The Three Classic European Wine Regions
For 2010 we have chosen “The Three Classics”, Burgundy , Bordeaux and La Rioja to spearhead our programme. Each one of these fabled wine districts offer an unrivalled glimpse into great wine making with style and imagination at every corner. Additionally we are returning Spain’s Ribeira del Duero, an amazingly rewarding region which the Spanish guard jealously for themselves!
Our tours will encompass both new and old with the chance to experience a plethora of wine styles ranging from classic vintage full-bodied Chardonnay from Burgundy, cassis-laden modern Cabernets from Bordeaux and more-ish classy cherry-scented Tempranillo from Rioja and Ribera. Each district has plenty to offer and we will be visiting those who practice exciting winemaking in often uber-spectacular surroundings.
Our programme of tours are never set in stone so if you have a favourite Domaine, Chateau or Bodega you might like to visit please let us know as we will endeavour to include it in our itinerary.
New to our to our programme this year is an exclusive 6 - Day Campo Viejo Wine Tour to La Rioja, visiting the unique Bodegas Juan Alcorta where the excellent Campo Viejo is elaborated.
Please don’t hesitate contacting myself, Stephen Barrett or my colleague Graham Ruth (of Brittany Ferries Golf Desk -Travel arrangements) with references no matter how big or small, we are here to help.
 
Bordeaux - France, 8 days
For 2010 we will be returning to visit the Bordeaux region, the great, fine wine capital of the world.
Our destinations will be full of varied interest whether finely honed Cabernet driven reds to searingly refreshing modern Sauvignon/Semillons or lusciously rich desert wines, we will taste them all! The majority of our lunches will be taken at the Chateaux coupled with a deft selection of original wines all chosen to match the excellent cuisine offered with passion and know-how as you would expect from the chef’s and Chateaux patrons of Bordeaux.
On Saturday we sail from Plymouth to Roscoff in Brittany on the overnight ferry. A cabin is provided. Next day we drive southwards through Brittany to Nantes and then through the Vendée and thus to Bordeaux and the central Hotel Mercure where we check in for five nights. Dinner will be at the hotel tonight.
On Monday we start our tour with a visit to the Medoc and the excellent Chateau Vieux Robin bordering on the Pauillac appellation. Lunch will follow at La Salamandre in Pauillac a lovely riverside location. Next we visit and taste at Chateau Hanteillan in the Cissac Medoc district after which we head back for Bordeaux on the D2 viewing the famous Chateaux on the way. Dinner at leisure this evening.
On Tuesday we head South East and the Premiere Cotes de Bordeaux and the rejuvenated Chateau Lezongars. Now run by Philip, Sarah and Russell Illes. Great strides have been made in all types of wine making proving a very popular wine in the UK . Lunch will be at the Chateau.
In the afternoon we head for the Cadillac appellation and Chateau Lamothe de Haux where amongst others we taste the fabled dessert wines of this district. Dinner at leisure this evening.
Our free day to explore Bordeaux and do some shopping is on Wednesday and we’ll arrange a visit and tasting to a negociant in the morning in Bordeaux Chartons, the traditional wine merchants’ district – lunch at leisure – Dinner at hotel
On Thursday we head across the river towards Lalande au Pomerol and visit the immaculate Chateau Tournefeuille in Neac where we will taste and enjoy lunch at the Chateau. In the afternoon we head for St Emilion and Chateau Lanoite. Dinner at leisure this evening.
We leave Bordeaux on Friday and travel north to Cognac where we visit the famous Hennessy cellars. In the afternoon we continue northwards to Fontenay-le-Compte for our overnight at the rural Hotel Le Rabelias. We have dinner at the hotel
We make an early start on Saturday and drive into Brittany and thus to Roscoff to catch the 15.00 sailing to Plymouth which reaches England around 2030. On arrival the coach returns to the original pick up points.
Cost includes: all travel by executive coach; cross channel sailing ;seven nights accommodation in 3* hotels with buffet breakfast; three dinners and three lunches; all excursions and visits; services of Stephen Barrett as Tour Manager and Wine Tutor.
