Bordeaux vineyard reopens doors to visitors

After an extensive two-year refurbishment, the Chateau de Sours estate in Bordeaux is reopening its doors to visitors looking for a cooking and wine-tasting foodie break in France.

Located in 100 hectares of vineyards, the Chateau de Sours will offer visitors guided tours of its different wines and vintages, with people staying in October to March also seeing the winemaking in action.

Cookery courses in regional cuisine, modern British, Italian and Pacific Rim cuisine will also be available from summer 2007, which will use ingredients from the gardens including organic seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts and herbs.

Martin Krajewski, the British owner of the chateau, commented: "The wines of Chateau de Sours have been well known in the UK ever since the late Auberon Waugh described our wine as 'Probably the best Rosé in the World'; and we have been pioneers since then in the creation of high class roses, reds and whites.

"Now we’re pioneering again, by converting this wonderful property into the ultimate destination for foodies – a wonderful chance to enjoy the real taste of Bordeaux."

Around 200 yards from the 18th century chateau holidaymakers can stay in a private three-bedroom cottage with a private open-air saline pool. A studio with two en-suite rooms is expected to be ready for Easter 2007, with accommodation in the main house to be offered by later that year. In addition there is also a stable-block that sleeps five.

Prices for the cottage start from £1,000, rising to £2,500 during the summer. Mid-season prices of £1,600 apply for Christmas and New Year.

For more information see www.chateaudesours.com