I couldn't go to Porto without visiting one of the many port houses that dot the hillside of neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, so I took a tour of Taylor's, one of the oldest port merchants in the region.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Taylor’s port house
Madiran
A road trip around the vineyards of this Gascon town, known for its full-bodied, robust red wines and a lesser known white, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh.
Béarn
In the shadow of the Pyrenees, lies the ancient region of Béarn. A wild, untamed land, it's an area of myths and legends, and has an otherworldly, spiritual feel.
Cahors
The ancient capital of the Lot region is home to well-preserved medieval buildings, a double-domed cathedral and a striking bridge.
Dordogne
With its lush green forests, picturesque medieval architecture and gourmet food, the Dordogne is one of my favourite French regions.
Route du Vin
Snaking its way through the Alsatian countryside in the shadow of the Vosges mountains, the Route du Vin is so-called because of the many vineyards in the area.
Little Old World 