Why I could be friends with Jay-Z and Beyoncé

I know what you’re thinking – what does a wine professional like me have in common with one of the most powerful and successful couples in the world? The lives of the super-rich and mega successful can often feel far out of reach for us mere mortals.

But reports of the spectacular birthday bash that Jay-Z and Beyoncé have hosted in Bordeaux to celebrate the rapper’s 54th birthday have emerged recently, and I’ve never felt so connected to the global superstars. In fact, I think we’d have a rather nice time together, why? Because we all love wine.

Bordeaux is the largest and oldest wine producing region in the world. There are over 117,000 hectares of vines wrapping around the southwestern French city of Bordeaux, known as the “Sleeping Beauty” of France. It’s home to over 7,000 winemakers, producing wine in 65 different appellations. Think names like Margaux, Pomerol, Medoc, Pauillac and Sauternes to name a few.

There is a lot of wine here. It’s a region that has something for everybody: there are over 15 permitted grape varietals planted, and the styles of wines range from easy-drinking fruity reds to full-bodied masterpieces that can age for decades. There are mineral and elegant whites, easy summer rosés, unctuously moreish sweet wines, and let’s not forget the sparkling crémant de Bordeaux, which is growing in popularity.

According to reports in the French Press, the power couple allegedly hired the luxury spa hotel Les Sources de Caudalie, belonging to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and invited some of their nearest and dearest along to celebrate, including names such as Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. From there, they undertook tastings and trips to some of the most exclusive addresses in the Bordeaux region: Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion, Pétrus in Pomerol, and the sweet nectar of Château d’Yquem in Sauternes.

These are some of the most luxurious and expensive wines in the world, with Château d’Yquem & Cheval Blanc being owned by the French multinational luxury goods conglomerate LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). Perhaps not surprising, as Jay-Z recently sold 50 per cent of his champagne brand to LVMH – they probably owe him a good time. Many could see this as just another brash flash of celebrity cash, but I was so delighted to read this news.

Ultimately, this shows that Jay-Z and Beyoncé are wine lovers just like me, and they want to share their passion and love with their friends – what could be more convivial than that? They didn’t organise a glitzy bustling party on a superyacht in the Caribbean, or an OTT bash in Dubai drinking oversized bottles of vodka. This was an out-of-season (most likely damp, grey and cold) tour of some vineyards, tasting outstanding wine and eating delicious food. Perfect.

Yes, the vineyards may be some of the most exclusive in the world, and the bottles have price tags to match, but Mr and Mrs Carter have a net worth in the region of $3bn, so that makes sense. They may have treated their guests to transport via the Orient Express – again, thank you LVMH – but at the core of what they’re doing is something utterly grounding, and replicated by people over millennia if you take out the pomp: gathering together to enjoy good food and good wine.

The pleasure that you can gain by immersing yourself in wine will give you delights for a lifetime. You don’t have to buy the swankiest bottles – I don’t know anyone who could afford a bottle of Petrus, with its average price tag of £2,000 – but you can treat yourself to sharing something a little bit special with friends and family, especially over the festive period.

And what if you want to replicate the experience of Jay-Z and Beyoncé? It’s not well known, but if you plan ahead, and write off to the topflight Bordeaux Chateau, chances are you’ll be able to visit. Places like Chateau d’Yquem even allow you to book a tour online.

You may not be Jay-Z or Beyoncé, but I’ve found when visiting even the most exclusive addresses in wine that you’ll be offered the warmest of welcomes, and made to feel incredibly special – you don’t need to have a billion dollars to feel like you’re worth it! So, Jay-Z & Beyoncé, if you’re reading this and want a tag-along on your next vinous adventure? I’m here for it.

Rosamund Hall (DipWSET) is a wine consultant & writer