The wine region of Bordeaux is lauded the world over, and with Rustic Vines, wine lovers are presented the opportunity to sightsee, learn about and taste the produce this stunning region has to offer.  Rustic Vines offer wine tours with a difference – taking a more relaxed approach to the world of wine, visitors are not only offered the opportunity to visit some of the grandest wine châteaus found in Bordeaux, but will also explore the smaller but no less impressive family run estates.  This approach allows each guest to see and appreciate the many wine styles the region has to offer. 

Rustic Vines is owned and operated by Tim Cowley, an ex-professional rugby player who originates from New Zealand.  Following his passion for wine, travel and French culture, Tim made the decision to move to Bordeaux 11 years ago, and soon turned his attention to creating a service that would help others get the most out of their time in the celebrated wine region. 
 
On each in-depth tour, you will be invited to taste and compare a number of different varieties of wine; for those looking to learn more about wine, a Rustic Vines experience will help you gain experience and confidence, whilst those with a prior knowledge can put their skills to the test at the tasting tables.  Of course, Rustic Vines do not simply cater for sommeliers in training; visitors can simply sit back, relax and enjoy delicious wines accompanied by beautiful scenery.  Visiting an excellent selection of châteaux across three world-famous regions, each visitor can select the wine tour to suit their discerning palate. 
 
The Wine Regions 
 
With Rustic Vines, visitors to Bordeaux can experience the delights of the region’s best appellations – Graves, Médoc and Saint-Émilion.  The wine region of Bordeaux is punctuated by the Gironde Estuary, formed by the meeting points of the Dordogne and Garone Rivers.  Graves is  located ‘upstream’ on the left banks of the Garone and is responsible for cementing Bordeaux’s reputation for excellent wines (it’s wine were exported to the UK as early as the 12th Century and are thought to be mentioned in the famous diaries of Samuel Pepys.)  The very name Graves is derived from the gravelly soil of the sub-region, and the area is the only one to produce white, red and roséwine.  Further north than Graves, Médoc is characterised by pine forests and long sandy beaches, but its main attraction to visitors is the some 1,500 vineyards that operate in the area.  Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux’s largest wine appellations, and is also considered one of the prettiest; many of its vineyards lie on steep limestone slopes, though over half are found on the gravelly plain between the town itself and the Dordogne. 
 
Rustic Vines lead half and full day tours to these famed wine regions, allowing you to spend an in-depth morning or afternoon discovering the vast charms of a single region or visit two over the course of one day.  In addition to visiting a number of fantastic châteaux, guests can enjoy pick up and drop offs and bottled water, whilst some tours also offer a delicious picnic lunch of regional produce.  Private tours are also on offer during the winter months; from couples to groups, allow Tim to organise your perfect itinerary of the wine of Bordeaux.
 
Website: http://www.rusticvinestours.com
Email: tim@rusticvinestours.com
Tel: +33 (0) 6 42 73 75 33

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