Nico + Crew - Claret Drinking On-Location, Bordeaux 2011...

[NicoG]

Evening PH!

I have recently developed a real interest in fine wines and bought some investment wine last year for Nico Jnr 1st Birthday....

Reading around the subject, I discovered that most Chateau release their new wines around April-May time.

Consequently I thought it might be a good idea to happen upon the Bordeaux area around this time, combining the visit with a hoon (obviously) and maybe even to escape the crap surrounding some wedding I've heard is occurring around that time....

Having aired my brilliant idea in the pub last weekend, I am happy to report that, not surprisingly, it was met with tangible enthusiasm by several of my peers, and I have been tasked with coming up with an actual ''plan'' rather than the original and frankly half-baked ''let's drive to Bordeaux and get hammered on wine...''

Open to the idea of camping, chateau, hotel accommodation - plan would be 3 -4 nights I guess, Ferry from Pompey to Le Havre.

Can anyone suggest a way of actually getting this half organised? are there company with lists of vineyards in the Bordeaux region which might allow us to sample their produce? I certainly plan to visit Beychevelle as that's one of the wines I bought...

Suggestions of accommodation would also be most welcome as well as places who might run tours or hire bicycles and indeed any other relevant advice

What say thee?

Thanks in advance - Nick.

[mad4amanda]

BIL lives in Bordeaux (city)will ask him for some recommendations.

Edited by mad4amanda on Tuesday 11th January 19:09

[Justman]

http://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/le-rela...

We stayed here a short walk away from St Emilion. As it is a Chateau you can have a wine tour of their vineyards and sample their wines. Not a hotel, but plenty of restaurants are in town. However they do plates of meats & cheeses you can order in the evening & some lovely vino!

You're right in the middle of it here. We toured neighbouring Chateau's & everyone was very welcoming. We had a free tour of Chateau Canon that was amazing. Very friendly.

Also the town has wine shops every corner you turn.

Forgive me for getting carried away but it will always be special to me & my wife as in the back garden of the Chateau is where we got engaged.

[NicoG]

Thanks both.

That Chateau looks fantastic, if not a bit pricey...

Not suprised you felt a bit frisky in that environment !!

I guess if we're gonna bit cycle-based then staying ''centrally'' in the region is key...

Nico

[mad4amanda]

Spoke to FIL last night funnily enough he said St Emilion as well he spent a couple of days there last week after driving BIL home from new year said the chateaux were wonderful and the wine sublime !
Will still get some recommend for other places to visit for you.

[steve2]

I visited a few vineyards in St Emillion with Round Table a few years ago and ended up staying in a huge house with a Cooper who showed me round his factory,
lovelly area and great wine