Tours of Languedoc, Roussillon and Catalonia

Vineyards, Castles, the Sea and Superb Restaurants

Grapes For a number of years, as many of you will very well know, I have taken Vineyard & Gastronomy tours in the Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne wine producing areas of France. The advantages of a recently acquired family house in the Languedoc region has given me the opportunity to research this area and to develop a new and very exciting addition to my wine tours.

For those new to these tours I build them to enjoy not only many of the great vineyards but also to see the other principal sights of the region chosen.

The Region

Think of the France you once knew and come there with me. The region was for long somewhat neglected though it produced a massive amount of ordinary day to day wines. However for the past few decades a new breed of wine grower and maker has been developing some magnificent wines here. They are of many grape varieties and shades of colour. They all have one common denominator and that is their cost which is a fraction of all other classic wine producing regions in France and, indeed, throughout Europe. Add to this a beautiful and unspoilt rural and coastal countryside littered with glorious towns, villages and breathtaking chateaux and fine mansions and you have the opportunity for a wonderful tour in glorious country. Oh yes and there are many good restaurants. Anyone for oysters?

Tailor made Tours

My tours will be, as ever, "bespoke" and made to your particular requirements Thus I can only give you an accurate costing when you have given me your essential wishes as far as duration, style of accommodation and activities are concerned That said and as usual I strongly advise putting together a group of family and friends to take advantage of the financial savings which such parties can obtain. I will, of course, continue to assist smaller parties from a couple to, say, three couples I would suggest that the optimum number is from 12 to 20 travellers.

Transportation

I have now secured the services of a dedicated French provider of small (and somewhat larger) vehicles with excellent English speaking drivers. I will, as usual, accompany, guide and manage each tour.

Accommodations

I am able to offer you a range of excellent accommodations from Grand Luxe hotels to private arrangements in chateaux, elegant mansions and even romantic farmhouses.

Vineyards

Petrus I will introduce you to some of the new "greats" in the region as well as some of the other smaller producers whose development should be watched with care. Most of these producers are selling their wines at a considerably lower price than comparable wines from elsewhere in France. Many of these should be bought to lay down against the future. You would be unlikely to get such an opportunity again once the costs start to spiral upwards. Let one example suffice:- one of the producers whom we will visit provides his wines to no less than 66 Michelin starred restaurants. His top wine in a recent "blind" tasting beat the mega prestigious Chateau Petrus. Petrus retails at thousands of dollars per bottle while this particular producer's top wine retails at around $50 per bottle. The message is clear: "Fill Your Boots" and buy as much as you can lay your hands on!

Caveat

The Languedoc & Roussillon are simple regions with few super de-luxe facilities. For those who would wish for these more than for simplicity it is a simple matter to arrive at Marseilles and to explore the Provencal coast and hinterland and depart from Barcelona whose international glamour status is unquestioned. Please see my ideas for the Extension to Catalonia.

Related Websites

You may wish to have a look at some related websites of services and facilities which I use and can recommend.

For very special wines: www.domainechabanon.com
For vineyard tours with whom I will coordinate your tour: www.vinimundi.com
To buy a wide range of wines: www.aufilduvin.com
And of course our old friend: www.libertyroad.com

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