From every day table wine to some of the most prestigious bottles in the world, the average winery in Bordeaux produces more than 700 million bottles a year, making the region, literally, a wine-lovers paradise.

With more than 8000 vineyards in Bordeaux you never have to travel far to be at the heart of this thriving industry.

We explore three of the best wineries in Bordeaux, this beautiful region of France.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Not only is this magnificent chateau home of one of the world’s greatest red wines, but it is also a museum displaying the unique artworks used for the labels and vinous artefacts. Located in the village of Pauillac in the Medoc, 50 km northwest of the city of Bordeaux, this tremendous wine estate stretches across a vast 203 acres of grape vines made up of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateau de Pitray

For the last 600 years the Chateau de Pitray has been owned by the same family, the de Boignes. The current heirs, the Count and Countess de Boigne are committed to combining family traditions and heritage with modernity and progressiveness, so that this sublime chateau and winery remains at the heart of Bordeaux wine culture and tourism.

Located on the clay-limestone plateau of Gardegan, 8km from Saint-Emilion’s famous steeple, the Pitray vineyard covers an area of 37 hectares of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. The chateau itself stands on 100 hectares of stunning fields and woodlands and orchards. Given its beauty and unerring passion for impeccable attention to detail, it is hardly surprising that the Chateau de Pitray has been the inspiration behind many 19^th century novels.

Chateau Palmer

Finesse and elegance is at the heart of the Chateau Palmer, which has been characterised as being the “softness and refinement of silk, the warmth of velvet, and the leather of noblesse.” This truly exquisite estate produces unusual combinations of grape varieties, which unquestionably make Chateau Palmer one of the extraordinary complex wineries in France.

Since 1938 just two Bordeaux families have owned the Chateau Palmer, both of which have been committed of passing down a tradition of excellence from generation to generation. Today, as well as there being an obvious devotion to maintaining the tradition and heritage of the chateau, the estate is in-keeping with the 21^st century and is home to many modern events, including music festivals throughout the year- Meaning Chateau Palmer caters for many diverse tastes and not only in the wine it produces.

September may sound like a long way away but if your holiday in Bordeaux extends into September, and you are a lover of French wine, you may be interested in attending the Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise 2011.

Being the largest producer of wine in France, Bordeaux is home to a multitude of wine festivals, tours and cruises. Although despite there being a large section of activities in Bordeaux influenced by wine, the Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise is a one-of-a-kind tour.

Taking place on September 1 2011, guests of the cruise will be taken on a relaxing voyage on the Gironde Estuary, the Dordogne River and the River Garonne, taking in some of the most splendid scenery this particularly beautiful region of France has to offer on a comfortable and air-conditioned hotel barge.

Talking about the luxurious nature of the Wine Cruise, Jan Acorn, owner of Gateway Destinations, organisers of the Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise said:

“With a 3-to-1 staff to guest ratio while cruising, guests will be pampered as they enjoy delicious regional cuisine prepared by our personal on-board chef. Servers are English-speaking and available to assist you throughout the day, but a self-serve wine and coffee bar is also available as an added convenience. The personal wine connoisseur will not only educate guests about the renowned Bordeaux wines, but will also lead an in-depth discovery of culture, history, gastronomy, and traditions of this rich region.”

Although wine is the main focus of this remarkable journey and guests will be introduced to some of the most sensational and delectable wines of the Bordeaux region by the Bounties of Bordeaux Wine Cruise’s personal wine connoisseur.

Your adventure on the Bounties Barge Cruise will not stop there, as this remarkable opportunity to witness the best countryside in the Dordogne includes a three night stay in a cosy, charming and rustic farmhouse hotel.

During the days not spent cruising down some of the most picturesque rivers in France, guests can spend their days exploring the truly tremendous and scenically diverse landscapes the Dordogne is blessed with.

Guests are also invited to spend a day truffle hunting whilst learning about the local delicacy.

Held every 2 years, the festival is set along the 2km stretch of the Garonne River waterfront a UNESCO listed world heritage site and features wines from 80 appellations from Bordeaux to Aquitaine as well as major Bordeaux brands. For those of you who don’t know, the festival celebrates wines made from regional grapes such as Saint Emilion, Fronsac, Pomerol, Medoc and Graves.

Bordeaux Wine Festival

The four day festival comprises lots of events including tutored tastings and food workshops by top chefs and the best noses in the business.

In terms of food, you won’t be disappointed… in three dedicated pavilions expect to find lots of Landes and Foie Gras, dry cured ham from the Basque country, and oysters from Arcachon Bay.

Aside from the finest foods and wines, you’ll also find french fashions, art, dancing and live performances from some of Bordeaux’s top musicians.

Featuring the finest Bordeaux wines

Prices:

Tasting Passes – from €15 for 12 tasting tickets

Vineyard pass – from €55 to €90

Every day you can join one of the many excursions to various parts of the wine country including Saint-Emilion.

When it comes to accommodation, please call our experienced team to find out what’s available on 01954 261 431.

Here are just a few options:

Le Manoir du Vignoble, Pomport, Bergerac  (sleeps 14)

Le Manoir Du Vignoble

Maison Le Seguinie, Martel  (sleeps 8-10)

Maison Le Seguinie

Bareyts, Amou (sleeps

Bareyts