Day 1
Arrival Day/Bordeaux/The Grand Hotel de Bordeaux and Spa*****
Arrive at your leisure to the city of Bordeaux. Our hotel is conveniently located in the center of the city. Tonight you are on your own to discover the many restaurants, brasseries and bistros or to enjoy the gastronomic cuisine of Le Pressoir d’Argent right in our hotel, Th.

Day 2
Margaux/Chateau Rauzan-Segla/Chateau Beychevelle
Today we begin with a drive to Margaux on the left bank of the Gironde where we are welcomed for a visit at Chateau Rauzan-Segla - a 2nd cru classified estate. After a gourmet picnic lunch, we’re off on our bikes for a warm-up ride through the vineyards of the Medoc to Chateau Beychevelle. With its lovely gardens and overlooking the Gironde River, Chateau Beychevelle is our home for the next 2 nights - a cru Classé estate not open to the public. Tonight’s dinner begins with aperitif on the patio(weather permitting) and dinner prepared by the chateau’s chef.

Day 3
Chemins des Chateaux/Pauillac/Clerc-Milon
This morning’s ride takes along the gently rolling “Chemins des Chateaux.” We’ll cycle by world class chateaux like Lafite, Mouton Rothschild and Latour. Toward the end of our ride, we’ll be welcomed at Chateau Clerc-Milon in Paulliac, a Baron Philippe de Rothschild property. Here, we’ll get a chance to see and taste what makes their wines so special. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4
Ferry to the right bank/Wine School/Michelin 2** Chef Philippe Etchebest at Hotellerie de Plaisance*****
This morning we head to Lamarque where we will cross the Gironde Estuary by local ferry. We begin cycling through the Cote de Blaye, the Cote de Bourg and Pomerol on our way to Unesco World Heritage Site St. Emilion. We’ll enjoy a private “introduction” to the Bordeaux wines by Patrick, our local expert. Then, it’s dinner at one of the finest tables in France at the Hostellerie de Plaisance.

Day 5
Satellite Villages of St. Emilion/Chateau Canon
Today, we head north to explore the satellite villages of St. Emilion. We’ll cycle through endless vineyards and tiny villages with beautiful views of the Bordeaux countryside. Today’s option is a short one so that you can explore St. Emilion at your leisure in the afternoon. Before dinner, we will visit Chateau Canon - a first cru classé estate and just steps from our hotel.

Day 6
Entre Deux Mers/River Riding/Les Sources de Caudalie
This morning we begin our day by some beautiful river riding along the Dordogne on our way “between the two seas” to Martillac. We have a chance to visit the Abbaye de la Sauve Majeur - a ruin from the days of the Knights of the Templar - along the way. For those wanting a little pampering this afternoon, a visit to the spa at Les Sources de Caudalie awaits! Our last night in this beautiful region begins with a cocktail in the Tower overlooking Smith Haut Lafitte winery followed by our final dinner in the hotel’s casual restaurant La Table du Lavoir.

Wednesday, November 13
Arrival Day/Domaine Lafarge/Bistro de L’Hotel
Rendezvous at noon at our home for the week: Chez les Fatien. This elegant manor home has been beautifully restored and is conveniently located inside the walls of historic Beaune. Our small group of 8 will be the only guests in this exclusive “hotel particulier.” After lunch in a local restaurant in Beaune, Chantal and Frederick Lafarge greet us at Domaine Lafarge for a private visit and tasting at their winery in Volnay. Dinner tonight is at one of our favorite restaurants in Beaune - Bistro de L’Hotel.

Thursday, November 14
Margaux/Chateau Rauzan-Segla/Chateau Beychevelle
Today we begin with a drive through the Cote de Nuits, visiting the famous pinot noir villages and vineyards. We are welcomed for a visit by our friends Francois Millet and Jean-Luc Pépin at the renowned Domaine Comte Georges de Vogué in Chambolle-Musigny where we’ll get the rare opportunity to taste in their cellars. Then, it’s off to Aloxe-Corton for a delicious tasting lunch at Comte Senard. After a full day in the Cote de Nuits, it’s time to enjoy Michelin starred dining at the Hostellerie de Levernois.

Friday, November 15
Vineyard Walk/Hospices de Beaune Cellars/Maison Alex Gambal
TThis morning is a chance to see the vineyards up-close with a walk above Meursault and views over the Cote de Beaune. Then, after a catered lunch at Maison Alex Gambal, Alex himself leads our tasting of the barrels that will go up for auction in the Hospices de Beaune cellars, followed by a visit and tasting in his own cellar.

Saturday, November 16
Market Day/Palais de Congres/Private Dinner in Orches
Early risers can visit the beautiful Beaune marché before heading to the Palais de Congres where you will taste wines from some of the best producers from each village in Burgundy. It’s an opportunity to taste with nearly 100 different producers! The afternoon is yours to enjoy with celebrations going on throughout the streets of Beaune. This evening is a special dinner at the Gambal’s home, high atop the cliffs of Orches, with our own private chef and the promise of some delicious wines from our personal cellar.

Sunday, November 17
Comparative Tasting/Hospices de Beaune Auction/Ma Cuisine
We begin our last day together with a comparative vineyard tasting of several wines. The discussion is led by a two of our favorite winemakers - and some of the best tasters in the business. Lunch is at Place Ziem where we enjoy Burgundian specialties (escargots, cheeses, charcuterie, foie gras, oysters and crisp white wine) in the church. Then it’s off to check-out the Wine Auction in the Place des Halles - just steps away. Our final dinner is at one of the most popular restaurants in Beaune - Ma Cuisine. Fabienne and Pierre make us feel like we’re guests in their home. Did I mention the wine list??

Monday, November 18
Early Morning Departure

TOTAL COST (per person in double occupancy): $5,200.00
Single Supplement: $1000
Maximum Trip Size : 8 Guests

Cost Includes:
Van Rental (and associated transportation costs)
5 Nights Hotel
All breakfasts
All lunches
4 Dinners with wine
Welcome cocktail on Wednesday night
3 Private wine tour/tastings
Entry to: Palais de Congres tasting, Hospices de Beaune Tasting (at Cuverie), Hospices de Beaune

Does Not Include:
Transportation to/from Beaune at trip start/end.

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