09 Nov 2022
One perfect day in Provence, learning about wine, experiencing great weather and a very knowledgeable guide! We walked with expectation, just outside of the cruise ship port gates, and there was our French guide, Eric, waiting for us. He immediately took the time to get to know our names. He was warm, kind and friendly, and gave us some great information. On our way to our first winery, Eric taught us so much about the French wine region of Bandol.
Our first winery was Bunan, and it was there that he taught us knowledge and information that one cannot learn across continents. We actually saw the vines and the countryside and we felt peace and happiness. We were able to taste five different wines at the Bodin winery and they were all fabulous.
The next winery was La Suffrene and we sat at a table outside and drank the wine, soaked up the sun, and listened to Eric continuing to talk about wine making.
After visiting the seaside village of Cassis for a delicious lunch (so charming), the third and final winery was Bodin and it did not disappoint. It features a beautiful outdoor cafe set right among the vines. Eric introduced us to a lovely young woman who talked about Bodin wines and their wine business.
After leaving Bodin, Eric allowed us a bonus stop went to at a sweeping high and picturesque view of Cassis. The views are so beautiful, I had to rub my eyes to be sure I wasn’t dreaming and I felt right at home watching the climbers on their cliff approaches.
I think most, if not all, my group of 6 would say hands down, this was the best day of our 12 day European stay and cruise through Spain, France and Italy. It was such a wonderful day and the wine so delightful, I felt like weeping.