April 16, 2025

Yesterday afternoon we were treated to a cancan workshop with Kat – she will also did the cabaret show with great singer, Cindy. Three people volunteered to learn some cancan moves – Leslie, Chris and Terry. Here is a picture of them before the action.

It was both fun and informative to learn the history of the cancan and see some demonstrations. After dinner we enjoyed the show. Kat did 4 wardrobe changes for her performances and cancan was the last dance.

We sailed early this morning from Bordeaux to Blaye. When we got off the boat we saw this rainbow – a harbinger of a good day.

Our excursion was limited to 20 people and we were so happy that we signed up early. We visited Bordeaux Village Blaye which consists of rental apartments, owner units, a bar/restaurant, winery and art gallery. The owners are Leslie and Clarissa and they treated us to a wonderful morning. We walked off the ship, met with Clarissa and walked to their village.

Over the course of several hours, we toured all parts of their apartments, winery, wine cellar and artist loft. Leslie is a wine educator and wine judge for over 45 years – and he does have stories to tell. He entertained us with great descriptions of the process he uses in the winery and things he has learned along the way. They produce mostly red (6000 bottles in a good year) but do a small bottling of white (800 bottles). We tasted 3 reds and a white. The wines have a great rating and are some of the most expensive in the area because of both the scarcity and the integral method they use.

The method is very different from anything we have seen before. Only 10% of all winemakers in France use it and it is very labor intensive. They do not crush or press the grapes but fill the tanks with whole grapes taken off the bunches. The tanks are on wheels so that they can be turned 360 degrees four or five times a day for 6 weeks. The pressure of the grapes squeezed against one another releases the juice. Grapes are like us – they don’t like brutal treatment.

When the fermentation and maceration are finished, the juice is transferred to the aging barrels and the skins that remain at the bottom of the tank are removed and pressed in a hand press.

Etalon (their label) is the highest priced wine in the region. We did purchase some of the 2019 vintage to send home – it was delicious.

Leslie is originally from South Africa and he supports artists from there. Their workshop and art gallery has an interesting mix of art. There is also a lovely outdoor area where they have wine tastings and gatherings. Friends and people who stay in the apartments are lucky to have this experience.

Leslie also collects vintage cars, bikes and motorcycles!

Clarissa has a painting that she invites people to contribute to. I was pleased to do so.

Here’s a picture from one of the apartments they rent out.

This is the vehicle they use to transport the grapes. Love the back of it!

After our wonderful visit, we walked through the market that was set up for the day. They say the Saturday one is bigger but this one was large enough.

We walked to the citadel which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were amazed at how big it is. there are many cafes and restaurants, shops and hotels inside. The walls are thicker than many others I have seen.

After lunch, I had a wonderful hot stone massage. Ahhh, relaxation.

Tomorrow we vist St. Emilion. We have been there before and are looking forward to returning. We will be out from 9 – 3 so will have lunch in the town.

We are lucky to have had really good weather. A couple of sprinkles here and there is all we have had. The weather is sunny and mostly in the 50’s. Hope it continues.

Here are shots of Laura, our cruise manager, and a favorite waiter, Patrick. He makes my cappuccino every morning – in my Yeti mug.