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 vast majority of wine produced in the area is red. Only about ten percent is white or rose. This is partly due to the soil and climate. The south west of France is a limestone region with well drained gravel soils. There are three major rivers which irrigate the land and replenish nutrients.
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.
Besides wine the area has lots to offer. The city is a World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture and lots of cultural activities. There are walking tours and plenty of museums to keep the visitor happy for days. It is possible to add on extra time before or after a wine package to enjoy the city and its surroundings
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 vast majority of wine produced in the area is red. Only about ten percent is white or rose. This is partly due to the soil and climate. The south west of France is a limestone region with well drained gravel soils. There are three major rivers which irrigate the land and replenish nutrients.
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.
Besides wine the area has lots to offer. The city is a World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture and lots of cultural activities. There are walking tours and plenty of museums to keep the visitor happy for days. It is possible to add on extra time before or after a wine package to enjoy the city and its surroundings
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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment