by Simon Mussell

They come by the thousands, hoards of people flocking to the west coast of France. Connoisseurs, traders, pundits and amateur enthusiasts from across the globe have set upon a pilgrimage - a journey which finds its destination at the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux.

As the largest wine region in the world, with over 284,320 acres under vine, 9,000 wine-making chateaux, 13,000 wine growers and producing around 800 million bottles annually, it may come as a surprise to discover that Bordeaux has been suffering in recent years. The market for its prestigious top end wines has never been in question and continues to thrive, yet Bordeaux, like many other prominent French wine regions, has been experiencing a steady decline in its low to medium priced bottles. Much of this decline has resulted from the competition of New World producers, such as the United States, Chile and Australia, who have combined impeccable and superior branding with offers of cheaper and more accessible wines.

With the value of both its wine and land plummeting for the past three years, and doomsayers predicting that many French wines are destined to fade away, it seems as if Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, has provided a timely answer to French prayers by gifting Bordeaux one of the greatest vintages of the last hundred years.

Wine experts throughout the world have raved in unison about the extraordinary quality of the 2005 vintage, heralding Bordeaux's comeback. The influential American wine critic Robert Parker tried his utmost to curb the enthusiasm surrounding Bordeaux 2005, but ended up incapable of containing his joy. Such universal acclaim has not surprisingly pushed prices of the much-lauded 2005 vintage to a point where the majority of people will be unable to enjoy its magnificent flavours. Some chateaux owners are seen as having the power of a blank check, particularly since most high-end French wine is purchased by foreigners who traditionally pay higher prices for prestigious bottles. Indeed, early indications show that increases above last year's prices are ranging from an eyebrow-raising 25percent to a wallet-whopping 325 percent.

For those of us who would like the opportunity to indulge in some fine wine-tasting, without breaking the bank in the process, there is an alternative. The Office of Tourism for Bordeaux offers affordable tours of the famous wine district throughout most of the year. Starting from 24 euros for a half-day and up to around 70 euros for a full day, introductory courses on wine tasting are offered alongside guided tours of the wine chateaux in the main appellations. As a general rule, France tends to be at its best in the spring, and Bordeaux is no exception. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean protects its grapes and visitors from both wintry chills and excessive heat, so you can expect a mild and agreeable climate.