BORDEAUX WINE CRUISE APRIL 2017

JOIN DON NUNN, TASTE OF WINE TV WRITER ON A FABULOUS RIVER CRUISE THROUGH THE VINEYARDS OF BORDEAUX FRANCE IN APRIL OF 2017.

TasteOfWineTV.com is pleased to offer our dedicated readers, courtesy of its newest wine travel writer Don Nunn, a special discounted pricing opportunity for an April 2017 River Cruise in Bordeaux, France.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

AMAWATERWAYS – TOP OF THE LINE EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE COMPANY

BOUTIQUE CRUISING – ONLY 74 STATEROOMS

FINE DINING WITH ALL MEALS INCLUDED ON BOARD

COMPLIMENTARY LOCAL WINE, BEER & SOFT DRINKS WITH LUNCH & DINNER

WINE HOST STEVE CASS, OWNER OF CASS VINEYARDS IN PASO ROBLES, CA

TASTEOFWINETV’s OWN DON NUNN ON BOARD & AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS FRANCE, FRENCH TRAVEL, & BORDEAUX WINES & TERROIR

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This River Cruise provides an outstanding travel opportunity to obtain intimate acquaintance with the fabulous Bordeaux wine producing region of France on a specifically wine themed cruise aboard a luxury boutique vessel.  This Cruise will be April 13-20, 2017, embarking from and returning to Bordeaux.
With many famous wine terroirs in France, Bordeaux is undeniably the granddaddy of all wine destinations in the world.  Without exaggeration, Bordeaux stands alone at the top of the list of the world’s most celebrated wine producing regions.
Bordeaux is located on the mighty Garonne River, just before it enters the Gironde Estuary.  The Gironde Estuary is the largest in Europe, and is formed when the Dordogne River to the north meets up with the Garonne River just northwest of Bordeaux.  The Gironde Estuary is fifty miles long as the confluence of the two rivers flows into the Atlantic Ocean.  At the mouth of the Estuary it is almost 8 miles wide.  This Bordeaux River Cruise will explore famous wine appellations on both banks of the Estuary, as well as well as Libourne and Saint Émilion on the Dordogne River and Bordeaux and Cadillac on the Garonne River.

BORDEAUX WINE RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY OVERVIEW

BORDEAUX
Bordeaux worldwide name recognition is due to its wines, being the world’s wine industry capital.  It is also a major seaport and capital of the Aquitaine region of Southwestern France.  Bordeaux has been producing wine since the 8th century.
CADILLAC
From Cadillac, on the Garonne River, there will be an opportunity to taste the famous sweet wines of the Sauterne appellation nearby, and to visit Roquetaillade Castle.  Château de Roquetaillade  has a historical connection to many famous names, including Charlemagne, who built the first fortification here, and Viollet-le-Duc, who was in charge of the complete restoration of the “new” Roquetaillade Castle (originally constructed in the early 1300’s) in the 1860’s.  The Château has been owned by the same family for over 700 years, but is open to the public.

You might wonder if there is a connection between the name of this village and our well known automobile of the same name.  The French village was named by Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur (sir) de Cadillac (born in the area), who came to the new world as an explorer in the 1680’s, rose to importance, later founded Detroit, and was the Governor of Lousiana (at the time a very large area of what later became the eastern and central part of the United States) from 1710-1716.  The Cadillac division of General Motors, and Cadillac, Michigan, are both named after him.
PAUILLAC
Located on the west bank of the Grionde Estuary, the Pauillac appellation contains several of the most famous names in the wine world, among them Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, and Chateaux Latour.  The predominant grape varietal in Pauillac is Cabernet Sauvignon.  However, as in much of the Bordeaux Region, most of the wines contain small amounts of one or two other varietals for a blend that the British refer to as Claret, as did James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever, when he was served with his “Bombe Surprise”.  Grand Cru Classé wine tasting will, of course, be on the “Menu”.
BLAYE
Blaye is located on the east bank of the estuary, roughly opposite Pauillac.  This area is hillier than the Medoc region across the estuary.  Red, white, and rosé wines are produced in this area.
LIBOURNE
Located on the Dordogne River, there will be on April 18 a choice of several shore excursions, from Château exploration, to visiting a Bastide Town and traditional market,  to Fronsac Appellation wine tasting.  
SAINT ÉMILION
On April 17, there will be an excursion to Saint Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   Saint Émilion is a must see medieval village full of character and charm.  Hundreds of miles of underground caves have been excavated over the centuries for storing the wine produced in the vicinity.  There are many interesting shops to visit, and a Roman road runs right through the vineyards just outside of the village.  There will be Grand Cru Classé wine tasting (the best of the best).  I am incredibly excited to have this opportunity to return to Saint Émilion.

If you do your own research you will find that AmaWaterways is highly rated, receiving professional reviewer comments such as best value for cruise dollar, newest ships, larger cabins, and better food.
Cruise Lines typically offer significant discounts for bookings made well in advance; and for the services offered, the value is outstanding, especially if booked by April 30 of 2016.  Earlier booking also means greatest stateroom choice.  And on a boutique river cruise you won’t be overwhelmed by hordes of passengers.  This French River Cruise represents an amalgam of opportunity to taste and learn more about the unsurpassable wines of Bordeaux, visit beautiful and interesting French destinations, including castles and medieval villages, obtain insight and consult with wine experts, and enjoy fine dining, all while traveling in comfort on this specifically wine themed cruise.

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