Tailor Made Wine Tours

Burgundy - Beaune – 2 days 1 night arrival by train in Dijon.

Day 1 (mid morning)

Meet guests off the train at Dijon. Drive south out of the city and into the vineyards at Marsannay La Cote. Stopping in a vineyard Brendan will explain the geological and historical origins of these famous vines. Depending on arrival time, late morning cellar visit and tasting in the village of Gevrey Chambertin or wine tasting in the vineyard.

Simple Bistrot lunch or picnic if weather permits.

Following lunch – either full cellar visit and tasting at Domaine Rossignol Trapet , makers of some of the best pinot noirs in the region, or visit the monastic winery at Clos Vougeot then pilgrimage to the vineyards of Romanée conti.
Mid afternoon visit and tasting at Domaine Lucien Jacob near Savigny les Beaune. Succulent reds and classic whites from several appellations.

Arrival at your hotel in the heart of Beaune at 17h30. Brendan will then show you around the old town ,on foot, and recommend one of the excellent local restaurants.

Dinner and night in Beaune.

Day 2

Pick up around 09h00. Short drive south into the vineyards of the Cote de Beaune and through the villages of Pommard, Volnay and Meursault to the Grand Cru vineyards of Le Montrachet. Brief wine talk from Brendan outlining their historic origins then into the village of Puligny or Chassagne for a cellar visit then tasting of these delicious whites. Lunch could be in a great restaurant in the village of Chassagne (called Le Chassagne) or at Olivier Leflaives in Puligny for a wine-tasting lunch.

Following lunch a quick visit of the Hospice de Beaune with Brendan acting as guide.

Return drive back to Dijon to connect with late afternoon train or leave at hotel in city.

Note Brendan is very happy to assist in Hotel and restaurant selection as well as help in travel arrangements to and from the region.

Beaune - La Cote D’Or in a day

09h30 pick up from your hotel in Beaune and head south on the N74, Route des Grand Crus. Brendan will stop in a vineyard near the village of Volnay to introduce you to a pinot noir vine and explain local viticulture. Continuing through the prestigious village of Meursault and into the rocky parcels of vines that producers some of the most exquisite chardonnay in the worlds. The grand Cru vineyards called “Le Montrachet” is considered by many to produce the finest white wine in the world.

10h30 In the village of Puligny Montrachet we are welcomed into a family run winery. An extensive tour of the cellar including barrel tasting follows. A bottle tasting of the family wines completes the experience.

12h30 Lunch in the nearby Auberge du Vieux vigneron, presided over by the charming Jean-Charles Fagot, to sample frog’s legs ,snails , fresh water crayfish and many other local specialities.

14h00 While Brendan drives time for a quick siesta as we head north to the vineyards on the Cote de Nuits. After passing through Nuits St George we leave the main road and once again get in amongst the vineyards. The first village is Vosne–Romanée, its grand Cru vineyards produce the best pinot noirs in the world. The tiny vineyard called Romanée Conti belongs exclusively to the Domaine of the same name. We follow the Grand Cru vineyards of Richebourg, Grand Echezeaux and Musigny till we pass the monastic winery at Clos Vougeot. Quick photo call then we carry on through Chambolle and Morey till we arrive in Gevrey Chambertin.

15h30 Met by David and Nicholas Rossignol we visit the prestigious cellars of Domaine Rossignol-Trapet. They produce superb pinot noirs from Gevrey and surrounding villages. Barrel and bottle tasting in their cellar with commentary from Nicholas.

17h00 Return drive to Beaune arriving back, exhausted, at hotel around 17h45.

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A Taste Of Chablis

Mecca for lovers of dry white wine. This northern most region of Burgundy is famous for the flinty crisp white wines coming from slopes around the town of Chablis. Brendan has friends amongst dozens of small family producers as well as privileged access to the most prestigious Domaines. A day in his company and your appreciation of this wine will change forever.

09h30 Brendan picks you up from your hotel, in a comfortable vehicle, and drives you up into the Grand Cru vineyards to admire the panoramic view over the town of Chablis and its vineyards. A perfect spot to learn about the ancient monastic origins of these vines and a good spot to get to grips with the term “terroir” – the essence of Burgundian wines.

10h30 A private visit to a family run winery. After introductions you will be given a guided tour of their winery and, depending on the time of year, maybe get to taste the previous years wine direct from the barrel.

11h00 The moment you’ve been waiting for…amongst the barrels and vats a collection of bottles of the family’s finest Chablis, including 1er and Grand Cru, ready for tasting.

