The Super Weekend of Wine Tasting

A unique wine event in Bordeaux
and a trip to Champagne, plus Paris

In May 2008, wine lovers from around the world will have an entire weekend to indulge their passion for Bordeaux wines. This third annual event, hosted by some 100 local winemakers, will include tastings of the greatest Bordeaux wines, dinners, visits to famous chateaus and, most importantly, meeting the men and women who make the great wines of Bordeaux.

Through the weekend, the owners of world-famous Grands Crus will invite wine enthusiasts to taste their wines under conditions normally restricted to trade professionals, the wine press, and wine distributors. This is an ideal opportunity to mingle with ambassadors from the great chateaus in a warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere and deepen your knowledge and appreciation of some the most famous wines in the world.

To crown this amazing event, a short trip to Champagne is on the schedule on the way back and you will also get to spend some quality time in Paris.

MAY 2008 TOUR
(Actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Tuesday 13: Departure and overnight flight to Paris

Day 2 - Wednesday 14: Paris to Bordeaux. Arrival at Paris airport and travel by TGV (high-speed train) to Bordeaux.

Day 3 - Thursday 15: Bordeaux. Spend the day relaxing or visiting downtown Bordeaux on your own. The city center is easily accessible on foot. It offers many opportunities for visits (the cathedral, old town, the opera house, etc.) and has excellent shopping. Public transportation is available on a brand new, state-of-the-art tramway system. Downtown Bordeaux is reminiscent of Paris in many ways, but it is smaller and more affordable. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a downtown restaurant. During the meal, a wine expert will present the Bordeaux region and its wines and will discuss pairing food and wine, how to serve wine, wine storage and other related subjects.

Day 4 - Friday 16: The Médoc Experience. The Médoc is one of the world's most famous wine regions. Today you will follow the Route des Grands Crus. You will drive past several chateaus with prestigious names such as Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, Lynch Bages, etc. And, of course, there will be wine tastings with a sampling of local specialties. Three of the 1855 Grands Crus Classés and one Cru Bourgeois are planned on the itinerary that day: Chateau Prieuré-Lichine, Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, Chateau La Tour de Bessan and Chateau Kirwan. Return to Bordeaux by early evening. Dinner on your own.

Day 5 - Saturday 17: The Big Event. Over 100 Grands Crus to taste and discover under one roof (see list of participants on side bar). Each chateau will present two vintages: the already legendary 2005 vintage and another of their choice between 1997 and 2004. In the evening you will participate in a gala dinner at a Grand Cru wine estate in either the Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Saint Emilion or Pomerol region during which the chateau owners will present their wines.

Day 6 - Sunday 18: Wine and Heritage in Saint-Emilion. Saint-Emilion hardly needs an introduction. The entire area was the first wine region to be listed as a World Heritage Site. The town has conserved its old walls and gateways, as well as several prestigious archaeological sites. Described as "the nectar of the gods" by King Louis XIV when he visited the area, the wines of Saint-Emilion are warm, generous and full-bodied, with a rich, deep color. Made mostly from Merlot grapes, they acquire a highly distinctive bouquet as they age.

After breakfast, departure for Saint-Emilion for visits and tastings at two of its Grands Crus wine estates and a country-style buffet/brunch. Enjoy the quaint atmosphere when strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets of this picturesque medieval village. Return to Bordeaux in the late afternoon. Dinner on your own.

Day 7 - Monday 19: Bordeaux to Paris. Morning departure for TGV train trip back to Paris. The rest of the day is at leisure for a visit of the "City of Light" on your own.

Day 8 - Tuesday 20: "Paris, here I come!" Today, you have your own keys to the city. Lose yourself in the Parisian experience. Explore, discover, have fun!

Day 9 - Wednesday 21: Champagne Adventure. Early morning departure for Epernay, the heart of champagne country, to discover the history and secrets of the mythical drink also known as the "King of Wines"! Guided visit of Moët & Chandon cellars and wine tasting. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch in Mutigny, a charming hilltop village overlooking the vineyards.

In the afternoon, visit the production facilities of the Champagne de Castellane: vats, bottling lines, galleries, packaging room, museum, etc. Depending on the schedule, you may have the opportunity to see champagne makers at work. Wine tasting and free time. Return to Paris by 8 p.m.

Day 10 - Thursday 22: Morning transfer to Roissy/CDG airport. Departure to the U.S.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Highlights

• Wine tastings in Médoc and St. Emilion
• Super Weekend wine tasting event
• The city center of Bordeaux
• Champagne houses in Epernay
• Leisure time in Paris

Included

• 8 nights in midrange/3-star hotels with breakfast
• Motor coach on May 16 - 18 and May 20
• TGV (high-speed train) Paris/Bordeaux/Paris
• Transfers to and from airport/hotels/train station
• 2 dinners, 2 lunches and 1 buffet/brunch
• Wine expert presentation on May 15
• Visits and wine tastings as listed on itinerary.

Not Included

• Transportation to and from Paris airport
• Personal expenses
• Health and travel insurance
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included"

Prices: From $3,250 per person, double occupancy, for a small group. Single supplement: $990. Prices may be adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations.

    

We have visited all the regions and cities on this itinerary. See pictures from our trips:

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