A restaurant’s wine list can be a daunting thing. All those colors, countries, appellations and vintages can resemble something that needs a cipher to be decoded. But fear not! You aren’t alone, and here at Decanter Tours, our years of giving wine tours in France and professional experience in the wine industry give us the perfect tools we need to rid you of your wine list phobia.

Before going any further, the first thing we must warn you of is the sneaky wine list traps that many restaurants use to lure in insecure customers. Wine-amateurs will often choose the second cheapest bottle of wine on the list, however this is where the danger lies. Most restaurants put their junky wine that they want to get rid of in these “high profit” price ranges. These wines are typically danger zones in terms of being money traps, and usually are a disappointment in taste and value.

Moving on, the next piece of advice is a golden rule: Your sommelier is your friend. They are there to help you, it’s their job! Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help when selecting a wine. Tell your sommelier everything- what you will be ordering, your appetite, your preferences, and even your mood. Chances are, your sommelier knows more about wine and their chef than they do about their own spouse.

If all else fails, here are some pointers that you can always use to get you through your decision and review of the ever-so-complicated (but not for long!) wine list:

Decide what style of wine you are going to choose by the color and weight (red or white, light bodied or fuller bodied, etc.). Most wine lists organize their wines in a sequential order from sweetest and most mild progressing to fuller and drier in taste. Here’s how to navigate:

-At the top you’ll find the champagnes and sparkling wines going in order from mildest to strongest, then the sweet white wines, ending at the least sweet. Think: White Zinfandels and Reislings.

-Then, you’ll scan down the menu moving towards the dry light to medium intensity whites with brighter, more crisp flavors. Going from mildest to strongest, you’ll find Pinot Grigios on the mild end and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs on the more intense end of the list’s spectrum.

-Now, let’s head to the reds. Starting at dry light to medium intensity you’ll find wines like Shiraz and Merlot. Then the wines progress to a medium to full intensity where you’ll find Cabernet Sauvignons and Red Zinfandels.

And now for some tips and tricks…

If cheaper is what you’re looking for, always select the two most recent vintages.

Always eliminate the most expensive and the cheapest wines on the list, right off the bat.

When selecting a Sauvignon Blanc, or Southern French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese whites, the younger is always the better.

Reds often age better than whites. There’s more room for flexibility when selecting the vintage of a bottle of red, but be careful, reds that are more than ten years old can be a risky selection.

Steer clear from ordering an older rosé. Nothing older than the latest vintage is ever a good selection if its pink.

Know your countries. New Zealand and Austria are extremely consistent producers of wine, and increasingly Australia as well. If all else fails, just go with one of those. Comparatively, they are the safest choices in the middle to upper price range selection.

If all else fails, feel free to send us an email at info@decantertours.com and let us personally guide you through the French wine regions and every step of the wine selection process! Trust us, we know what we’re doing.

Today’s visit to Villa Cosy, a fabulous maison-style hotel in the heart of Bordeaux, was both exciting and mesmerizing. The decor is the highlight of the hotel. Modern yet funky adornments dress the place up, and make it a chambres d’hôtes we would be absolutely thrilled to stay at. “Cool” is a word that comes to mind, but that is a definite understatement for the creative decoration of the property. 

Owners Geraldine and Francis Garcia manage the three-month-old location, and give their warm personality and hospitality to all guests who pass through. Francis Garcia, previously a chef at world renowned Michelin star awarded Bordeaux restaurant Le Chapon Fin, provides his culinary insight and expertise for guests looking to satiate their palate during their visit to Bordeaux.

Walking into the reception area, we noticed a large glass area on the floor that peers down into Francis Garcia’s own personal wine cellar. So while you’re waiting to check-in, you can also take a peek at the wine cellar of one of Bordeaux’s world-class chefs. Très cool. 

Each of the three chambres are themed (New York, Bois Flotté, and Andy Warhol- featuring a round bed and huge astro turf covered terrace) and decorated in a modern and eccentrically creative fashion. Breakfast is served to guests privately, in their guest rooms, something that is often hard to come by in French chambres d’hôtes. Accompanied by your own personal Nespresso machine, breakfast in bed sounds like a fabulous way to start a day of châteaux touring, n’est pas?