12h00 Back in the town of Chablis, chance for a bit of shopping to pick up some bread and cheese for a picnic lunch if the weather permits. Otherwise plenty of choice for a delicious lunch in the local bistrots , wine bars or gourmet restaurant.

14h00 RDV with Brendan for a short drive into a near by vineyard covered valley. Here in a walled medieval village we meet another delightful family of vignerons. This is the village of St Bris, recently famous for being awarded it’s own appellation for the delicious sauvignon grown here. Wine has been produced here for centuries and we go underground to taste wines in the family’s 700 year old cellars.

15h30 We emerge, blinking , back into the family courtyard. A short stroll amongst the old houses then a quick drive into the cavernous labyrinth like quarry at Bailly, famous for its stone and more recently it’s “methode champenoise” Cremant de Bourgogne. Quick tasting at its enormous bar, hewn out of the rock.

16h30 Back above ground and a scenic drive along the Yonne River past the village of Vincelottes, and its monastic wine warehouses, through the pinot noir producing village of Irancy and back into the sea of vineyards around Chablis.

17h30 Return, exhausted but culturally enriched, to your Hotel.

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The full Chablis tasting Experience.

For groups of up to 12. 
A complete tasting tour of northern Burgundy.
2 complete days of vineyard visits, meetings with local wine producing families and extensive wine tastings.
Guests will be staying in ‘Maison de la Reine’ a half timbered house dating from the 12th century, history recalls that Marguerite de Bourgogne, queen of Scicily,Naples and Jerusalem once lived here, it has seen renovation over the centuries and is now very comfortable and accommodating, there are 6 bedrooms, three double and three twin rooms all with modern ensuite facilities.
Guests are expected to arrive on the Thursday afternoon at ‘Maison de la Reine’ where you will be welcomed by your host Avril Rose. After settling in, time to explore this enchanting house then maybe stroll around the village of Ligny le Chatel, which is situated 9kms from the famous wine village of Chablis in the heart of Burgundy.

Thursday Evening
19h00 we rendezvous at the house, where, over a glass of local wine, you will meet Brendan, your wine guide. He will introduce you to the region and outline the itinerary for the weekend.
19h30, whilst enjoying a gourmet 4 course meal, he will enlighten you about the wines you are, and will be drinking, which grapes they are made from and how they are grown.

Friday
09h00 Depart after breakfast with Brendan in the minibus into the nearby Grand Cru vineyards overlooking the town of Chablis. Amongst the vines you will learn the importance of terroir in creating these unique wines, the monastic origins of the first vineyards and their colourful history up to the present day.
10h30 Arriving in the town of Chablis we visit a famous local winemaking family. A guided tour of their wine making facility is concluded with an extensive tasting of their wines including Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.
12h30 Lunch in the heart of Chablis at the “Bistrot des Grands Crus”. Enjoy one of the local specialities like Andouillete , escargots or Jambon à la Chablisienne.
14h00 We take the minibus and drive through the vines to the nearby village of St Bris Le Vineux. Here we visit another local family who will show us their incredible labyrinth of 12th century cellars, still in use to this day. A tasting of their excellent wines includes the newly classified Sauvignon – St Bris 2002 which is delicious!
16h00 Before returning to Ligny a quick detour to the nearby Caves de Bailly These vast caves, large enough to drive into and once used by Monks to make cheese, are now used in the making of ‘Cremante de Bourgogne’ our local Burgundy Champagne.
17h00 We return to ‘LaMaison’ to relax and freshen up before dinner.
19h00 We take the minibus to ‘La Beursaudiere’ restaurant where you can enjoy Burgundian cuisine and local wine at its best. Then back to ‘la Maison’ for coffee and to reflect on your day.

Saturday
09h00Depart after breakfast with Brendan for a scenic 45 minute drive through the local countryside to the historic site of Vezelay with it’s magnificent Romanesque Basilica. Brendan takes you on a walking tour of the village and Basilica with a tasting of local wines.
12h30 Lunch in a pilgrims hostellerie.
14h00 We leave Vezelay and wind our way back, via the Serein Valley with a brief stop in the medieval village of Noyers, to the vineyards of Chablis.
15h00 In the village of Chichée we visit a young winemaker whose wines regularly win international awards. A tour of his modern winery is completed with a tasting of his delicious wines.
17h30 Arrive back at La Maison de La Reine…. Time to relax in preparation for dinner
19h30 Dinner……

Sunday
Today, after breakfast, we say our farewells. However, for those with time, we recommend a visit to the lively Sunday morning market in Chablis. This popular local rendezvous is a great place to stock up with regional specialties such as Epoisse cheese, local Andouillette sausage and not forgetting Local wines!!

