The story of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classe, began in the 14th century, when Verrier du Dubosc signed deeds for this estate. At the time, there were vines planted on the estate. George Smith, a Scottish wine merchant, acquired the property in the mid-18th century.

Later, in 1842, Mayor of Bordeaux, Lodi Martin Duffour-Dubergier, acquired the chateau. It has become an exceptional grand cru.

Florence and Daniel Cathiard, former Olympians, fell in love with the estate in 1990. The winery and the estate underwent a major renovation.

Today, at the chateau besides highly regarded red and white wines, you will find a luxury hotel and a spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a wine bar, all surrounded by vineyards, forests, manicured lawns, and open-air art exhibits.  

From the web: Rich, meat-oriented regional dishes with Bordeaux wines, in a cozy space with wood & brass features.

From the web: Small cafe with whimsical decor, specializing in open-faced sandwiches & cheesy casseroles.

Classified Saint Emilion 1st Grand Cru Classe A, Chateau Pavie is one of the top four wineries in Saint-Emilion. A wine tour to Chateau Pavie is one of the rare opportunities to visit one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux and in the world.

Chateau La Gaffeliere is classified as Saint Emilion 1st Grand Cru Classe B. The estate is one of the top wineries in Saint-Emilion. Besides its excellent wines, in my opinion, the chateau has the most attractive fermentation room in the whole Bordeaux wine region.

Excellent, diverse wines and a great value for money at this small winery. You get to taste several wines by Group Vignobles K, which owns several wineries on the Right Bank in a tasting room overlooking the hills of Saint-Emilion. The winery experiments with new fermentation method, when grape juice ferments directly in a new oak barrel. 

This chateau represents the Right Bank appellation of Pomerol, the smallest in Bordeaux, but the most famous one. Chateau Beauregard is a neighbour of the iconic Petrus and Chateau Le Pin producing the most expensive wines of Bordeaux.

I like to suggest this chateau because it offers the unique experience of visiting underground cellars, which used to be limestone quarries for over 800 years.  

The chateau offers an immersion into the history of Saint-Emilion. Recommend selecting the “Privilege Tour”, an extended wine tasting experience.  You must taste these excellent examples of Merlot wines grown on limestone soils, made by the team of Chateau Villemaurine, and beautifully served on a terrace with views Saint-Emilion.

Innovative winemaking approach meets tradition at this family-owned winery in Saint-Emilion.  The young generation of the Todeschini family has an appealing philosophy of creativity, making wines for people, and a sustainable approach to winemaking. A surprising chance to taste unusual white wine M de Mangot with an overpowering aroma of pears made of Chardonnay, Colombard, and Roussanne. There are also rose wines. In my opinion, the star of the show is the red wine called Todeschini Chateau Mangot. 

From the web: Artfully plated, seasonal dishes in a 16th-century stone house with a tree-shaded patio.

The chateau is at the top of the Bordeaux hierarchy.  It is one of the five Bordeaux first growth wineries according to the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.  In 1787, Thomas Jefferson visited the present-day Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and allegedly bought three bottles there. Today, the wines of the chateau are some of the top-ranked wines in the whole of France and one of the most expensive wines in Bordeaux.

During the 2.5 hours visit of the chateau, besides touring the impressive winemaking facilities of the chateau and a tasting, you will be shown Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s collection of wine-themed art pieces, and the original paintings and art objects that have been displayed on the labels of Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

Rural charm and authenticity can be found at this family-owned winery. Sample 5 different grape varieties from barrels and follow by the final blend of the five.  

This chateau is an absolute gem of Sauternes, an area where unique legendary sweet wines are made. Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey was classified as the First Growth in 1855, just one level down from the only Superior First Growth Chateau D’Yquem, the legend of Sauternes. 

Constructed in 1851, this chateaux must be one of the most impressive castles in Bordeaux.  Unfortunately, during the tour, you don’t get to go inside the castle, but just the picture opportunity alone is worth coming or at least stopping by. 