The prices are great, as are the personal touches in the design that make this new hotel a new must-see for Decanter Tours clients.  A stay at Villa Cosy could add that extra special touch on a wine tour holiday in Bordeaux, and make things just a little more exciting. Book now with Decanter Tours and receive an extra-special touch that you can brag to friends about for years to come- a private dinner for you and your small group prepared just for you by Francis Garcia himself.

Getting ready for a wine tour vacation in French wine country? We hope that this guide can serve you well when doing your last-minute packing in the wee hours of the morning before catching your flight to France. Breathe. We’ve got you.

Considering you will be touring several vineyards, châteaux, and quaint towns along the way, here at Decanter Tours, we want to make sure you are the most comfortable you can be - during your tours and with what you wear.

First and foremost, check the weather. Being in Bordeaux, we have a very temperamental climate, so don’t forget to bring some waterproof clothing along with other light fitting walking clothes.

Ladies, the streets of the towns and nearby villages where we offer tours are typically cobblestone. That being said, we want to prevent you from experiencing the nightmare that is navigating a cobblestone street in high heels. Pack flats and walking shoes and socks for your excursion days. Gentleman should consider good walking shoes or boots and socks.

In the summer months, expect the temperatures to be pretty high, so you’ll want to pack accordingly. That means, hats, sunscreen, summer dresses and shorts. But keep in mind, once you descend into those cellars, it’s going to be cold (around 10 degrees celsius) so you’ll want to have a light jacket to thrown on.

If you plan on dining at a château for dinner, jackets and ties are essential for men, and the equivalent for women. While this type of attire is not necessary for most tours, this type of dress would not be unusual.

You’ll probably want to bring along bubble wrap and other packing materials. No airlines allow liquids in hand luggage, so any purchased wine during your tours will have to be checked through with your suitcase.

And lastly, along with all your necessary travel documents, you’ll of course want to bring your corkscrew!

Crushpad, the Californian custom wine operation has now been taken stake by the Cazes family of Chateau Lynch Bages, and will open in the village of Bages just next to the chateau. This is a move that is likely to improve the profile of Lynch Bages, given that Crushpad is centered around interactive wine making and instruction.

The Crushpad concept, which derives from California, is now present at Chateau Teyssier in St. Emilion. A Crushpad experience allows visitors the pleasure of making their own barrels wine, and experiencing, first hand, the process that goes behind bottling a wine. Services are also offered that allow wine enthusiasts, restaurant owners, and epicureans alike to learn how to sell and market their own wine.

Crushpad Bordeaux clients will have full access to the knowledge and ability of the Lynch Bages staff and winemakers, with technical director Daniel Llose in charge. Other benefits to this new venture include accessible facilities of hotel Cordeillan Bages and the Lynch Bages wine school. There are no present plans to provide Lynch Bages grapes for the wine making process, however it is said that grapes of other Cazes’ estates may be available. More news of these developments are anxiously awaited by all those excited for this new partnership. Grapes of St. Emilion are expected to be provided, in addition to grapes of the Pauillac region surrounding Lynch Bages.

This new partnership seems to be agreeable positive for both sides of the venture. In an exclusive interview with Decanter.com, managing director Stephen Bolger of Crushpad explained, ’I first met up with Jean-Michel and Jean-Charles Cazes back in 2008, and we have stayed in touch ever since. It’s been a long process, but I can’t think of a better platform for drawing a broader audience to Crushpad, or for our clients to experience what it really means to be making wine in heart of Bordeaux’. Bolger hopes that this new partnership will allow for double production of their 2012 vintage, with labeling and logistical services being provided from Crushpad headquarters in California, and Bordeaux activities managed by the Cazes family. Meanwhile Cazes of Lynch Bages expressed, ’We’ve followed Crushpad’s activities in Bordeaux with growing admiration and believe it is a very innovative concept which complements perfectly our hospitality business. We are extremely happy to be involved in this partnership, and to give our own clients the chance to fully experience the art and technique of Bordeaux winemaking and the joy of the end result.’

