Among Bordeaux's ruined winegrowers who are being encouraged to grow olives or hazelnuts

By Julien Rapegno

This article on the wine crisis in the Bordeaux region mentions Jean-Baptiste Duquesne from Château Cazebonne as a winegrower who has chosen not to grub up his vines and to persevere despite the difficulties. He is cited as an example of transition or diversification, highlighting the potential of agritourism and agroecology. Château Cazebonne is presented as an estate exploring alternative paths, such as planting olive and hazelnut trees, in keeping with the idea of producing alternatives to wine.

The article in La Montagne addresses the crisis of overproduction and falling consumption affecting winegrowers in the Bordeaux region, particularly those producing generic Bordeaux. Faced with this situation, a vine-pulling scheme has been proposed, yet many winegrowers are considering diversification or alternative crops. In this context, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne from Château Cazebonne is specifically mentioned. He represents an example of a winegrower who, despite the crisis, has chosen not to uproot his vines. Instead, he is steering his estate towards agritourism and agroecology, and considering planting olive and hazelnut trees. This approach illustrates a determination to find sustainable alternatives to viticultural monoculture, whilst showcasing the Graves terroir where Château Cazebonne is located.