Does anyone have recommendations where we can stay at a working vineyard in decent accomodations and being able to wander the vineyards? I have a vision of an intimate bed and breakfast or even a culinary institute.

Hi Luv - Which country?

Oh sorry, France - preferably a vineyard producing reds.

http://www.frommers.com/articles/2985.html

http://goeurope.about.com/od/special...e_harvests.htm

luv, Just outside of St-Emilion we stayed a few years ago at a vineyard B&B, Chateau Meylet. They have only 4 rooms, owner gave us a tour of his property. Very homey place with gracious hosts.

We have also stayed at vineyards in the Loire and Burgundy. One website I have in my files but never booked with has chateaux with vineyards.

http://tinyurl.com/2fey93

Have fun doing your research, Deborah

luv?

We once stayed a few days at the Chateau Lardier outside St-Foy-la-Grande not far from St-Emilion. It's a B&B in the village of Ruch.

But there are a zillion of these in France so it would be helpful if you could pinpoint a particular region of the country you're interested in.

I checked out the links on a working vineyard, except that I don't want to do the work. I just want to watch them do the work and wander in the vineyards. hehe. I was thinking around Burgundy or Auxey-Duresses

Dordogne vineyards. plenty choice. google it.

My family and I stayed at a working vineyard. My husband's former employer bought an abbey with vineyards near Nimes and built apartments for holidaymakers. The vineyards are well-kept and the wine cellar brand new. It's out of the way (you need a car), in the middle of the vineyards but the wine is very good and it's very peaceful. Definitely a working vineyard.

The owner, Toni Schuler (a Swiss), speaks German, French and English. Mr. Schuler and my husband are very distant relatives (goes back to 16th century).

The apartments are 1 - 4 rooms and modern. You'll have to make your own breakfast though.

The vineyard is called: Abbeye du Fenouillet located in Vacquieres.
See: http://www.fenouillet.ch/cms/downloa...sbeschrieb.pdf (in German only)
website (German):http://www.fenouillet.ch/lageplan.cfm

Thank you Schuler. That was thoughtful information. They should hire you to translate in English the website.

Why does everyone say Dordogne? The pictures of that area seem less lush and more medievel.