Duration 8 Days
Departure date - Saturday May 22nd
£850 Single supplement £150
Burgundy - France, 8 days
Burgundy is a delightful mix of ancient and modern. Great vineyard visits will show just how complex the terroir really is. Soils, aspects, ancient vines and history combine to make some of ther worlds finest silky reds and full-on yet elegant whites. Food is so important to Burgundians and so it is to us with rich maginficent dishes at every turn. We of course will be honorary Burgundians in a Gastronomic and Vineous manner in our stay in beautiful Beaune.
We leave Plymouth early in morning of the first day and drive to Dover to catch early afternoon ferry to Calais . On arrival we continue the journey southwards to Reims to overnight at the Quality Inn just off the centre. Dinner is at the hotel..
Next day we have a visit to Mumm early in morning then we continue southwards past Dijon and into Beaune to check into the Hotel Mercure for the next five nights. The hotel is located just 5 minutes from the town centre and has an outdoor swimming pool. Dinner at hotel tonight.
This morning we have an extended visit to the vineyards and winery of the fabled Bouchard Pere et Fils in the heart of Beaune. After a truly fine tasting we will have a classical Burgundian lunch with specially chosen wines at the immaculate Chateau de Beaune. Our afternoon will be at one of Beaune's great city Domaines.
Our first visit today is to Gevrey-Chambertin and the small independent producer J P Marchand whom we have been visiting for 20 years. From here we now travel to Pierre Laforest for a visit and tasting then a regional lunch. In the afternoon visit the ancient town of Nuits St Georges. We return to Beaune for a free evening.
Visit to Hopsice de Beaune in morning – free day in Beaune – plenty to visit in Beaune whether quality shopping or lazing around at one of the many Bistros that fill every street corner in this beautiful wine capital of Burgundy. Dinner at Hotel this evening.
We head southwards this morning into Beaujolais territory and our first visit is to Fabien Ballais at Fleurie where we have a “machon” lunch with the family. In the afternoon we visit Cave Buxy before returning to the hotel for a final dip in the pool maybe or just relaxation. Dinner at leisure this evening.
We leave the hotel after an early breakfast and travel to top producer William Fevre in Chablis for a visit and tasting. Lunch at thier Bistro. In the afternoon we continue northwards to our super rural hotel at Matouges for overnight. Dinner at the hotel
Early morning visit and tasting at Herbert Beaufort. A speciality winery situated in the aptly-named village of Bouzy ! Famed for it’s Pinot Noir Champagne , Herbert Beaufort’s wine is both artisan and hedonistic. Not to be missed!
We now resume our drive to Calais to catch an afternoon ferry to Dover .
Cost includes: all travel by executive coach; cross channel sailing; seven nights accommodation in 3* hotels with buffet breakfast; four dinners and four lunches; all excursions and visits; services of Stephen Barrett as Tour Manager and Wine Tutor.
Duration 8 Days
Departure date - Saturday 31st July
£840 Single supplement £145
La Rioja - Spain 6 Days
  
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We've been running this immensely successful tour for the past fiften years and have decided to continue with it revise it slightly for 2010 with a different hotel and a new selection of bodegas with the exeption of Remelluri which will always be on our visiting list. We are happy to make revisions for private groups which have, maybe, visited some of the bodegas we feature.
If you are new to Rioja then you'll like the friendly atmosphere of the region which is typically Spanish and quite un-touristy. At the bodegas you'll have the opportunity to sample, and buy at the very advantageous prices, some really excellent wines from famous and less well known producers. Good food is a very important part of this tour and if you've always thought of Spanish cuisine as paella and tortilla you're in for a pleasant surprise.
We sail from Plymouth to Santander at 1600 on Sunday October 24th (school half-term) and once we are at sea, Stephen will be presenting a tutored tasting of some of the wines we will meet in Spain followed by dinner in the ship's main restaurant.
Reaching Santander at 1230 (local time) on the second day, we drive southwards and into La Rioja for our first tasting at Bodegas Corral on the St James Way in Navarette just outside Logrono.
We then continue into the city to check into the *** Hotel Marques Vallejo which is situated in the old quarter near to the city centre and conveniently, shops and banks. We stay here for three nights. Dinner tonight is at Entrevinos a magical modern Tapas Bar like no other!
