Côtes de Bourg, one of the larger Bordeaux wine appellations holds its Open Doors Festival (Portes Ouvertes) over the weekend in May

On the right bank of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers about 20 miles north of the city of Bordeaux. (33 Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine).

The appellation has recently seen the revival of the Malbec grape and the Côtes de Bourg now has the highest percentage of Malbec in any Bordeaux wine.

South of Blaye, the small appellation around the village of Bourg-sur-Gironde produces a decent medium-body red wine which can be quite tannic and with strong aromas of red fruits.

There is a “maison des vins” visitor centre in Bourg-sur-Gironde – new Maison des Vins will offer:

• its own wine bar in order to offer a unique tasting experience with a large wine range from the appellation.
• a reception hall and a large terrace
• magical view over the Dordogne River.
• wine-tourism routes,
• tasting workshops
• Cycle rides through the vineyards (Velo Vino!)
• river cruises with a wine theme!

more info see  www.tourisme.bourg-en-gironde.fr

Chateau de la Grave B&B

Stay in a local wine chateau with its own pool at Chateau la Grave  – Visit the ancient wine cellar and enjoy a wine-tasting. Then take a walking tour in the vineyard on a discovery trail and even enjoy a picnic amongst the vines!

For more info on this Chateau B&B see  Chateau la Grave