If you’ve been curious about cruising through wine regions—or just want a fun, relaxed way to learn more while sipping along at home—I’d love for you to join us. The Second Tuesday of each month at 8pm Central for most months (some months vary based on travel schedule).

We’ll be hosting our next Ports & Pours Zoom session on:

May 12, 2026 at 8pm Central will focus on the Bordeaux Region  (Left bank vs right bank!) 

 Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent (Bordeaux Blanc) – a crisp, refreshing white (serve chilled!) that showcases the beautiful balance Bordeaux can do beyond reds.

 Château Bel-Air Lussac Saint-Émilion (Right Bank) – a classic expression from the Merlot-dominant side of Bordeaux… smooth, elegant, and a favorite for many.

 Château La Tonnelle Haut-Médoc (Left Bank) – a Cabernet-forward blend from the Médoc with a little more structure… open this one about 30 minutes early to let it breathe!

Some that I have visited previously on a Bordeaux river cruise are Margaux (the epitome of Bordeaux elegance—where Cabernet-driven wines deliver silky tannins, floral aromatics, and a refined, perfumed style shaped by its gravelly Left Bank terroir) and Chateaux de La Rivière (a stunning Right Bank estate overlooking the Dordogne, known for its elegant Merlot-based wines and its dramatic underground limestone cellars carved deep into the hillside). 

If you’d like to attend, just register at the link at the bottom (which has more info) and I’ll get you registered to receive the Zoom link! (Maximum 100 people in order of signing up for each month; not open to travel agents). I love to spotlight local winemakers here in the US who make a Bordeaux style wine - is that YOU and you want to join? Please do! This event is one hour and complimentary (no charge).

For those who want to sip along with us, our Sommelier has selected three wines (all usually available from Total Wine listed above in the $20 range per bottle or half bottle).

Tasting: Completely optional—feel free to join with whatever you have on hand!

I’ll be tying in the cruising side—what it’s like to sail in Bordeaux, what makes it different from other river cruises, and how these wine regions come to life along the itinerary. Even the pre-cruise stay can be amazing! (Did you know San Sebastián is not a bad journey by train away??)

Hope you can join us for a great evening of wine, travel, and conversation!

** Anything in BLUE means there is a video on my YouTube channel (CruiseByMandy) in the Ports & Pours playlist that I could not add when creating this!

Want to join me November 10-17 embarking in Amsterdam and visiting Cologne en route to Switzerland? (PDF example attached) I'm also returning to Bordeaux in August but first I will be re-visiting the Provence region of France in May that I was at last summer but on the ocean side versus river! So many wine regions to explore and share!

Mandy Goddard, M.Ed., CLIA ECC, CTA, PADI, WSET L2 (Wines)

2025 CLIA ECC Hall of Fame Inductee (cruises)

Partnering with a Sommelier / WSET L3 in another state virtually