If you know the name Bordeaux it is probably from a wine bottle. The region is synonymous with quality wine and has over eight thousand vineyards. Most are open to visitors and provide excellent tours and tasting sessions. Viticulture is the life blood of the area and so it makes a great trip for the novice and keen enthusiast. Finding the best Bordeaux wine tours depends on your knowledge and love of wine.
The Bordeaux region has become the largest wine producing region of France because it is blessed with soil which is ideal for grapes. On any trip to the area you will hear all about the soil and how it affects the taste of the different grapes. Even within Bordeaux there are a large number of separate growing areas each with their own characteristics.
Even in this one area there are different types and qualities of wines to taste. The river area is home to the vintage and top quality wines are their soils are richest. Then there are the left and right banks. For the novice it is probably best to choose a tour which incorporates a little of everything.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
A typical tour of a vineyard will include tasting as well as visits to the cellars, vat rooms, barrel rooms and of course, the vines. They normally last around ninety minutes and so it is quite easy to visit a few in one day. Smaller growers will do the tasting with their visitors and love to talk about their passion with interested parties. Larger wineries have hospitality staff.
Before planning a trip be sure to check with an agent about when to visit. There are a few times of year when wineries are closed. In January they are usually occupied with blending and do not take visitors. The first week of April is also off-limits to non professionals. This is when the experts are in town and tasting the latest offerings. Every other year there is also Vinexpo which takes up all producers time.
The city of Bordeaux is ancient and interesting. The architecture is stunning, in fact it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visitors can spend days exploring the city so it is always an option to tag this onto a wine tour. Why not enjoy the local gastronomy and some more booze while soaking up the culture?
To find the best tour for you is really easy. Lots of companies offer package deals which include winery visits, guides, transport, accommodation and even some meals. They can also design packages specifically for you. The area has lots to offer in addition to wine so you could include a visit to a Medieval village or a spa or some nature, the options are endless.
The Bordeaux region has become the largest wine producing region of France because it is blessed with soil which is ideal for grapes. On any trip to the area you will hear all about the soil and how it affects the taste of the different grapes. Even within Bordeaux there are a large number of separate growing areas each with their own characteristics.
Even in this one area there are different types and qualities of wines to taste. The river area is home to the vintage and top quality wines are their soils are richest. Then there are the left and right banks. For the novice it is probably best to choose a tour which incorporates a little of everything.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
A typical tour of a vineyard will include tasting as well as visits to the cellars, vat rooms, barrel rooms and of course, the vines. They normally last around ninety minutes and so it is quite easy to visit a few in one day. Smaller growers will do the tasting with their visitors and love to talk about their passion with interested parties. Larger wineries have hospitality staff.
Before planning a trip be sure to check with an agent about when to visit. There are a few times of year when wineries are closed. In January they are usually occupied with blending and do not take visitors. The first week of April is also off-limits to non professionals. This is when the experts are in town and tasting the latest offerings. Every other year there is also Vinexpo which takes up all producers time.
The city of Bordeaux is ancient and interesting. The architecture is stunning, in fact it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visitors can spend days exploring the city so it is always an option to tag this onto a wine tour. Why not enjoy the local gastronomy and some more booze while soaking up the culture?
To find the best tour for you is really easy. Lots of companies offer package deals which include winery visits, guides, transport, accommodation and even some meals. They can also design packages specifically for you. The area has lots to offer in addition to wine so you could include a visit to a Medieval village or a spa or some nature, the options are endless.
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