Itinerary
The busy three-day programme includes both Left and Right Bank visits to the Graves, St Emilion, Pomerol, the Médoc and Sauternes.
Wednesday 12th November 2008
Join the tour in Bordeaux at Merignac Airport, where luxury coach transportation will be waiting to take the party to the first appointment.
Our first visit is to the legendary Chateau Haut Brion, in Pessac-Léognan, the only First Growth outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 classification. True to reputation, these remarkable wines set a benchmark for tastings to come.
We then cross to the Right Bank of the Garonne River to Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Le St James’ in Bouliac where head-chef Michel Portos will prepare a gourmet lunch for us.
This afternoon we visit one of St Emilion’s most prestigious estates - Chateau Cheval Blanc which heads this region’s classification as 1er Grand Cru Classé A along with Chateau Ausone. An unusual predominance of Cabernet Franc makes them unique in the St Emilion appellation.
Afterwards we visit one of the stars of Pomerol: the highly acclaimed Vieux Chateau Certan.
We will be met by owner Alexandre Thienpont who will guide us through his prized wines.
We then continue to the historic town of St Emilion, to check into our hotel the Hostellerie de Plaisance. There will be free time to explore this enchanting town with its maze of cobbled streets, monuments and churches. Classified as a world heritage site, the town boasts an impressive monolithic church and medieval keep plus many tempting wine shops.
A delicious five-course dinner is included this evening at the hotel’s fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant prepared by gastronomic chef, Philippe Etchebest, and accompanied by a selection of their finest wines.
Overnight at the Hostellerie de Plaisance, in Saint Emilion.
Thursday 13th November 2008
Buffet breakfast is included at the hotel before we check out.
This morning we drive north of Bordeaux to the Médoc where a fantastic line up of visits awaits us. We start with the elegant Chateau Margaux where we will see their impressive cellars and cooperage before tasting several different vintages of their exquisite wines.
We then continue to Pauillac where a gourmet lunch awaits us at the delightful Second Growth, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. This charming property was recently acquired by the Louis Roederer Champagne House. Our host for lunch will be Gildas d’Ollone.
After lunch we visit Chateau Mouton-Rothschild with its impressive barrel hall and unique collection of wine artefacts. A tasting of recent vintages will be conducted by Baroness Rothschild’s sommelier, Monsieur Garcia.
We then visit Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, which is surrounded by immaculate gardens and vineyards. Here we shall witness the pride behind the label at this highly esteemed estate.
Afterwards, we continue to Pauillac and check into our second hotel Chateau Cordeillan Bages. A gastronomic dinner is included tonight at the hotel’s award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant, prepared by well-known chef-proprietor Thierry Marx.
Overnight at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages, near Pauillac.
Friday 14th November 2008
Buffet breakfast is included at the hotel before we check out.
This morning we visit Chateau Latour, whose imposing tower stands monumental in front of the Gironde Estuary. We will see their state-of-the-art winery before comparing recent vintages in their professional tasting room.
Our final visit is to the iconic Chateau d’Yquem, in Sauternes, home of Noble Rot and the delightful sweet wines that issue from it. Pierre Lurton has invited us to be his guests here for a private lunch reception with Yquem wines.
After lunch we transfer to the airport where the tour ends.
Hotels:
Hostellerie de Plaisance, 4* Luxury Relais & Chateaux (St Emilion)
Our first night is based at this luxurious hotel in the centre of historic St Emilion. All the rooms are sumptuously decorated in a classic style; each has an en suite bathroom, television, minibar and safe. Some rooms are accessed by lift to the recently refurbished annexe. There is an outdoor terrace with fabulous views over the town. Talented chef Philippe Etchebest runs the gastronomic restaurant and there is a bar in the main salon. The hotel also has internet access.
Hotel Cordeillan Bages, 4* Luxury Relais & Chateaux (Pauillac)
Our second night is at this delightful hotel, set in an 18th century mansion surrounded by vineyards, in the heart of the Médoc. The spacious rooms, overlooking a central courtyard garden, have been furnished in a contemporary style and are well equipped with en suite bathroom, television, mini-bar and safe. There are several comfortable salons to relax in whilst the elegant fine-dining restaurant provides the focal point of creativity for chef-proprietor Thierry Marx. There is internet access, a swimming pool and fitness room.
Price:
The price of £2,550 per person is based on two people sharing a superior double / twin room.
A single supplement of £245 applies, based on the sole occupancy of a superior double room.
Upgrades are available upon request and availability.
The price includes:
· Two nights accommodation in 4* Relais & Chateaux hotels in a superior category room.
