The Wineries of Bordeaux France

Recently, I was staying in the beautiful city of Bordeaux, France. Even though I knew very little about wines or how they are produced, I decided to take advantage of the fact that I was in the heart of one of the most prestigious and well known wine production districts in the world. I wanted to try to visit as many wineries as I could and taste different varietals. But as a typical tourist, I didn't even know how to do that. My hotel conceirge told me about the Office du Tourisme. They handle all things tourist and they speak english!

Although this was not the favorite of all my wine exploring experiences, I must say that I learned a great deal. The guide was phenomenal, switching back and forth between french and english. Also, by going on a group tour, I was able to visit several wineries on the same day. This (I found out later), would be very difficult to coordinate on my own without knowing the language. Not to mention the fact that I knew very, very little about french or any other kind of wine at this point.

There are several different regions surrounding the city. Each region focuses on the producion a specific type of grape because of the type of soil that may exist there. So, on this particular day, there was a tour available to the north, a red region, mostly cabernet vines and it was leaving in ten minutes. Off I went on a bus filled with people from all over the world.

My first trip to the countryside and the sights were amazing. Most of the wine growers are considered wine chateaus which are basically castles. I mean, real, live castles. The kind you dreamed of as a child and imagined Cinderella getting to live there happily ever after kind of castle. I didn't realize this at first because as the tour guide was explaining this chateau phenomenon, I was already seeing what appeared to be castles, everywhere. I have to say that France is probably one of the most beautiful and romantic places I've ever seen. I soon learned, however, that these were not the chateaus he was referring to. When we finally started to pass by the real thing, I was blow away by the beauty.

Not only are they beautiful, these chateaus are mostly family owned estates built in the 1800s and have been passed down over the generations along with all their secrets. For such a spontaeous trip, it was amazing to get a glimpse into the world of the Bordeaux Wineries. These tours were given by one of the owners, usually a family member. They began by walking us around some of the estate and explaning the entire process. From harvest to crushing and fermentation, to pressing and bottling and everything in between. The tours ended with a tasting and an opportunity to purchase the wine (as long as you could drink it before getting on a flight back to the US).

This being first of my experiences in Bordeaux wine country (or any other country for that matter), was amazing!

A Lil' Taste of California, on the Cuff

I love the experience of visiting wine country and tasting different varietals. So, here are a few places you may visit in California, especially if you'd like to propose a toast to the current state of the economy; 'Heres to a few tastings for free!'

Visit Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guernville. Offering free cellar tours lasting about 50 minutes including a peek into vintage vaults and of course a discussion on how its made. Tastings are complimentary.

Visit two in Calistoga for a free sampling; Frank Family Vineyards where you may try up to five different wines and August Briggs, where you may also try a stem from four or five different bottles.

In the Napa Valley's Mt. Veeder region, join the Hess Collection Winery for a 2-for-1 complimentary tasting daily, 10am-4pm. They are also offering discounts for certain purchases.

In Yountville... "The Heart" of Napa Valley, Goosecross Cellars is offering two for one tasting on weekdays from April through December!

Check with these wineries directly regarding current offerings as there is no telling how long these freebies will last. Visit the wine country today!

Gondolas, Garden Walls, Fountains and a Carousel

Flowers and statues lined the borders of the Jardin du Public in Bordeaux, France.

A gorgeous architectural wall stood along the main portion of the park. It was long, tall, ornate and had flowers, pruned shrubs and ivy growing all around it.

Carousel, geese and walking bridges. A romantic, peaceful and relaxing place. I wish I could post all the photos.

Gondolas, Garden Walls, Fountains and a Carousel

Flowers and statues lined the borders of the Jardin du Public in Bordeaux, France. See my previous blog below.

A gorgeous architectural wall stood along the main portion of the park. It was long, tall, ornate and had flowers, pruned shrubs and ivy growing all around it.

Gondolas, Garden Walls, Fountains and a Carousel. Romantic!

Carousel, geese and walking bridges. A romantic, peaceful and relaxing place. I wish I could post all the photos.

Jardin Du Public - Bordeaux, France

Jardin Du Public

A public garden in Bordeaux, France is completely gated and open daily. A gorgeous park and botanical garden with fountains, geese, gondolas, green lawns, flowers and bridges. There is a functionl carousel and an amazing garden wall.

I'm including more photos. ;)

Unbelievable beauty! I accidently stumbled upon it while out walking the city one day. I visited the park on several occastions. On some days it was romantic, couples lounging on blankets or flirting on the carousel. On other days, lots of teenagers hanging out or reading. Weekend days you'd see bicyclers, tourists and children on the carousel. I barely ventured into the botanical area, there was so much to see.

I can't imagine having this in my neighborhood in the US. I wondered if it was taken for granted by some. A public garden, a lovers meeting place, a recreational retreat, a place of study and a natural beauty.

"Fine young wine"

I heard this phrase while in Bordeaux, France, touring the countryside and its finest wineries. Although, I'm no Sommelier (wine expert), I have always understood that wines are best when aged to their prime.

In France, however, I learned that some wines, if made from exceptional quality grapes, can be superior even at a young age. So, there are some wines in particular that may be more desirable than others (and taste unbelievably better), even though they may be no where near their prime, nowhere near as pricey or not be produced by a well known, experienced wine grower.

So, I now find myself living in a new city (Los Angeles, California) where I often feel like a fish out of water. The economy and the world have changed and I've gotten a new outlook on life. Things seem almost backwards at times. Instead of buying the most expensive, most well known brands. I am now exploring an appreciation of the little things, the chic, the newer, the less expensive. I still acknowlede the magnificent, the outstanding or the more exceptional. I also look for the same splendid quality and often to my surprise, I have found something more desirable, more exquisite, less expensive and probably not from a well known brand.

I am often reflecting upon on my experiences in the countryside of France and the simple yet beautiful way of life there. I'm drawn to this romantic idea and constantly finding ways to integrate it into my daily life.