One of the things I like most about wine is that you can learn as much or as little about it and still be completely satisfied. I learned a bunch last week as I tasted and toured the wine region of Bordeaux, France.

The first day of my trip included a 3-hour session in the Bordeaux Wine School. Talk about time well spent. The instructor gave us the rundown on the varietals and history and climate and soil of the area along with insider info on the chateau in the area. Bordeaux is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and mysterious wine areas of the world. Wines that are bought on "Futures" and sell for hundreds of dollars make us all take yet another step back in the Wine Intimidation category.

The good news is that the NEW winemakers are younger and wanting to let consumers know that there IS affordable Bordeaux. And those bottles of the classic red blend- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and the white- Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, don't have to age for years before they are ready to drink.

WOW-talk about GREAT news!! Here are a few of the dozens I sampled while abroad.

Chateau Le Bosq Cru Bourgeois, St Estephe 2003 - meaty, smoky, deep black cherries and milk chocolate deliver on the nose and palate.

Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2005 - chewy, rich red with soft supple flavors of dark red berries and cocoa.

Chateau de Plassan, "Rouge", 2005 - yummy offering of 100% Merlot. Juicy aromas and flavors truffles, black cherry, strawberry.

It wouldn't be fall without those rich, spicy pumpkin logs from Great Harvest bakery. The store left its Broad Ripple location a few months ago and moved to the Soup Guy venue along Binford Boulevard just north of 62nd St. Call 251-2222 for directions and hours of operation. A number of Great Harvest breads and those scrumptious pumpkin logs are available 24/7 at the Carmel Meijer store.