· Two buffet breakfasts
· Three lunches with wines
· Two dinners with wines
· Visits and tastings at Chateaux as described
· All transportation as described by executive coach
· Two members of the Fine & Rare team to host the tour
· Bi-lingual tour guide, Rebecca Mitchell who has lived and worked in Bordeaux and is knowledgeable about the region and its wines. She has completed the WSET Diploma course.
Recommended Flights:
Please note that travel to and from France is not included. If you require assistance booking flights please contact Tastes of Italy (see details below). The following flights are recommended if travelling either from the UK or Paris:
Outbound - Wednesday 12th November:
· British Airways flight BA 7983 departs London Gatwick (North Terminal) at 07:00
Arrives Bordeaux Mérignac airport at 09:35 (local time)
· Air France flight AF 7620 departs Paris Charles de Gaulle at 07:15
Arrives Bordeaux Mérignac airport at 08:30 (local time)
Return – Friday 14th November:
· British Airways flight BA 7988 departs Bordeaux Mérignac airport at 16:50
Arrives London Gatwick (North Terminal) at 17:20 (local time)
· Air France flight AF 7629 departs Bordeaux Mérignac airport at 16:00
Arrives Paris Charles de Gaulle at 17:20 (local time)
Please note, these routes and timings may be subject to change at the airline’s discretion.
How to Book:
This tour is organised by Fine & Rare Wines Ltd through independent luxury tour operator, Tastes of Italy Ltd. To reserve your place(s) and request a booking form with terms and conditions please Tel: +44 (0)20 88743490 and ask for: Tastes of Italy Director, William Goodacre, mentioning ‘Fine & Rare Wines’.
Places are limited on this tour and bookings can only be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form accompanied by full deposit payment of £950.00 per person. Please note the following address for all correspondence and inquiries about your booking:
Contact: William Goodacre
Address: Tastes of Italy Ltd,
9 Lydden Road
London SW18 4LT.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8874 3490
Fax: +44 (0)870 169 5324.
Email: wg@tastesofitaly.co.uk
A minimum number of 10 participants is required for this tour to proceed. The deadline for receiving bookings is Monday 14th July 2008. In the unlikely event that insufficient bookings are received, your monies will be refunded in full.
It is important when booking your arrangements to join the tour NOT TO CONFIRM or pay for your flights (or other transport) until your holiday has been confirmed in writing.
Important Information You Need to Know:
Items not included
· Travel to and from France
· Holiday Insurance
· Passport & Visa expenses
· Optional excursions
· Personal expenditure
Protection of Monies
In accordance with the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992, Tastes of Italy Ltd. Protects all payments in a Trust Account. In the unlikely event of the insolvency of Tastes of Italy, this means your payments to us are protected. All monies are held in trust until the completion of your holiday or the end of our services to you, which will be specified on our confirmatory invoice.
Insurance
It is a condition of your booking that you are insured against medical and personal accident, to include medical repatriation if necessary and delay at points of departure for your outward and homeward travel.
Passports
Holders of a British Citizen’s passport should ensure that the passport is valid until after the date of their return. If you should need a new passport please inquire at your local Post Office or at your nearest Passport Office at least 8 weeks before your departure. Application forms can also be requested at the UK Passport Agency website www.ukpa.gov.uk. For general inquiries to the UK Passport Agency please call 0870 5210410.
Visa
Participants must be in possession of a valid passport. Holders of a British Citizen’s passport do not require visas for travel to France. Other passport holders should check with their local French Embassy or Consulate for further information.
Health
At the time of writing no vaccinations are compulsory for travel to France. Further information on health can be obtained from the Department of Health who produce a free leaflet (T6) which covers EC countries and can be ordered by telephoning 0800 555 777, or by visiting their website www.doh.gov.uk/travel. If you are in doubt you should consult your GP or Local Health Authority well ahead of your date of departure. You should also ensure you obtain an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to medical treatment under agreements between member states of the EC. Please note that from 1st January 2006, E111 are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is by applying online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers. You can also apply by telephone on 0845 6062030 or pick up an application form at the Post Office.
Accommodation
Please note that the star ratings used are those awarded by French Authorities. Please note that grading systems differ between countries within Europe and comparisons between standards within France itself do vary from region to region and may be higher or lower than other countries you may have travelled to. On occasion it may be necessary to change the hotel advertised. In this event we will use a hotel of equal standard and you will be advised at the earliest opportunity.
Dietary Requirements
Please speak to us prior to confirming your booking if you have any particular dietary requirements. Late notice of dietary requirements will incur a £25 administration fee.
Special Requests
We are happy to comply with your special requests whenever possible. When it is possible for us to guarantee a special request we will do so by written confirmation to you .