Start your engines for the 6th Bordeaux Wine Festival

DON'T miss one of the highlights of the festival season in southwest France if you happen to be in or around Bordeaux at the end of June.

The 6th Bordeaux Wine Festival promises four unforgettable days of french wine, food and culture from the 26th to 29th June.

This year the festival is in honour of the beautiful Russian city of Saint Petersburg.

It is packed full of fun events that include barrell rolling and swimming across the Garonne river.

There will be several themed tasting pavillons and the chance to learn more about Bordeaux and the surrounding wine producing  departments of Aquitaine, the Gironde, the Lot-et-Garonne and the Dordogne.

Next to each tasting pavillion producers of regional food specialities will be on hand to propose an appropriate 'amuse bouche' for you glass of wine.

Bordeaux is twinned with Bristol in England. Witness the incredible energy of young Bristonian violinist John Pearce and his band, The John Pearce Quartet,  who play a blend of jazz, blues, swing and groove. Just one of the many bands lined up over the four days.

A french meal can be a marathon. On the Saturday the Bacchus Banquet  is a must for foodies where you join the crowds at a giant-sized table to eat, drink and be merry.

Of course, these days no festival would be complete without a few sets of line dancing, which has taken France by storm. You are invited to join in with the 400 dancers from Quebec, in town to celebrate Quebec's 400th anniversary.

For sailing enthusiasts, you can watch sailing boats race barges over the four days.

The festival kicks off at 11am with the spectacular arrival of the Mexican 3-masted tall ship, the CUAUHTEMOC, a magnificent windjammer barque with it's on-board crew of 275 all of whom are perched on its masts as it sails into port. Not to be missed.

For more information visit the Bordeaux Wine Festival site