I spoke with the owner of a tour agency that specializes in small tours to the wine areas of Europe. I inquired about a tour of Bordeaux and told her that we didn't care to spend our time at the minor chateaux, not that we're snobs, but if we're going to undertake a trip like this, I'd want to visit the big boys.

She told me they could arrange a trip for 12-16 people that would include private tastings at Mouton and Margaux and other first and classified growths. The hotels are beautiful small hotels and breakfast and a few lunches are included. The dinners are all included and she assured me these are dinners at fine restaurants. For most of these dinners, wine is not included, so diners can order what they like. Airfare to and from NYC is included. The cost will be a little over $4000 per person for about 2 weeks. If you're preliminarily interested, email me at chemocurtis@hotmail.com. This is just to determine interest and no committment is being made at this time.

Sounds like it would be a wild ride, but alas, I need new windows for my house before I do something like this.

Poop.

I already indicated my interest, but I'd like to comment that having it all arranged by people who specialize in this is key. After going through Burgundy last year, I won't make this mistake again. The packaged tours that you get when you are there are pretty pedestrian.

These people specialize in wine tours and can get us in to First Growth Chateaux, but we only have ten people who've indicated an interest. We need 12-16 definite to have our own group. If we don't do it this coming Summer, we can probably get enough for the folowing Summer. TJ, you don't need windows- you need to visit Chateau Latour.