When you think of the top destinations that Luxury Travel Magazine published for 2012, what comes to mind? Paris, Aspen, Dubai? Not this year. Unique and exotic locations such as Jordan and Tasmania seemed to dominate the list for 2012. The question is then asked, how do such exotic, off-the-grid destinations as these rise to the top of the list for affluent travelers most likely to want to travel to? More and more affluent travelers are seeking out destinations that are adventurous, different, and informative. Travelers want to feel that they are not only learning a bit about a new destination and its culture, but of themselves as well. They want to feel that they are experiencing the raw authenticity of a culture, so they can tell (and share photos with) their friends and family later on. This idea of informative travel as a trend suggests that wine tourism might just be in the right place at the very right time.

Looking at these off-the-map destinations, wine tour operators and agents alike can learn a thing or two about how to attract new clients. First of all, it is no doubt that a good wine tour operator offers an unforgettable experience for affluent travelers who are looking to explore, learn, and discover the authenticity of the wine industry. Whether it be in the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux, or the coastal Santa Barbara wine country, in order to attract a range of affluent clients, a destination must follow the right cues and guidelines that are sure to bring in the right visitors.

Destinations that have tourist boards who partner with airlines, tour operators and travel organizations in order to bring awareness within the industry to the traveling public. And that’s not all. Online marketing strategies are huge pulls for the affluent crowds when choosing their destination. Social media are the modern approach to the good ol’ word of mouth strategy. And affluent travelers are all over social media. Nothing influences vacationers more on where to stay than a friend or family member sharing information and advice on where they “must” go or “have to” stay.

Take a recent Tasmanian campaign that featured beautiful photos of the landscape that spreads across Tasmania. These photos were placed all over social networking and online advertising sites in order to get the desirable affluent audience. They chose their target market, and they stuck with it. Affluent travelers were drawn in by the stunning photos that hinted at outdoor adventures, along with food and wine attractions. Tasmania tourism’s active social media presence encouraged and fostered the sharing of vacation photos, experiences, and commentary among other social media users, thus generating a growing spark in the Tasmania tourism reputation.

Located in the heart of old Bordeaux, L’Hôtel Particulier’s chambres d’hôtes and appart’hôtel offer guests the experience of historic Bordeaux elegance. The property itself dates back to the 18th century, and is entirely renovated, maintaining the elegance that has graced its walls for centuries. There are rather unique and romantic characteristics that L’Hôtel Particulier offers guests, suggesting lots of old world charm whilst maintaining comfortable and modern amenities. Described as being “Parisian chic in the heart of Bordeaux”, one can assume that this new boutique hotel is likely to become a hot spot for travelers during their holidays in French wine country.

Boutique hotels cannot be described with lesser terms of endearment than chic, luxurious, personal, or exquisite, among many. And neither can this hotel. This new gem, ideally placed in the center Bordeaux, is described as having the feel of staying in a mansion, or a luxury retreat. Beautiful decor, accommodating facilities, and some of the friendliest staff you might find in Bordeaux, L’Hôtel Particulier should not be missed. Just a few steps from the beautiful Cathedral St. Andre and other central Bordeaux sites, this hotel has it all.

For more information ask Decanter Tours about booking your next wine tour vacation with a stay at this fabulous new hotel.

A new guide book written by Adam Ruck has recently caught our eye. It is the tale of France On Two Wheels that follows Ruck’s journey through the French country side and hidden rural gems, all on a bicycle. Not only does this guide serve as a practical tool for those who venture into the back roads of rural France, but it is an inspiring story that has the ability to capture the inner explorer in all of us. At one point or another, it is safe to say that most of us have dreamed of cycling from Paris to Provence; down the Loire from its source to the sea; Lake Geneva to Normandy; the pilgrimage route between Burgundy and the Pyrenees; and from the Cevennes to the Atlantic coast via  donkey trail and the Tarn gorges. Adam Ruck did just that.

Best of all, along the way, Ruck was able to pause for wine tastings, countryside lunches, extraordinary châteaux visits, and b&b’s that could take your breath away. All of his adventures, hardships, good wine, fantastic food, and wonderful experiences have been recorded into France On Two Wheels, which we hesitate at calling a guide, as it is rather a collection of stories that inspire us to hop on a bike and go explore the rural regions of our beloved France ourselves.