However, it’s not just about the castle. The winery is the 2nd Growth under the 1855 classification. Chateau Pichon-Baron vineyards are located on a hill with exceptional soils and unique terroir, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the classic expression of Pauillac wines, powerful yet balanced.  If possible, taste the 2009 and the 2010 vintages – I am sure that your personal top favorite wines list will change right there. 

Tradition Cahors Malbec - 3.7/5

2018 Château Haut-Monplaisir "Tradition" Cahors - 92 pts

Long overlooked, the region has quietly modernized and advanced, and one of the best wineries to emerge in this new wave is Château Haut-Monplaisir. Cathy and Daniel Fournié (and now daughter Mathilde) of Château Haut-Monplaisir farm 75 acres organically in the Lot Valley on what is known as the third terrace of the valley floor, the highest and the best by virtue of its well-drained soils. All of Haut-Monplaisir's wines are composed of 100% Malbec, staying true to the distinctive nature of the grape variety. The "Tradition" is brought up in concrete tanks and 30% neutral barrel preserving its varietal character. This a beautifully ripe and rich Malbec that reflects the "traditions" of the region. (Certified Organic)

From the web: Menus highlighting fish, mussels & grilled meats, served on terrace or in a cozy dining room.

Continue onwards along the wine route to reach Domaine Paternel where the Santini family has produced exceptional wine over three generations. The vineyard is spread over 50 hectares inside Calanques National Park. The Paternel estate has moved with the times and offered organically certified wines since 2012. Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour followed by wine tasting. Wines are picked from two different estates, Paternel and Couronne de Charlemagne.

Owned by the charming Jean-François Brando, and lined up its beautiful whites against those of neighbours Clos d’Abizzi, Domaine de la Ferme Blanche and Domaine Saint Louis and Clos Sainte Magdeleine, all producing whites that burst with this distinctive mix of aromatics.

Make lunch special by heading to La Villa Madie where you will be carefully looked after by head chef Dimitri Droisneau (2 Michelin stars under his belt). Before you've even tasted the exquisite food, you'll be blown away by the breath-taking view of the sea and the pine trees towering over Corton Cove. The cuisine is refined and creative made with fresh, local ingredients. On a tighter budget? Head upstairs to its sister restaurant La Petite Cuisine. A real festival of flavours.

Clos Sainte-Magdeleine which affords stunning views of the cliff faces of Cap Canaille is the final destination on your Provençal wine route. Set right on the coast in the Calanques National Park, this estate has been run by the Zafiropulo family since 1920 and produces organically certified and AOC Cassis wines. The family property is open to visitors from April to September. Tour the vineyard and cellars and then finish with a wine tasting.

These are white wines that can age, developing a honeyed, saffron spice in the Clos Sainte Magdeleine 2011 that we tried (something that Sack-Zafiropulo has captured in the younger wines with his cuvée Bel-Arme, that undergoes malolactic fermentation ‘to soften the acidity and show off the gastronomic side of these grapes’).

Get back behind the wheel and follow the wine route until you arrive at Domaine du Bagnol (Organic AOC Cassis). As its quite close to the centre, you can also get there on foot from Cap Canaille. A long-standing producer of wine in Cassis and much appreciated by connoisseurs, the estate covers 14.5 hectares of clay-limestone soil. The winery produces about 45,000 bottles of white each year compared to 41,000 bottles of rosé. A one-hour tour from the vineyard to the tasting cellar is available.

Start your day on Provence's wine route by heading to Ferme Blanche. 'White farm' is run by the Paret family who have championed new technology but not at the expense of the exceptional land. This estate has largely earned a name thanks to its white wines made from the Marsanne grape and its AOC Cassis which you'll be invited to try in the tasting cellar.

From the web: Elevated international dishes & wines served in an unassuming, intimate restaurant with a terrace.

The Palais des Papes is a historical palace located in Avignon, Southern France. It is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.

From the web: Ruins of famous medieval bridge, with 4 arches spanning the Rhone & a small chapel to St Nicholas.

Sample from the menu the pate foie gras starter with four pieces of various tasty French bread: it will make your mouth water. For the main, try the dried beef speciality which comes topped with parmesan cheese, a baked potato and melted cheese too, with a salad of vegetables.