The above programme will run on selected dates through winter 2007 and Spring 2008.

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Three Day Languedoc Tour

Taking advantage of inexpensive flights from northern Europe to Toulouse, Carcassonne or Montpelier. Itinerary can be adapted to all three.

Tuesday

11h00 Toulouse (or Carcassonne) met at airport by Brendan Moore. Quick press conference then into awaiting limousine. Speed down the Autoroute des Deux Mers ( the 2 mothers motorway) and exit at Carcassonne.
12h30 Walking tour of the famous walled “La Cité” an old haunt of Brendan’s. Simple lunch in one of the numerous cafés. Chance to purchase suite of armour. Drive north east up into the rocky vineyards of the Minervois. In the medieval village of Caunes Minervois we check into the Hotel D’Alibert. Meet your host- Frédo Guiraud. Just time to freshen up then out again into the vineyards- cellar visit and wine tasting at La Liviniere. Fruity whites and seriously full bodied reds. During the afternoon Brendan will take you to visit one of his favourite spots – the cathar village of Minerve . Ensure you wear sensible footwear.
18h00 Return to the hotel D’Alibert.
19h30 Meet for aperitifs in the tiny renaissance courtyard. Dinner in the hotel –specialising in regional produce and local dishes such as Cassoulet . Washed down with delicious local wines recommended by Frédo.

Wednesday

09h00 Early departure after breakfast. Get on to the D11 at Laredorte and follow the 17th Century Canal du Midi. Visit a hotel barge at the beautiful canal port of Le Somail. Wine tasting near the village of Capestang. Suggest we pick up a baguette, cheese and a few bottles and have a picnic on the Oppidum D’Enserune, an amazing ancient Greek hilltop village, great views of the Pyrenees and Med. After lunch we bypass busy Beziers and continue to the vineyards surrounding the Etang de Thau, a saltwater lagoon famous for it’s oysters. Visit and wine tasting at St Thibery (Brendan’s old village). Take coastal road from Agde to Sete along the 7 mile beach. Pausing briefly at Cap D’Agde to get kit off to visit Europes biggest nudist community, notorious for its “swinging” night life (I’m not serious about stopping here..). At Sete we check into the Grand Hotel, right in the heart of this busy fishing port. Time to promenade along the quays with the locals (don’t forget your Ray-bans). Sip a few pastis on a café terrace before selecting one of the numerous seafood restaurants for dinner. After dinner – enjoy “ la fievre du mecredi soir” in Sete.

Thursday

Busy morning flea market in Sete. Check out of hotel after breakfast. Get onto the A9 motorway and head back west. Several choices, one stopping off at Narbonne to visit a Californian style winery called L’Hospitalet. It’s on top of hills overlooking the Med. (called La Clape). We can have a wine tasting and then lunch in their auberge then continue on to (about 2½ hours) Toulouse or stop at Castelnaudary, world capital of cassoulet (Fredo makes a good one) and recruitment centre for the French Foreign Legion (they take anyone up to 50 ). Stop here for a bowl of the famous bean stew then a stroll to let off steam down to the Grand Bassin (canal du midi) before getting back into the car. Short drive into the most Italian of French towns Toulouse. Explore the beautiful red brick town centre on foot, it will be relatively quiet being a sunday, take in a few of the historic monuments or people watch in one of the numerous cafes in the main place.

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Alsace

Too often overlooked , for me, Alsace is one of the most fascinating wine regions of France.

The vineyards start in the foothills of the Vosges mountains and finish in the flood plain of the Rhine valley. The Vosges mountains act as a barrier to the cooling and precipitation influence from the Atlantic giving the region a unique warm dry climate. The geological map of the region resembles a phsychedelic poster from the late 60’s. It’s complicated. Add to that the fact that in Alsace, unlike Burgundy with just 2 main varieties, there are 12 grape varieties spread over 120 AC regions of production. Unlike other wine producing regions of France it is the grape variety that dominates the label. The main ones are Sylvaner, Reisling, Pinot noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and the exceptionally aromatic Gewurztraminer.

There is also the tumultuos history of the region from the time of the Romans to the recent struggles with the neighbours to the east. The towns and villages , inspite of having suffered terribly in the last 2 wars, are idyllic and beautifully maintained. One could spend a week solely exploring the 2 main cities of Strasbourg and Colmar. The cuisine is delicious and wonderful restaurants abound.

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