You come as a stranger, you leave as a friend
Luxury travel. Insider’s access. Done my way... to perfection
I believe that wine represents the expression of the culture of a “place” and of its people. Since 1997, the trips I lead for our members are a discovery of these cultures through the fantastic wines we drink and the remarkable hospitality that is granted to us.
These trips are unique because our hosts are also my friends, each opening the doors of their chateaux, wineries and cellars for you, my small group of friends from the United States. Chateaux are like you and me, they open only their very best for their closest friends!
So be ready, in a week’s time you will experience spectacular settings, luxury accommodations, exquisite food pairings, and everything from barrel tastings to 40-year-old library wines …come enjoy a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip, VGS style...to perfection! The trips are sold out 18 months to two years in advance. Plan ahead! Click here to read about recent guests' experiences.
Enticing Douro
Uncork local traditions, savor intense flavors and enjoy palate-pleasing adventures during an AmaWaterways Wine Cruise
7-night river cruise roundtrip from Porto August 17-24, 2024 | AmaDouro
CRUISE FROM : PORTO TO PORTO
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
ENTICING DOURO AT A GLANCE
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Gary Lieberstein | 707-738-6916
gary@traveladdictionagency.com
www.traveladdictionagency.com | CST#2126419
Bordeaux Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip
Bordeaux….my original home before moving to Napa Valley. I would like to introduce you to some of my best friends there. From a vertical tasting at Angelus to Haut Bailly to Mouton Rothschild to Margaux, lunch at Léoville-Poyferré to dinner at Château Canon and Château Beychevelle. Luxury trip. Exquisite Food, carefully paired with phenomenal wines: from the current vintage, still in barrel, all the way back to….! A Fabulous program done my way-to perfection! I welcome you to join me on this unforgettable trip. For more details on this trip or other trips, please contact me directly at jean-noel@chateaupotelle.com.
New Dates Available to BOOK NOW
September 1-7, 2024
September 8-14th, 2024
August 31-September 6th, 2025
September 7-13th, 2025
We had a great time on our trip to Bordeaux. the food and wine were incredible and the settings for our meals were gorgeous. We were truly impressed by your attention to detail in arranging such memorable experiences with the chateaux. I can honestly say; the trip was worth EVERY penny! Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime. — Barbara & Dan, California
After the first day, we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were so wrong…each day surpassed the previous — Charles & Mary, Brazil
Trip of a Lifetime is truly an understatement when describing the wonderful experience, we had in Bordeaux with Jean-Noel! In fact, it's an experience that could not be duplicated without the wonderful friendships Jean-Noel has, such a special part of the journey! We were welcomed by all of the vineyards and Chateaux as if we were part of his extended family! this trip was truly first class all the way- Cheers!!! — Laurie & Ned, Texas
We had an amazing time and, in fact it was our best trip EVER! Jean-Noel is a master, and we were in awe. He opened doors for us that led to the true heart and soul of the experience. thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. — Todd & Kim, Washington
It has been a truly glorious week! I don't know how Jean-Noel is able to bring so much happiness and good feelings into so many people's lives both at the Chateaux he visits or the participants from the States, but he does. In spades! What a great trip! To a man and woman, we all agree...when he says the trip of a lifetime, he means it! — Mark & Carol, Florida
When I first read the trip brochure with its "once-in-a-lifetime" proclamations, I was reflexively dubious. Such claims are marketing hyperbole, virtually without exception. this trip is THE exception. Jean-Noel has carefully curated visits to seminal Bordeaux chateaux through his personal connections, affording the group access otherwise nearly impossible to obtain. We tasted highly revered older vintages, in addition to recent ones. A perfect trip for our honeymoon! — Pascal & Kristin, California
South Africa Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip
Knowing very well the vineyards of California, France, Australia, Spain, Chile, Argentina and….I can tell you with total confidence: South Africa wine region is THE most beautiful of all!
Stunningly beautiful wine country, surreal landscapes, genuine and passionate winemakers, remarkable world class wines, superb food, luxury accommodations, this is what I invite you to enjoy with me. Some places are so small and the wines so sought after, they have never received visitors. I will even take you by helicopter for a breathtaking highlight tour of the Cape. For more details on this trip or other trips, please contact me directly at jean-noel@chateaupotelle.com.
Now Accepting Reservation Inquiries for 2026 Trip
March 8-14, 2026