His bit on Chateau Yquem was notably interesting. He accounts on the massive landscape that surrounds the château, of which was rather mesmerizing upon arriving by bicycle. His friendly greeting, which was rather unexpected on his part, was particularly noted. As expected, his visit in the famous château was every bit as reputable as he had imagined. In his guidebook, he states, “At last we came to the holy of holies, the tasting room.  A bottle of 2007 stood on the counter.  Anne opened it, and poured.   Not a communion-sized sip with a wafer, but a glass of generous proportion.  Anne invited us to find hints of mango, passion fruit, vanilla and honey.  There was another taste that came through strongly: money.”

Ruck’s guide is available online, give it a gander and get inspired!

Vinexia.fr for Château Cantemerle

It’s good news for wine drinkers: The 2011s from Bordeaux are likely to please the senses and tickle the tongues, as they are described as being lovely and better-than-expected.

Robert Parker states ” …tasting 2011s was more fun than I thought-despite the unusually mediocre summer, the wines are ripe, deeply colored, very aromatic, generally quite pure, medium weight, and with higher acids than the two great years of 2009 and 2010…the bottom line is that the vintage is better than I expected….” (erobertparker.com – on Mark Squires’ blog, March 2012)

Check out Decanter.com’s reports on more 2011 Bordeaux en primeur.

The 2011 Cos d’Estournel  is “‘just managing to stay on the right side of ‘fresh’. It has decent concentration but this is no 2009 and its lack of force is replaced by a charm and open knit personality. Sure it lacks a bit of zip but this is very good quality.’ according to London merchant Fine & Rare. This opinion may reflect upon Cos d’Estournel 2011 bottle being released at half the price of the 2010.

Yesterday, Cos d’Estournel released its 2011 for €108 per bottle. Cos d’Estournel is known for being one of the most renowned and even notorious wines of the Medoc. Many critics have praised the 2011 for its quality and taste, despite a circulating opinion that Cos d’Estournel has not quite done enough to measure up to their tripling in price from 2009, and therefore this price point is much more appropriate for the château.

Decanter gave the wine 4 stars (18 points).

If you’re a travel agent, wine tour operator, or just a tourist of the Bordeaux wine region, you may know that Sunday visits can be tough. That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of Margaux châteaux that offer visits on those oh-so-challenging Sundays.

And of course, here at Decanter Tours, we’d be more than happy to assist you on your next wine tour. Any day of the week.

Sunday 22 April

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

d’Arsac (Arsac)

Sunday 29 April

Prieuré-Lichine (Cantenac)

 d’Arsac (Arsac)

Sunday 06 May

Prieuré-Lichine (Cantenac)

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 13 May

Prieuré-Lichine (Cantenac)

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 20 May

Prieuré-Lichine (Cantenac) 

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 27 May

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Clos de Bigos (Soussans)

Prieuré-Lichine (Cantenac)

Sunday 03 June

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Lascombes (Margaux)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 10 June

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

d’ Arsac (Arsac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Boyd-Cantenac (Cantenac)

Sunday 17 June

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

 Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 24 June

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 01 July

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 08 July

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail  (Cantenac)

Boyd-Cantenac (Cantenac)

Sunday 15 July

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Haut-Breton-Larigaudière (Soussans)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 22 July

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Cantenac-Brown (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 29 July

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Des Graviers (Arsac)

Sunday 05 August

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Cantenac-Brown (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 12 August

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

d’ Arsac (Arsac)

Haut-Breton-Larigaudière (Soussans)

Sunday 19 August

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Cantenac-Brown (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 26 August

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 02 September

Pontac-Lynch (Cantenac)

 Boyd-Cantenac (Cantenac)

Sunday 09 September

Haut-Breton-Larigaudière (Soussans)

Lascombes (Margaux)

Desmirail (Cantenac)

Sunday 16 September

Des Graviers (Arsac)

Boyd-Cantenac (Cantenac)

Sunday 23 September

Kirwan (Canteanc)

Clos de Bigos (Soussans)

Sunday 30 September

Kirwan (Cantenac)

 Boyd-Cantenac (Cantenac)