September 16-27, 2008

~    I T I N E R A R Y   ~

This tour has strategically been planned to coincide with the beginning of Bordeaux’s harvest, as well as the weekend of St Emilion’s world renown harvest festival.  There will be many “insider” opportunities to see all the activities of the harvest…from the field to the winery.  We will also visit the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region where quality is increasing dramatically and values abound.  The beautiful Dordogne Valley (famous for gourmet products such as foie gras and truffles, in addition to the caves of Cro-Magnon man) will be included as well.

 Trip Highlights:

September 16:   A Fairy-Tale Wine Chateau Fit for Royalty                                           

       Morning:   The trip begins in downtown Bordeaux.  You will be transferred to our sumptuous guest quarters in a wine-making chateau completely surrounded by vineyards.  Seminar on the “Wines of the Medoc.”

 Afternoon:  Lunch at a popular local bistro frequented by winemakers.  Then, a private tour and tasting at one of the area’s top-rated wineries.

 Evening:  Private dinner in the spectacular formal dining room of Chateau Beychevelle with its winemaker.

September 17:  A Day of World-Class Cabernet in the Medoc

  Morning:   World class may be an understatement as today we visit Chateau Latour.   Known for producing consistently exceptional wines, Latour has received accolades from the international wine press around the globe and is considered to be one of the world’s top wines.

     Afternoon:  Lunch on your own at one of the many waterside bistros in Paulliac.   Next, a pilgrimage to what many consider “mecca:”  Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.   In addition to a private tour & tasting, we also will visit Baron Rothschild’s museum housing a priceless collection of wine-related art---a visit here is an absolute must for any wine lover!  

    Evening:  There’s no better way to end this star-studded day in the Medoc than with a dinner at Chateau Lagrange.   Dining at Lagrange is always one of the highlights of former Wine-Knows trips.

September 18:    Bordeaux’s Graves & Sauternes Districts

 Morning:   Seminar on the “Wines of Graves and Sauternes.”    Then a private tour and tasting at one of France’s most distinguished wineries, Chateau Haut Brion.  Internationally renown as one of the pinnacles of wine-making, Haut Brion even has its own cooperage on site.

  Afternoon:  Lunch on your own in a typical wine-making village followed by a private tour and tasting at Lillet.  Made from Bordeaux grapes, Lillet is France’s most popular aperitif.  Next, a private tour and tasting at one of Sauternes most noted wineries.

   Evening:  Dinner at a quintessential restaurant in the village of Sauternes, noted for its classic regional dishes. 

September 19:   More Prestigious Grand Crus 

   Morning:   Free time.  If you wish you can join the pickers in the fields  Or, simply relax on the chateau’s spectacular grounds and gardens.

  Afternoon:  Lunch in the celebrated wine village of Margaux at a restaurant overlooking the illustrious Premier Grand Cru vineyards.  Then, a private tour and tasting at another distinguished chateau that produces internationally renown wines.  Visit to a supermarche (supermarket)…a perfect spot to buy gifts for foodie friends at home.

  Evening:  Free time.  Free time.  Enjoy a quiet dinner in the local village on your own, or join others in the group on the terraces of the chateau for a “pot luck” picnqiue from items procured at the supermarche.

September 20:     The Harvest Festival                                                                                                                                            

Morning:  Seminar on the Wines of St. Emilion and Pomerol.  Bid your adieu to the Medoc region as we move to the St. Emilion and Pomerol districts of Bordeaux.  We have timed our visit perfectly for it is the weekend of St. Emilion’s legendary harvest festival.

 Afternoon:  Michelin star lunch on a hilltop terrace overlooking a sea of vineyards.  The food is the best in the region and there is simply no view in the entire wine countryside that can compare.

 Evening:  Free time. 

September 21:    France’s Most Beautiful Wine Village

The entire day and evening are free to soak up the splendor of medieval St. Emilion. 

September 22:   Ducky in the Dordogne                                                                                                    

 Morning:  Seminar on the “Foods of the Dordogne Valley.”  Visit to a duck and goose farm located in Perigord, considered by many as the best place to eat in France.  But, this is not just any farm.  This famous farm has been known to host many of Europe’s Michelin star chefs who come to learn about foie gras and the farm cuisine of yesteryear.   A tour of the farm is scheduled along with a demonstration of foie gras preparation.

 Afternoon:  Lunch on the farm.

 Evening:  Dinner on your own in the spectacular city of Sarlat.   With some of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the country, Sarlat has served as the movie set for numerous historical films. 

September 23:   The Dordogne’s Dramatic Beauty                          

  Morning:  Croissant cooking class.   Lecture by a local historian on the area’s pre-historic caves where Cro-Magnon man was discovered, followed by a guided tour of the finest example of Paleolithic cave paintings (dating from 12,000 BC) that are open to the public.

  Afternoon:  Lunch on your own in a charming riverside town where the movie Cocolat was filmed.   Then, a visit to Domme, an ancient town splendidly perched on a hillside about the magnificent Dordogne River.

   Evening:  Dinner at our farm of Perigord specialties.

September 24:  Outdoor Market and Michelin Star Nirvana                                                    

  Morning:  Visit to one of France’s most famous outdoor markets filled with vendors selling the best of Perigord : ducks, geese, wild mushrooms, foie gras, truffle products, and beautiful local crafts. 

  Afternoon:  We’ll be overnighting in a marvelous 13^th century hill-top town.  Off-the- beaten-path, this charmer provides a perfect stop to view the life of centuries past without the maddening crowds.   And, the town has a Michelin star chef.  We’ll visit the chef’s “Sugar Museum,” where every elaborate article has been constructed from sugar.

  Evening:  Michelin star dinner---save room for dessert as they are the chef’s specialty.

September 25:   Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Country 

  Morning:  Today we journey to the Mediterranean Sea through the Languedoc –Roussillon wine country.  France’s largest producing wine region, this area is undergoing a renaissance in quality.  Very well made wines are available for a fraction of cost of Bordeaux.  Seminar on the “Wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon.”

 Afternoon:  Visit to one of the area’s leading wineries.

   Evening:  Dinner on your own in Collioure, our drop-dead gorgeous home for the next two days.

September 26:  Mediterranean Splendor

The entire day is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of this post-card perfect artist colony.

 Evening:  A special farewell dinner at a Michelin star restaurant overlooking the sea.