Eastern Airways has, since September 2010, opened a new flight from Bordeaux to Burgundy, Dijon airport.  Operating two outward bound flights a day, more on Fridays and Sundays, it is a very easy way to explore both France wine tour destinations in one vacation.   Charter flights are availble for up to  29, 37 or 50 people.  Check out their low fares and let us organize your Bordeaux – Burgundy wine tour. Final incentive… assigned seating, free checked bags and they serve tea and coffee on board, what more could you ask for?

To prepare for another day of eating and drinking, I started my day with a 10k cycle on the path which links Sauveterre de Guyenne to Lacanau.  I have the great fortune of living about 2 kms from the most beautiful and shaded part of the path.  There are numerous stops and watering holes dotted along the path.  A great day out for all ages!

Our wine tasting day starts at a Grand Cru Classe property on the limestone slopes of St Emilion. Chateau Franc Mayne boasts several kilometers of underground quaries which make this area so unique.

We followed our visit by a light lunch on the terrace of the Relais & Chateaux Hostellerie de Plaisance in the town center.  The Michelin starred restaurant is open only at night but the privileged few who know about it can dine overlooking the cobble stoned streets of St Emilion.

The view is fantastic from the terrace of Hostellerie de Plaisance.

American owned Chateau Fonplegade was our last stop.  We had a quick comparison of 3 of their 6 chateau with the two wines from Fonplegade.   The day ended with fireworks of course over La Tour du Vieux Port in Libourne.

Bastille Day Fireworks in Libourne

Stay tuned, tomorrow we go to the Medoc and have a fantastic lunch at the Relais & Chateaux Cordeillan Bages where young chef Jean Luc Rocha is following of from the acclaimed Thierry Marx who left for greener pastures this spring.

So far since the beginning of the year Decanter Tours has hosted  over 150 clients on wine tours in Bordeaux. Over 150 people have left Bordeaux more educated on the wines and the properties.  Why dont you join them?  There is still time to organize your Bordeaux holiday for September or even October.

Following is a sample of just one of our Bordeaux wine tours. We can easily adapt this to your schedule and your choice of chateaux.  Contact us for more details.

Wednesday

10:30 am     Meet Mary Dardenne in the Lobby of Cordeillan Bages. Depart for Margaux.

11:00 am      Visit and tasting at Chateau Margaux, Margaux.

12:00            Lunch at Pichon Longueville Baron, Pauillac            

2:00 pm      Visit and tasting at Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac.

3:30pm        Visit and tasting at Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac.

4:45             Transfer back to Cordeillan Bages.

Thursday

10:00 am      Visit and tasting at la Mission Haut Brion, Pessac.

11:00  am      Transfer to St Emilion and Hostellerie de Plaisance.

12:00  pm       Lunch at L’Envers du Décor, St Emilion

2:30  pm          Visit and Tasting at Chateau Petit Villages, Pomerol.

3:30  pm         Visit and Tasting at Chateau la Conseillante, Pomerol.

4:45  pm         Transfer back to Hostellerie de Plaisance.

Friday

10:30 am       Visit and tasting at Chateau Cheval Blanc, St Emilion.

12:00 pm       Lunch at Clos du Roy, St Emilion

2:00 pm        Visit and tasting at Chateau Figeac, St Emilion.

4:00 pm       Visit and tasting at Chateau Angelus, St Emilion .

Saturday

Morning free to discover St Emilion and its multitude of boutiques.

3:45 pm       Transfer to the Bordeaux airport, Merignac

Visits, like the vines at Cahteau Kirwan and Prieure Lichine are only enhanced by sun. The 2010 vintage looks to be a good one but don’t hold your breath. A lot can change between now and September depending on Mother Nature!

I love my job! This weekend I get to accompany three English journalists on a foodie press trip through one of France’s gastronomic capitals, Bergerac. The Perigord is full of charming half timbered houses, roling hills and truffels. Today was an education on the Bergerac terroir and apellations with a tasting at two wineries. Tomorrow the real fun starts. We are up early for a truffel hunt and cooking with truffels. Can’t wait!

Visits at Chateau Pape Clement start with the history of the property. Each chateau has a story to tell. Rich in architecture and culture, Bordeaux has so much to offer the wine enthusiast.
American-owned Haut Bailly is an exceptional cru and they have an exciting new project!  They have just hired a new chef and can propose lunches and dinners for small groups.  A rare treat in this area!

Explanation of the grape varieties at Pape Clement

Pape Clement