Practical advice
Major house or small grower?
The main difference is the scale of the visit and the way you are welcomed.
A major house offers fixed tours, monumental cellars and clear time slots, so book ahead. At a small, lesser-known grower you can often walk in for a tasting. Call first if you want to see the cellar, need a particular language or want to be sure someone has time for you. For a first weekend, one major house and one grower make an excellent combination.
Book fewer appointments and give each visit more time.