Sample from the menu the salmon spinach lasagne for a filling main dish. Alternatively try the beef tartar with fried garlic potatoes and lettuce.

Château Fortia is a French wine producing estate in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of the Rhône Valley. With a history dating back to the eighteenth century, Château Fortia has long been a notable producer in the southern Rhône.

Choose from one starter, one main and two desserts. Sample the pork fillet with mashed potato and sauce for the main. For the dessert, try the apple tarte tatin, which will make your mouth water.

You will be welcomed at different times of the year by our team made up of Nicolas, Marlène, Victor, Delphine, and / or one of its active cooperators.

Do not hesitate to come and see us, we will explain the different wines that you can taste, you will discover all their aromas and learn how to combine them with your dishes.

HJura's vins jaunes – of which Château-Chalon is considered the finest example – are unique to the region. They are often compared to Sherry, because the production processes share some of the same features and the wines are somewhat comparable in style. Like sherry, vins jaunes are oxidatively aged for an extended period under a blanket (or voile) of naturally developing yeasts – the equivalent of sherry flor. Château-Chalon wines undergo a minimum of six years' ageing before release, of which at least 60 months must be spent in barrels under the voile that controls the oxidation process.ome to the vin jaune

Since 1579, our family has cultivated the Jura lands to extract traditional wines.

This passion transmitted from generation to generation drives us again and again!

Share with us the pleasure of developing and tasting the fruit of our labor!

HOURS

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday by appointment only

Tasting: You have to check if they are open for it

For about an hour, it offers walkers a route of about twenty stages, from the Glacière, via the Sensory Path of discovery of the vine, to the remains of the medieval fortress at the top of the hill. Alleys shaded by old lime trees, green theater, lawn bowling, grotto, sheepfold, gazebo, viewpoints over Revermont and Bresse, play of shadow and light ..., here everything invites you to dream, sitting on a bench to contemplate the landscape.

The cellar is open all year round. The reception is done in the winery.

You can taste our white and red wines from the Côtes du Jura and Étoile appellations, as well as our specialties: Macvin du Jura, our Crémants du Jura and our Vin Jaune.

If you wish to meet us, we open the doors of the cellar from Monday to Saturday and by appointment on Sunday morning.

Learn all about the emblematic cheese of the region.

**MICHELIN GUIDE**

**MICHELIN GUIDE**

Enjoy more comté cheese on food!

This little joint was one of the most happening spots in town.

Tasting cellar open Monday to Saturday 10 am-12pm and 2.30pm-6pm (in principle! We may be absent, we advise you to check our presence by phone). Closed during sunday and public holidays .

The Legendary History of Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois The Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois is one of the oldest wineries in France. It sits at the foot of the first Jura Plateau, Arbois. Legend says that the winery was created in the ancient Roman times.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

Lunch at Des Deux Forts

From the web: Medieval palace with a collection of artifacts dating to the Middle Ages & the Renaissance.

From the web: 13th-century Catholic church with classic Gothic architecture, including many exterior gargoyles.

From the web: Towering 16th-century church with an intricate Gothic facade, housing paintings by Franz Kraus.

From the web: Burgundy wine-growing region featuring small vineyards primarily producing red Pinot noir wines.

From the web: Wine region known for its full-bodied Pinot Noirs, plus vineyards with tours & cellar-door sales.

Visit the:

Wine Tasting at 12 euros/pp

In addition, in order to diversify our appellations, we buy grapes from a few very reputable estates whenever possible.

Then, we vinify in the most natural process possible in our cellar in Beaune. In 2019, we decided to officialize our conversion to organic agriculture with one of the most renowned French actors in the sector: Bureau Véritas.  

Understand the history of Burgundy wines, the role of the monks, grape varieties, classification and terroirs. Visit the organic, Lyre-trellised vineyard. Taste (while comfortably seated) our organic wine, two reds and two whites, with our typically Burgundian gougères. For children, there is a blind tasting of home-made organic jams.

DURATION: 2H PRICE : 25€ /pp

 Each year, visitors and professionals from more than 80 countries around the world visit the Château de Pommard. They explore the world of wine with advisors certified by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and taste the best expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Côte de Beaune.

