After breakfast, we travel to the village of Condrieu, south of Cote Rotie, in France's northern Rhone region. Condrieu AC produces only white wines made from the rare viognier variety. These dry, rich wines have a perceptible spiciness and aromas and flavors reminiscent of apricots, peaches, and pears. They are however very expensive because the wine is of a very good quality, with vineyards grown in almost inaccessible soil. We take the opportunity to visit the House of Guigal in Ampius. We then travel to Tournon Sur-Rhone and cross the Rhone River to the centre of Tain-l’Hermitage. Here both red and white wines of excellent repute are produced with vineyards planted on the very steep, sun-drenched hillside above the town. The vineyards are thought to have been cultivated as far back as the Roman occupation of this area. We visit possibly the most impressive cellar in France, that of “Paul Jaboulet Aine” before returning to our hotel. (BB)