2013 Bella Wine Tours

A belated Happy New Year to everyone. ....I am not sure when it is still respectable to wish 'Happy New Year'!

The majestic Chateau Marguax on a sunny day last summer.

The end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 have been extremely busy on the work front. Bella Wine Tours has received many requests for wine tours in Bordeaux for this year. As we reply to each and every customer individually and try to listen to their requests it does take quite some time to organise tailor made wine tours. But we are determined to maintain top standards, so that we can build a strong business renowned for quality and service. We have enjoyed some very pleasant reviews from Trip Advisor.
A few comments from guests in 2012:

 'Hamish is the perfect guide to help you explore Bordeaux' amazing Chateaux. Hamish opened doors to Chateaux that were off the tourist path and even arranged for us to spend the night at one.'

 'What a tremendous experience we had with Hamish over a two-day period of Chateau tours and tastes. Hamish (your guide) will bestow an enormous amount of wine knowledge on your during your tours with him.

From the start he was quick to respond to our very last minute request for tours and quickly put together a stellar itinerary for my wife and me. We spent two full days with Hamish starting in the mornings, a unique lunch each day followed by more tours and tastings in the afternoon. Each Chateau clearly had a mutual respect for Hamish and we felt very welcome at each one we visited.

Hamish's knowledge of wine far exceeds any tour we have ever been on...and we have toured 7 different wine regions in addition to Bordeaux. You will walk away with an understanding of the region that is one of the most difficult to understand. As a plus for us...he speaks English and French with English being his primary language making the tour very easy to follow.

Hamish was also quick to help us book the hotel, dinners, etc! Overall a wonderful wine experience in Bordeaux that we would highly recommend to all!'

The delightful Violaine explaining biodynamics in the vineyards at Chateau Pontet Canet in Pauillac.

So what are the plans for 2013? We will be responding to enquiries on an individual basis. We will make the visit to Bordeaux a memorable experience. We are aware that many people want to have a genuine experience rather than a top 'white tablecloth' dining experience, therefore we will arrange more winemaker dinners and find more rustic, rural and charming restaurants.
We will also be organising some group tours to some of the First Growth estates. These wine tours will be top quality and run over 4 days. These are planned for May, June, September and October. Please email hamish@bellawines.co.uk for more information.

Bordeaux Wine Tours...

The fairy tale Chateau de la Riviere where we frequently stay.

Over the last 21 years working in the wine trade in the United Kingdom and France I have always been drawn back to the most beautiful and classic wine region of the world: Bordeaux.
We have been approached several times in the last few years to take people to visit the wonderful Chateaux of Bordeaux and try to learn more about what is really going on behind the scenes.
Through our contacts in Bordeaux we have set up some tours:

3 day/ 2 night tour........
Day One: Fly in early to Bordeaux, where we are met and whisked off to visit Chateau Lynch Bages in Pauillac. Then we try out a new but traditional style restaurant, followed by visits to Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande during the afternoon. The evening is spent dining in the Great Hall at Chateau de la Riviere, where we have a private chef and a selection of older vintages.
Day Two: After visiting some of the most amazing wine cellars in the World at Chateau de la Riviere we set off for Saint Emilion. Here we visit some of the best Premier Grand Cru Classe estates and enjoy an excellent lunch in a lovely restaurant in the old historic village. The afternoon is spent enjoying the village as well as traveling through the famous vineyards of Pomerol.

The evening is free to explore the many restaurants, wine bars and shops of Bordeaux. This amazing city is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Day Three: A special visit today to the stunning Chateau Margaux. One of the original 1st Growth Chateaux from the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. A chance to taste one of the finest wines in the World. Followed by an excellent lunch at a great restaurant.
We then head back to the airport to arrive back in London by 5.30pm
Prices from £1200(€1320) per person.
Fantastic accommodation, great food, great wines to taste, and a wealth of knowledge.

This trip is ideal for a group of friends wanting to celebrate an anniversary or just to take a different and fun holiday together. The wine theme is strong, whilst we always have fun and get to know some of the characters and people behind the wines. We will meet some of the Chateau owners as well as the people working in the vineyards and making the wine.
We like small groups of up to 8 people, so that we can offer first class service for transport and guides. However we can quote for larger groups if required.
If you have any questions or you want to explore further then drop me an email: hamish@bellawines.co.uk