Smith Haut Lafitte exports wine by sailboat

Smith Haut Lafitte will set sail to the open sea beginning July 21st, on voyage to bring an economically sound alternative for shipping their wine. The 106-year-old sailing ship, Bessie Ellen, will cart 21,000 bottles of Smith Haut Lafitte on a 25 –day expedition to Montreal, Canada. The crossing will be an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of the chateau. 'We want to cut energy consumption wherever possible. Our clients appreciate our respect for the environment, present across our wine-making activities', owner Daniel Cathiard told decanter.com in response of his reasoning. Looking to the future, the chateau will include a stop in Plymouth, Massachusetts beginning in March 2011. An historic transport method, with a contemporary twist.¤¤Sophie Weaver¤