After leaving Athens, Greece we had a sea day, hence perfect time to explore Gérard Bertrand wines. The name Gérard Bertrand immediately brings to mind, an influential figure in French viticulture. He is considered one of the most successful winemakers in southern France. Born in Narbonne in 1965, Gérard took over the family winery in 1987. He went on to build an impressive wine empire of over 920 hectares of vineyards. This includes 13 estates in the Languedoc Roussillon Region: Château de Villemajou, Domaine de Cigalus, Château Laville Bertrou, Château l'Hospitalet, Château Aigues Vives, Domaine de l'Aigle, Château la Sauvageonne, Château de la Soujeole, Clos d'Ora, Château des Karantes, Château de Tarailhan, Château des 2 Rocs, and Domaine du Temple. Moreover, Bertrand has transformed these Languedoc estates, according to strict biodynamic guidelines. The Gérard Bertrand wine portfolio ranges from, full-bodied reds to elegant whites and world-famous rosés, like Clos du Temple. By putting the Languedoc on the international wine map, he has delighted #winelovers worldwide.
Gérard Bertrand Wines, Good Spirits, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood
For us, on a repositioning cruise from Athens to Ft Lauderdale, it was perfect timing to get a glimpse into the Gérard Bertrand wine world. It was mid-day when we gathered at the Good Spirits for a Gérard Bertrand wine tasting.Good Spirits, Sun Princess © Spaswinefood
Shortly after arriving we found our table.
Ready for Tasting Gérard Bertrand Wines, Good Spirits © Spaswinefood
Let's take a peek at our sea adventure with Gérard Bertrand wines.
Gérard Bertrand, Art de Vivre Wine Tasting
After a brief introduction we were introduced to four wines.
1. Bubbles, Rosés and Whites
We began with crémant style Gérard Bertrand bubbles.
1.1 Gérard Bertrand, Ballerina Brut Étoile Rosé
Gérard Bertrand, Ballerina Brut Étoile Rosé 2024 © Spaswinefood
This Crémant de Limoux is produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
1.2 Gérard Bertrand, Change Sauvignon Pays d'Oc 2024
Gérard Bertrand, Change Sauvignon, Pays d'Oc IGP 2024 © Spaswinefood
This Sauvignon Blanc, a single-varietal organic wine from Pays d'Oc IGP, is a pale yellow color in the glass. An aromatic wine on the nose shows notes of grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime and pear. On the palate, it is fruit-driven and balanced.
1.3 Gérard Bertrand, Prima Nature Chardonnay, Pays D'Oc 2024
Gérard Bertrand, Prima Nature Chardonnay, Pays D'Oc IGP 2024 © Spaswinefood
This Pays D'Oc IGP Prima Nature Chardonnay is also sulfite free. 1.4 Gérard Bertrand, Cote Des Roses Rosé 2025
Gérard Bertrand, Cote Des Roses Rosé, AOP Lanquedoc 2025 © Spaswinefood
This rosé wine was produced from granache, syrah and cinsault grapes. Winemaker's Notes: Cote Des Roses Rosé © Spaswinefood
2. Orange and Red Wines
The next four wines included: Orange Gold, Pinot Noir, Chateau De L'Hosiptalet and Nature Cabernet Sauvignon. 
Next Gérard Bertrand Wines © Spaswinefood
2.1 Gérard Bertrand, Orange Gold 2021
Gérard Bertrand, Orange Gold 2021 © Spaswinefood
Gérard Bertrand, Orange Gold © Spaswinefood
The Orange Gold, AB (Agriculture Biologique) certified wine, was made in an orange wine style (skin-contact wine) by this renown biodynamic producer. The winemaker notes are a tribute to the orange wines of Georgia, the region whose ancient wine-making techniques in buried clay pots (qvevri), which has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Its name, Orange Gold: pays homage to the power of the sun and the magnificent sunsets of the South of France.
Grapes were used to make this wine included: Chardoanny, Geranche Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Muscat, and Mauzac.
Winemaker's Notes: Gérard Bertrand, Orange Gold © Spaswinefood
This orange wine is very aromatic on the nose and quite dry on the palate.
2.2-2.4 Gérard Bertrand Red Wines
Next, there were three red wines a Pinot Noir, a Grand Vin blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
2.2 Gérard Bertrand, Domaine de l'Aigle, Pinot Noir
Gérard Bertrand, Domaine de l'Aigle, Pinot Noir © Spaswinefood
Lanquedoc's Domaine de l'Aigle, one of the highest vineyards in Languedoc-Roussillon. These vineyards are similar to the climate and soil growing conditions in Burgundy. Its focus is on sustainability, innovation and high quality wine.
2.3 Gérard Bertrand, Chateau L'Hospitalet Gran Vin, AOP La Clape 2021Gérard Bertrand, Gran Vin La Clape 2021 © Spaswinefood
This Gérard Bertrand red blend was a Chateau L'Hospitalet, AOP La Clape. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
Gérard Bertrand, Chateau L'Hospitalet, AOP La Clape 2021 © Spaswinefood
The last wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon.
2.4 Gérard Bertrand, Nature Cabernet Sauvignon Pays D'Oc 2024
Gérard Bertrand, Nature Cabernet Sauvignon Pays D'Oc 2024 © Spaswinefood
This Cabernet Sauvignon is made without sulphite hence has a short shelf life of around five years.
Winemaker's Notes: Gérard Bertrand, Nature Cabernet Sauvignon © Spaswinefood
By the way the small bites pairings went beautifully with each tasting.
Small Bites paired with Gérard Bertrand Wines © Spaswinefood
Without a doubt the Art de Vivre Wine Tasting proved to be a delightful experience. Besides meeting the sommeliers at the tasting it was also great opportunity to met the cellar master on the ship.
Gérard Bertrand, Art de Vivre Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood
Art de Vivre Wine Tasting combined with hearing the story of Gérard Bertrand made this an interesting wine experience. It was the perfect vine-filled experience on a sea day cruising to Montenegro from Athens, Greece. I invite you to join me in my Mediterranean Ocean Sea travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations from the cruise.
CHEERS!
Sharon
October 25, 2026
Cruising towards Montenegro from Athens, Greece
© Spaswinefood
Enjoying Gérard Bertrand Wines on a Sun Princess Cruise © Spaswinefood
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