Just before noon on the September 1st we arrived in the heart of Bordeaux, France alongside the beautiful 18th Century Bourse after a morning's sail in perfect weather up the Garonne River, with the vineyards of the Medoc to the south of us. After lunch, we set off to explore the medieval village of St. Emilion, driving through some of France's premier wine country. A walking tour of the village included a visit to Europe's largest monolithic cathedral followed by a wine tasting at a local Chateau. (See the photo of grapes!)
In the evening, we departed for a special dinner at the elegant Chateau Beychevelle, one of the leading wineries of the Bordeaux region. The setting at the Chateau could not have been more delightful, with local wines served as an aperitif on the terrace in full view of the river where sailing boats coming into Bordeaux used to have to lower their sails -- hence the name of the wine. As we were serenaded by a classical string trio, a six-course dinner with several wines from the Chateau took us well into the night. The second photo shows the reception.