Domaine Coudurier - Jung is a family farm whose vines are located in Chevannes, in the Hautes Côtes de Nuits. The tastings are managed by Christine, who will be happy to welcome you and make you discover her Burgundy wines.

The history of Jaffelin is linked to that of the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Beaune. Century after century, our cellars have housed the wines of the Collegiate Church and the princes of the Church. The Chapter cellars, created in the 12th century, changed owners in 1816, when the Jaffelin brothers created their own house.

Nestled in the heart of the Burgundy vineyard, Domaine Comte Senard is located in the small village of Aloxe-Corton, famous for its Grands Crus and where the vines have been cultivated for millennia.

The lunches offered at the Table d'Hôtes consist of a tasting of the Domaine's wines during a Burgundy meal.

Visit of the vineyard and cellar, picnic and tasting of 2 Grands Crus: 62 € uros / pers

More than 20 prestigious regional appellations, Villages, Premiers crus and Grands Crus await you. This list is above all dominated by a surprising diversity of Corton Grands Crus. All this selection is available in many vintages, young and old, with a majority of red wines.

We welcome you to the estate for a journey into the world of wine and Burgundy! Visit of our vines with fun and pleasant explanations of the AOCs, the work in the vines, and the history of the estate. This is followed by a discovery of the winery, with an explanation of our winemaking methods, as well as the 2500 m 2 aging cellars .

The Domaine Chanson covers 45 hectares exclusively in Premiers Crus and Grand Cru, revolving around the Monopole Chanson Beaune Clos des Fèves Premier Cru considered the most beautiful Premier Cru of the Beaune appellation.

Learn all about truffles using charts and graphics. Discover the truffle trees and taste these remarkable fungi. From mid-September and mid-January, go truffle hunting with truffle dogs!

Chef LP's group cooking classes take place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a different theme each week.

* Cooking lessons are given by Chef Laurent Peugeot or Chef Jordan Prot

From the web: Vineyard B&B on a 17th-century estate offering traditional rooms, cellar tours, a garden & a pool.

All year-round, Monday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.

> Visit and tasting free (up to 6 wine tasting as you wish).

The Temps Perdus vineyard was created in 1992, when Clotilde Davenne, current owner, planted her first chardonnays there.

This winegrower began her career in the reds of Beaujolais following her studies in oenology, before discovering the sparkling vineyards of California, then coming back to develop the whites.

Domaine Savary brings together two of the oldest winegrower families in the Chablis region.

Francine Savary, originally from Villy, has contributed land and know-how dating back more than 200 years. With its heritage, it has won the heart of a young winegrower, Olivier Savary.

It was in 1860 that Mr. Zéphir Régnard founded the Maison Régnard, one of the oldest and most prestigious houses in Burgundy. In 1984, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette took over the estate and has since continued and improved the style and characteristics of the wine.

Created in 1791 from the old vines of the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny by the Depaquit brothers, Domaine Long-Depaquit is one of the most discreet and famous estates in Chablis.

From the web: Airy, sculpted Gothic building with stained glass windows & a fresco-painted 11th-century crypt.

An eye-opener on a tour of Auxerre’s pedestrian centre is the 15th-century clock tower, which has delicate Gothic ornamentation.

The clock face, crafted in the 1600s, is gilded, and rests on a decorative turreted arch propped up to the side of the main tower.

Take a minute or two to study the clock’s unusual format, measuring solar and lunar movements with two long hands and two dials.

From the web: 12-m. resin replica of Statue of Liberty, a memorial to sculptor & Colmar native Auguste Bartholdi.

It’s surprising just how well-preserved the architecture and cobblestone streets of Colmar’s Old Town are considering the number of battles and wars it’s seen, including the French Revolution and both World Wars. When you journey into the Old Town, you’ll be able to feel the passage of time as you walk the narrow streets amid quintessential Alsatian half-timbered houses. When the streets finally open onto a large square, the Place de la Cathedrale, you’ll be able to see the Eglise Saint-Martin. This is the largest church in Colmar, dating back to the 13th century.