On Tuesday we drive to Haro for a visit and taste at the fabled R Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia, the oldest bodega in Haro. The family-controlled wines made here are steeped in tradition and history. From here we now drive to Bodegas Remelluri, an historic monastic estate, just outside the town where we inspect their museum and historic winery before having a lengthy tasting lunch overlooking the vineyards.
In the late afternoon (if we have time!) we visit the charming hilltop town of La Guardia on the way back to Logrono where you can catch up with your shopping and sightseeing. In the evening Stephen will show you the famous street of tapas bars, Calle Laurel.
We set off on Wednesday and drive to Bodegas LAN to see one of the most modern bodegas elaborating excellent long-lived wines with great breeding. After our tasting we head for Haro and the new bodega of Martinez Laquesta where we will vist and taste their award-winning Tintos.
Next to Casalareina for a classical Spanish lunch at the excellent La Vieja Bodega. We then return to the Logrono for shopping and later a last chance to enjoy the delights of Calle Laurel.
We leave early after breakfast on Thursday and drive to Bilbao and park outside the outstanding Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. Entrance to the exhibition is included. In the early afternoon we drive to Santander to catch the 15.00 sailing to England. dinner on board this evening.
The ship docks in Plymouth on Friday at approximately 0930 and after going through customs the coach will continue to your original pick up points.
The cost includes ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin each way. All travel by executive coach; three nights' accommodation in 3* hotel with buffet breakfast; one dinner, two lunches; excursions and visits as described; tasting on first day and two dinners on board ; services of Stephen Barrett as Tour Manager and Wine Tutor.
The itinerary may be subject to change due to harvest priority.
We are also more than happy to offer our Heritage and Wine Tours where we split the tour to include some of the wonderful Heritage sites in and around Rioja
Duration: 6 days
Departure date - Sunday October 24th - (School Half term)
Cost: from £795 - Single supplement including single cabin: £140
Wine Connoisseurs Tour of Rioja
6 Days duration
New for 2010 WineHolidays has worked closely with Campo Viejo to create a coach tour that is full of surpprises with extended visits to Markets, Olive Oil producers, bodegas set in limestone rock and the spectacular subterranean home to Campo Viejo, Bodegas Juan Alcorta. On this exclusive tour you will find medieval Riojan culture mixed with classy modern wines, elaborated in great style at the 21st Century Bodegas Juan Alcorta. If you are looking for that "something different" then this is the tour for you.
Plymouth to Santander - Sunday crossing @ 16.00 with tasting and dinner aboard Brittany Ferries flagship Pont Aven.
Monday - Disembark around 12.30, travel to Logrono and visit Museo de la Rioja. A wine tasting will be included.
Our hotel for three nights is the excellent *** Marques de Vallejo set near to the old quarter of Logrono and the famous tapas bars of Calle Laurel. Dinner in Logrono
Tuesday - Early morning visit to market in Logrono to sample and purchase local produce followed by a visit to olive oil producer.Next a visit to the amazing medieval hill-top town of Laguardia where we will enjoy lunch at Posada Mayor de Migueloa. This will be followed by a visit to the unique Bodegas El Fabulista situated within in the city walls of Laguardia. On return to Logrono Stephen will escort one and all to the famous "Street of Tapas" Calle Laurel.
Wednesday - Visit, Tasting and Lunch at the futuristic award-winning Bodegas Juan Alcorta where Campo Viejo is elaborated. Late afternoon we visit the ancient wine capital of Haro where wine meets history with lovely architecture and hip street bars. Evening will start with a tasting aperitif in the working cellar of La Vieja Bodega in Casalarreina (nr Haro) followed by an excellent regional dinner. Back to Logrono and maybe Calle Laurel's Tapas Bars for the very hardy!
Thursday - To Bilbao and a visit to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum followed by embarkation at Santander. Dinner will be on board tonight.
Friday arrive in Plymouth 09.30
The cost includes ferry crossing with 2 - berth cabin each way. All travel by executive coach; Three nights accommodation in 3* hotel with buffet breakfast; two dinners, two lunches; excursions and visits as described; tasting on first day and two dinners aboard; Services of Stephen Barrett as Tour Manager and Wine Tutor.
