to Champagne to Burgundy, the journey of the Olympic flame served as a reminder of the country’s rich viticultural heritage.

On May 23, the torch's journey took it through the historic and scenic Bordeaux region, home to some of the world's most revered wines. The quaint and picturesque commune of Saint-Émilion was a highlight, where the flame passed by both the illustrious Château Cheval Blanc and Château Angélus. At such historic estates, winemaking is both an art and a tradition passed on through generations.

At L’Observatoire du Gabriel, Angélus’ Michelin-starred restaurant, patrons enjoyed a front-row seat to the torch's passage, underscoring the cultural significance and harmony between fine dining and exceptional local wines.

As the torch journeyed through Burgundy it illuminated the connection between the region’s winemaking and its heritage. On July 11, in Yonne, torchbearers included notable Chablis winemakers like Domaine Borgnat’s Églantine Borgnat and Laurent Pinson of Domaine Pinson, highlighting their relevance to France’s cultural palette.

The following day, the relay visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Château du Clos de Vougeot in Côte-d'Or. This stunning château sits in the historic vineyard among plots owned by Domaines such as Leroy, Méo-Camuzet, and Hudelot-Noëllat, and dates back to the 12th century. There, a celebration featuring the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin emphasized the deeply ingrained partnership between wine and gastronomy in Burgundy.

The relay passing through Marne on June 30 was a sparkling affair, fittingly so for the region so analogous with celebration. The torch’s route through the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brought it past the grand estates of Moët & Chandon, where torchbearers paused for a quick photo op with the Dom Pérignon statue, and then on past Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, and the more esoteric Champagne de Venoge.

The Avenue de Champagne pays tribute to the region's centuries-old champagne-making tradition. The celebration in Reims, with a stop at the Parc de Champagne, highlighted the joy and festivity that champagne brings to life’s greatest moments.

Passing through Aude, part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, renowned for its diverse and vibrant wines, the torch was carried by none other than former French sports personality turned esteemed winemaker; Gerard Bertrand.

Wielding his dual passion for sports, thanks to his time as a former Rugby Union star, and winemaking, with his suave and complex expressions such as Clos d'Ora, Bertrand symbolizes the inspirational power of the Olympic spirit. Aude's vineyards, with their innovative winemaking approaches, provided a picturesque backdrop for this leg of the relay, blending the excitement of the Olympics with the region's dynamic wine culture.

The torch's passage through Bouches-du-Rhône highlighted Provence’s delightfully tropical allure, particularly with its rosés. The region‘s recent celebrity attention adding glamour to its serene landscapes, has invariably drawn focus to iconic estates like Château d’Esclans, whose captivating expressions have elevated Provence rosé into the echelons of true fine wine status.

The torch journeyed past Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the limestone mountain ridge immortalized by Paul Cézanne, and nearby wineries like Mas de Cadenet and Château Gassier.

The Olympic torch's journey celebrated France's globally treasured viticultural heritage. As the torch made its final stop in Paris, it carried with it the essence of unity, tradition, and the joy of coming together – just as a good bottle of wine does.

Tony Parker, one of the torchbearers and a proud vintner himself, perhaps summed it up best: “I always open a good bottle when something good happens in my life… It brings people together. And I hope we’ll come together to create great memories during these Olympic games.”

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