The neighborhood called “Quartier de la Krutenau” goes by another name as well, “La Petite Venise,” or Little Venice. If you’re picturing canals, you’d have the right idea. Colmar’s Little Venice is bisected by the Lauch River canal where travelers take in canal-adjacent restaurants and willow trees as they enjoy a ride down the water. Plenty of foot bridges along the canal provide the perfect views for photo-taking.

You probably know of Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi’s most famous sculpture: the Statue of Liberty. So why not visit the Bartholdi Museum to learn more about the life and work of this famous Colmar resident. In the three-story museum, you’ll find sketches for the Statue of Liberty as well as many large-scale sculptures and fountains. There’s plenty to see from this prolific sculptor’s 50 years of work.

With over 40 different audio guide stops, it provides an incredible amount of history on the discovery of chocolate as well as how it is made. There are many different places to sample the chocolate, smell the ingredients that go inside, tactile interactive games to help learn, multiple sound-based displays, and everything is well placed and well thought out. It really caters towards all different types of learners.

Museum of the fighting to liberate the last portions of Alsace still held by the Nazi’s in 1945. The fighting was fierce and many Alsatian villages were destroyed. Multiple dioramas are staged with lifelike mannequins and the exhibits are almost literally bursting at the seems with equipment, helmets, and uniforms. A must-stop for anyone interested in the subject.

This organic restaurant has a knowledgeable passionate staff.

Local spot - no frills!

Creatively plated French & Alsatian cuisine, plus a robust wine list, in a cozy half-timbered house.

Casseroles, pork knuckle & sauerkraut, plus local wines, in a half-timbered building with a terrace.

From the web: Sturdy ruins of a 13th-century castle on rocky outcrop, with square tower, chapel & Knights' Hall.

From the web: Landmark vaulted cellar from 1395, offering wine tastings & tours past giant, aged barrels.

From the web: Champagne house offering guided tours of underground chalk cellars, followed by a tasting session.

All year round, our guide-interpreters open the doors of Taittinger champagne to you and help you discover the history and cellars of this beautiful family house. This journey through time will take you in turn to the remains of the 13th century Saint-Nicaise abbey.

The Maison Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin founded its roots in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne vineyards, in 1772

It saw the birth of the famous “Grande Dame” of the region, an outstanding businesswoman who will make her name a mark of excellence recognized around the world.

The Champagne house Pol Couronne was created in 2015 by Jean-Baptiste, grandson and great grandson of a winegrower.

From August 1, entry to the Mumm Cellars Visits for all adults is subject to presentation of the health pass or the European Union digital Covid certificate showing a valid QR code in digital or paper format, as well only upon presentation of an identity document.

From the web: Imposing, ornate, 13th-century, Gothic cathedral with twin towers & intricate stained glass windows.

Millenaire is definitely a more traditional French restaurant, with white tablecloths and things like seared foie gras and sweetbreads and a cheese cart the size of my dining room table. If you are looking for something elegant and very French, then this is your spot.

**MICHELIN 3 STAR**

From the web: Offbeat art lines the walls of this contemporary French restaurant serving seasonal dishes & wine.

Moët & Chandon boasts the most extensive chalk cellar around,

 tasting bars for walk-in patrons short on time, or those looking for an intimate atmosphere. 

 tasting bars for walk-in patrons short on time, or those looking for an intimate atmosphere. 

De Venoge also offers beautiful guest rooms in its mansion.

 tasting bars for walk-in patrons short on time, or those looking for an intimate atmosphere. 

Racine also boasts a Michelin star, but instead of traditional French cuisine, this is actually a modern mash-up of French and Japanese. The result was artfully and meticulously plated food with interesting flavor combos. 

From the web: Cozy place with a traditional, country-style dining room, serving regional meat & fish dishes.

In the tiny village of Aÿ, known for Pinot Noir, Ayala welcomes visitors upon request. On a nice day, catch the view from the roof.

Henri Giraud, also near Aÿ, allows walk-ins to experience its barrel-aged bubbles, a specialty of the house.

Bollinger welcomes wine lovers to its elegant old house upon request. Ask for a peek at the in-house barrel workshop next door.