Country - Spain
Duration 6 days - Departure date Sunday October 10th
Cost from £795 - single supplement including single cabin £140
Ribeira del Duero - Spain, 6 Days
This region could be said to be the Spanish secret. Usually, La Rioja is the centre of attention when it comes to Spanish wines but his varied and wild district has grown into an incredible wine producing area. This is possibly because production is still low (but growing) and the Spanish themselves rush to buy before any can escape abroad, the quality is first class and that the region is utterly historic.
Very few British wine enthusiasts make it into this area and because we are such a rarity we have found an extremely warm welcome from the locals on our travels. It's definitely a new experience for most people and we can thoroughly recommend both the wine and the region to you.
This tour starts the moment you board the ship at Plymouth. The “Pont Aven” is Brittany Ferries’ flagship and the £100m state of the art, 40,000 tonne vessel has all the amenities of a cruise liner. The 19-hour crossing to Spain is very much part of the experience. A 2-berth cabin is allocated.
We sail at 1600 and once on board Stephen will present a tutored tasting of the wines we will meet in Spain followed by dinner.
We reach Santander at 1230 (local time) on the second day and drive southwards and into Castile. By now you will be feeling thirsty so we make a stop in Fuensaldana to taste at the small and super friendly Bodegas Emerterio Fernandez.
We now continue our drive to check into the 4* Hotel Melia in central Valladolid for three nights. We have dinner a the hotel on the first night. The Old Quarter of Valladolid is just a few steps outside the front door of the hotel.
Next day we visit Rueda and the fabled Marques de Riscal who in 1972 led the way with modern Verdejo now fashionable all over Europe. We then head for nearby Serrada where we will visit the exremely friendly Bodegas Alberto Gutierrez and sample their excellent range of wines. After the tasting we stroll across the road for a magnificent lunch full of gastronomic surprises!
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon and you'll have some time to sightsee in Valladolid.
On Wednesday we travel eastwards following the River Duero toward the prinicpal town of the region, Aranda de Duero and a visit and tasting at the excellent Real Sitio de Ventosilla.
After this visit we now drive to a tasting lunch at the immaculate Condado de Haza to taste the legendary wine Pesquera at the home of Alejandro Fernandez. In the late afternoon we start back to the hotel but make a stop at Penafiel. Dominated by its castle where there is a wine museum. This historic town has one of the smallest and oldest bull rings in Spain which we will visit.
We will leave early on Thursday and set off for the short journey to Valoria la Buena in Cigales and our final tasting at the excellent Bodegas Pilcar. We then continue to Santander for the 1530 sailing reaching Plymouth at approximately 0930 on the sixth day. After going through customs the coach will continue to your original pick up points.
The cost includes ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin each way. All travel by executive coach; three nights’ accommodation in 4 star hotel with buffet breakfast and dinner on first night; two lunches; excursions and visits as described; tasting and dinner on board on first day; services of Stephen Barrett as Tour Manager.
We are also happy to offer our Heritage and Wine Tours where we split the tour to include some of the excellent Heritage sites in and around Ribera del Duero and Valladolid
Duration: 6 days
Departure date: Sunday 4th july
Cost from £795.00 - Single supplement including single cabin: £140
All programmes are subject to amendment according to prevailing circumstances.
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So what do you do?
It's as easy as pulling a cork! - First select your chosen destination then call us on 01752 260 799 or e-mail on
scb@stephenbarrett.com for a friendly chat. Our published public tours (above) are reliant on (or near to) 24 persons booking to make them viable. However if you are a Wine Club, Members of U3A, Rotary, and business colleagues or educational institutions etc we would be more than happy to create a bespoke WineHoliday with personal changes included wherever possible.
Whilst we take all precautions to ensure no further charges apply to the published price we might be subject to surcharges from restaurants chosen. In recent tours this has unexpectadly occured which resulted in a very small surcharge for the client. In the unlikely chance this happens we may pass the charge on to the client.
With our many years of experience we are very confident we can accommodate most enquiries with professional ease.
Our chosen ferry partner to Spain, Brittany Ferries also travel to Santander via Portmsouth. If your group favours this crossing we are able to re-arrange the itinerary accordingly.
This online brochure is your first point of contact, why not send your friends and associates the address (wineholidays.net) so that they can visit and see for themselves.
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