Thursday, July 21, 2016

Saint-Émilion- A Day Trip into the Bordeaux Wine Country

The impetus to go to Bordeaux was of course to have some wine! Bordeaux boasts over 8,500 wine producers or chateaux! We thought of renting a car to drive into the countryside, but all of the adults wanted to imbibe. So I researched places to visit by train instead. Saint-Émilion instantly stood out as the best choice as it was only a 30 minute train ride from Bordeaux and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What sealed the deal was learning of a "wine train" that left from Saint-Émilion and took you through the vineyards to a chateaux and back. Jude loves trains so I knew he would be excited and all of the adults would get to wine taste. 
Train ride from Bordeaux
You walk 15-20 minutes from the train into town past vineyards and chateaux
We are getting the hang of managing two kids and only a single stroller. Lots of Maeve-wearing and shoulder-riding Jude
Is there a prettier sight??
Saint-Émilion in the distance


Rewarded with views after pushing the stroller all the way to the top of town.




We stopped for lunch before the wine train was set to depart and decided that 3 people is the ideal number to share a bottle of wine. Not too little, not too much. I always associated Bordeaux with red wines, but the region is known for making all kinds.


This was 2 days after Maeve's 2 month shots and she slept practically the entire day!

We got aboard the wine train and Jude exclaimed "Oh boy, choo choo!"


A stop at Chateaux Rochebelle for a quick tour of their caves and a tasting. I was tempted to buy the wine that we sampled when I heard it was 14 euros/bottle, but it was apparently 40, no thank you.






The remains of a cathedral wall, destroyed during the 100 years war.
Heading back to the train after a successful day.
Stroller loaded down with wine and sleeping boy
Sleepy Maeve

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