Wine
Wine and Wine Tasting
Most wine regions have a 'wine cooperative' in or near the town, which will offer wine tasting and buying without the need to summon up the courage to knock on the door of a chateau at the end of a long driveway, and without the fear that you will feel pressured into buying anything. These also sell the cheaper local wine 'en vrac' (usually in 5 or 10 litre plastic boxes) - as drunk by the locals, or for home bottling, - and in wine boxes. Ask at the appropriate tourist office.
St Emilion
St Emilion deserves special mention, being listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The village itself is very, very attractive. The area around St Semilion is less exciting unless you like looking at vineyards, so I think it is best to visit from the 'south of the Dordogne' region as a day out, which is why it is included here. It is found about 45 minutes drive from Bergerac on the road to Bordeaux.
If you are flying into or out of Bordeaux and driving to our region, St Emilion makes the pefect place to break the journey.
Monbazillac
Second special mention is to Monbazillac. This time within our region, close to Bergerac, there is a lovely chateau at Monbazillac with views across miles of countryside. The famous wine here is a sweet white dessert wine.
Specific caves that have been recommended include:
Chateau La Colline - At Thenac, between Bergerac and Eymet near Sigoules. and they can deliver wine to you in the UK.
Click here to visit the website.
Domaine Amblard - a family owned wine-producer, at St Sernin, next to Duras
Recommended Reading
Most books about wine in the region are a bit too specialist for me to comment on or recommend. However, the following book covers France's finest wines from over 1,000 top producers, and rates over 6,000 wines. It also includes regional maps, vintage charts, regional restaurants, and recipes. That should get you started...