Through the vineyards "en velo"

For his birthday husband David was given a trip for two through the vineyards of Saint Emilion - on electric bikes.  "How wonderfully exciting" we thought, and after an afternoon's ride through this beautiful corner of France we returned home feeling exhilarated, slightly more knowledgeable in all things wine related and on an absolute high!   We will definitely be recommending this outing to our guests, family and friends

David looking super excited about the ensuing adventure!

The gorgeous chateau where we did the obligatory wine tasting and had our picnic 

The difference in the soil is so visible;  sandy, pebbly soil for Malbec

While the Merlot vines thrive in a thick, clay-like soil

Grafting was necessary after a bug  brought over from America almost wiped out the French wine industry in the 1800s. Ironically, roots from the U.S were imported to keep the industry alive. Here, the bottom of one such American root 

Owner Julian whose enthusiasm for the "terroir" was infectious 

Well, hellooo there!

The cement fermentation vats is Italian technology

Barreled and corked for 12 - 18 months to mature

These electric bikes were great fun

In hot pursuit of the man with the picnic basket behind him

Merlot vines in the foreground with Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the distance