France & Italy With Trafalgar Tours: Day 3 (Part 1)

One of the best parts about being on a guided Trafalgar Tours vacation are the unique “Be My Guest” exclusive dining experiences.  During these special meals you are able to have intimate interactions with your gracious local hosts who have prepared dishes authentic to the specific region you are traveling in.  You will be invited into homes, farms, wineries, and family-run restaurants.

After breakfast, we set off into the countryside for the first of several Be My Guest experiences that we would have over the following week.  This one would be at Château la Dorgonne, a beloved Provençal vineyard.  I have enjoyed many wines, however not many French wines, thus I was eager to do some tasting to see if I had been missing out all of these years.

The charming owner Baudouin Parmentier greeted us upon arrival and I immediately knew that I was going to like him when he refused to take a portrait without his best friend.

We were then escorted into the winery where we were privy to all of the behind-the-scenes action and an abundance of samples of the vineyard’s wines.

From my first sip of my first sample, I knew that I had indeed been missing out and vowed then and there to consume more French wines (not just champagne).  Before we sat down for lunch, which of course included even more wine, we were encouraged to wander around the Chateau’s property.  I do not think an adjective exists to properly describe its beauty?

As we sat down to eat, I decided that I would take one photo of the candlelit table and then put my camera down so that I could truly enjoy every bite.

After our sinfully delicious meal, we were given more time to become acquainted with the stunning grounds.  It was time to take the camera back out again!