Boutique B&B in the Heart of Bordeaux Winelands

Hi Everybody, Wine is often wrongly regarded as the preserve of men. At Villa St Simon it is often the women who challenge me the most in their quest for knowledge about wine. Women are also the biggest purchasers of…

Those of you who have stayed in Villa St Simon, may have read the room book to help you make the best of your stay in this glorious region.There is a page from Earnest Hemingway’s book, “Death in the Afternoon”,…

It’s Summer holidays in Blaye and music festivals and other attractions have started in earnest. We went to the Wine and Jazz night in Bourg on Tuesday, and while one of the finest Jazz exponents was on the bill, the…

Driving yourself on vineyard visits in thhe Bordeaux winelands – don’t! France has clamped down drastically on drink driving, and you could find yourself the recipient of a thousand Euro or more fine. Visiting and not drinking rather defeats the purpose,…

This weekend I was once again privileged to be on the Jury for the 38th World Wine Challenge here in Bordeaux. Hushed murmering filled the huge hall where we judged 5000 wines from 38 different countries.  As usual there was a…

All credit to the robbers who burgled Danielle and Kirsten’s house in Australia. They obviously know a bit about wine. Leaving the cheap bottles just where they were, the thieves made off with the two bottles of “Je Suis” 2010,…

A Cautionary tale My iPhone 4S fell on Monday. The screen didnt break but I got these funny patterns and long thin lines, and as it was two months out of guarantee, was told to make an appointment at the…

Recently I returned to South Africa for the second time in six months, staying once again at the Crane’s Nest B&B. All our Villa St Simon family, some who return to us each year, will be very at home at…

This weekend was the Asparagus festival in the neighbouring town of Etauliers. It is a feast, not only of the beautiful white Asparigii for which the region is famous, but also of artisanal food and wine from all over France.…

Yesterday we did a wonderful Medoc wine Tour with two guests of Villa Saint Simon from Oregon, USA. The day started as a sunny morning here in Blaye, we crossed the Gironde river in 20 minutes thanks to the ferry,…