Take it from me, even if you aren’t a wine connoisseur, taking a wine cruise is magical.  I don’t claim to know a great deal about wines, but the cruise I went on gave me a real appreciation for what goes into making the various wines.

The cruise itself is so leisurely that you automatically slow down and “smell the roses”.  There aren’t that many large towns on the Bordeaux itinerary, so you get up and close with the people who make their living on the land.  

Depending on the time of year you go, you can see the grapes as they grow, or later during the harvest and crush you get to see the process by which they are transformed from grapes to wine.

I went in October, so the harvest was just about over and they putting the grapes into large vats to begin the process of winemaking.  It’s part old world, with the grapes being harvested by hand and 21^st century as they blend the grape juices to create the wines you will be able to buy later.

Of course, one of the benefits of visiting the vineyards is the tasting room.  Fortunately you will not be asked to drive the boat.  Some of the wines you taste may be purchased there.  In some of the wineries, they aren’t distributed in the United States, so if you find one you like-best purchase it.   

Let’s get started on planning your next great adventure – learning about the great wines of Europe.

Call me at 314/644-8691 to discuss this exciting trip.