Terracotta & Terroir

8 day handbuilding workshop

October 5 - october 15, 2025
Bordeaux, FRANCE

Join me for a 10 day ceramic intensive workshop amidst the vineyards of Bordeaux, where we’ll create Mexican Folk Art Candelabras with all their storytelling details that make these pieces so memorable. Suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced, this project was chosen not only because of the intricate beauty of these folk art pieces but also because this project demands construction within a consecutive multi-day time frame.

[something about the workshop being set at an 18th century vineyard and chateau, things to do when relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. Dinner and exploration of wines local and exotic led by our host, Christophe, and a bit about his background]

I will be there to shepherd you through all phases of creation from wet clay construction to glazing and firing, while leaving time to explore the surrounding sites that make this area of France so noteworthy.

The setting

about bordeaux, blaye, Chateau Gigault, working vineyard. things to do, relax by the pool, etc

The workshop

what they’ll make, why it’s special. also something like this blurb from Fogo: “Workshops run Monday to Friday. You will arrive Sunday in the late afternoon or early evening and leave on Saturday morning after breakfast. You will be welcomed to our private residence next to the Studio. Meet your instructor and other participants over supper while taking in views of Fogo Harbour. Monday morning, breakfast will be at 8:30 am and we will be in the studio at 9:30 am. If you are an early riser we encourage you to join us each morning for a hike on one of Fogo Island's hiking trails before breakfast. There are four to five hours of instruction each day punctuated by lunch. After your class you can choose to spend more time in the studio or go for an excursion, it’s up to you. The studio will be open to you 12 hours a day during your stay. Suppers are made from scratch featuring local and seasonal fare, wine is included. Thursday evening you will take supper ‘out’ somewhere on the island. Depart Saturday morning after a solid breakfast, feeling a little sad to leave new friends, and already scheming how to return (that’s what happens here).”

THE WINES

[or maybe the experience? the host? something about Christophe and his background, his expertise, he’ll be our guide to the world of wine and winemaking taking people around the vineyard, explaining the process of winemaking, wine paring with meals from his cellar both local and exotic, excursion to saint emillion,