Our favourite South West wines:  In this area we would recommend a Bergerac wine (strictly speaking outside of the area, more for historical than geographic reasons).  The Château Jaubertie was acquired by the original owner of Rymans the stationers and is now highly acclaimed as one of the top producers of Bergerac reds.  Many people attribute the growth in popularity of Bergerac wines directly to Ryman.

Visits to Vineyards, museums etc: The Château de Cayrou is near Grezels, a few km south of Puy l’Eveque, is well worth visiting.  This château dates back as far as the 12th century and has a unique position overlooking the river Lot.  Telephone ahead to check for dégustation.  Tel. 65 22 40 26.

Alsace

Rhône

A vineyard for all the family!

If you're a wine enthusiast but always struggle getting the kids interested in visiting vineyards then the Domaine de Lauroux in the Gers could be just for you....the owners specialise in welcoming families on wine tours - they know how difficult it is for parents to do something like a vineyard tour with children in tow (they have a lively 8 year old at the time of writing....). There's lots of space outside the tasting room - a large courtyard for playing, soft drinks in the fridge and fruit/biscuits for young visitors. They also have lots of boxes of toys and art stuff and a great big trampoline (with a safety net) and even better - 2 big, daft dogs to roll around on the grass and get filthy with!!  We've not had the privilege of visiting but it sounds like a parents dream!

Useful websites on wine:

        - The wine spectator website.

        - Wrath of Grapes website.
        - The Grape Escape - online wine guide.

         - Puy l'Eveque vineyards.
         - Château Latuc - run by an English couple.