Bordeaux

I know you all wish you were here with us.  Bordeaux is full of tourists because its one of the loveliest places I have been in France.  We are staying in an old barn that has been converted into a number of self-contained apartments.  There are 16 people in our group - which is a lot to co-ordinate into any activities!  Today the others have gone off on a bus to a chateau somewhere quite far away, so Alan and I have chosen to explore the village of St Emilion and catch up on the internet, aas there's none in the house.
We went to St Emilion on Sunday and it was so full of tourists you could hardly move.  It was much better today and we have had a lovely morning.  We are currently upstairs in a bookshop in Castillion La Battaille, which is the nearest village to our place, which is out in the vineyards.
We have already been to two cellars - the first of a Grande Cru vineyard ( more than 30 euros a bottle) and the second was some cellars run by an English company, known as The Wine People in Australia.  ( 6 - 12 euros a bottle)  We met the winemakers in both places and had quite different experiences - both very interesting.  While we only bought only one bottle at the Grande Cru place - we bought 8 at the other and plan to go back this afternoon for some more!
Last night we went to 'the duck restaurant' - a local institution.  No menu - just eat and drink what you are given.  After the 4th course I was stuffed and had to pass on the cheese plate and desert.  I tried all the wine though!  Tomorrow we have been asked if we want to pick some grapes in the morning as picking started here on Monday.  I will, but Alan is going for a ride instead!