Bordeaux France - January 2021 - Dave's Travel Corner

France is one of the world’s top and most recognized wine producing countries. The wine from parts of the country is legendary – and Bordeaux is certainly among the countries’ most well-known wine regions. It is the home to a number of world class chateau’s with instant name recognition including all of the First Growths.

There are over 8000 chateau’s/wineries in Bordeaux – the main wine regions are separated into the Left Bank and the Right Bank and regions within these physical locations are further sub divided into appellations.

The city of Bordeaux itself is worth a visit – with a few museums including one that focuses on wine from the region, a relaxing wide walkway along the Garonne River including wildly popular Miroir d’Eau which alternates between sending out steam and water from its plumbing below the surface of the concrete.

But the main attraction of this region are the wines and the impressive accompanying Chateaus – especially the dominating Chateaus on the Left Bank, namely the Medoc region. Charming towns also dot the landscape on both banks including St. Emilion, Libourne and St. Julien and Pauillac.

One memorable Chateau visit is to Château Siaurac. Book a tour of the estate with proprietor Paul Goldschmidt and a sit down lunch prepared on site by their estate chef. Alternatively consider a visit to the town of Cognac where this popular drink originates from. The producer Camus offers an in depth hands on blending session and educational component – where at the end your final blend is bottled for you to take with you.

We were original exposed to Bordeaux on a Viking River Cruise (Châteaux, Rivers & Wine) – and on another trip, revisited numerous chateaus on our own: For more information about their specific Bordeaux Food and Wine cruise visit: http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/index.html

For more information visit the official Bordeaux Tourism website: www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk