Wine & Gastronomie and Vineyard Visits

An intended 'escape' from it all was the plan...

A glorious September welcomed Sarah & Simon to 'La Bellevue' and it didn't take long before their fervent passion for wine and gastronomie became an aventure of refinement.

How could two Wine & Foodie Experts come to the Val de Loire and expect to 'escape' from it all ?? C'est impossible !!

Gérald, sharing Simon & Sarah's zeal and appreciation of wine arranged a day, specifically tailored for their tastes, visiting vineyards.

Introducing them to his personal friends, vignerons with whom it would be impossible to meet without a French connection and personal introduction.

The AOC appellations of:

Saviennières, Chaume, Bonnezeaux, Crémant de Loire, Rosé de Loire, Anjou Village and Anjou were sampled.

And needless to say after much déguster a lengthy French lunch was in order.

Bravo les anglais for ordering a traditional French delicacy, an andouillette - you have put me to shame !

Fête des Vendanges, Montmartre Paris

Since 1934 Montmartre has played host to the colourful 'Fête des Vendanges' and will do so again from 8th-11th October 2009.

Lining the cobbled streets and set at the feet of the Sacré Coeur exhibitions, artisan & vignerons stands, from every department in France, will entice.

Following recent years an estimated 350,000 visitors are expected to participate in the joyous celebration - the 'first cut' of Montmartes vines.

Certainly one of the most colourful wine related calendar events of the year and most definitely one of our favourites to attend.

Gérald will be there representing Domaine de la Paleine.

Don't be shy, stop for une dégustation , wine tasting, a chat with Gérald and soak up the fabulous festive spirit.

A très bientôt !

Grape-Picking - Harvest starts - AOC Saumur

Poised and ready for action !

Yesterday saw the start of Harvest 2009 and the first grapes to be picked were the chardonnay for the Crémant de Loire and blanc Saumur Brut sparkling wines.

Clean and awaiting the first trailer load of grapes.

The Press and conveyor belt which transports the grapes into the Press.

The first tractor trailer load arrives.

My photos aren't the sort to conjure up the romantic image of harvesting grapes in France we all imagine.

Instead they show more of the 'behind the scenes' work involved during harvest, other than seeing pickers amongst the vines.

Here the chardonnay is being emptied on to the conveyor belt ready for pressing.

From this two different juices will be extracted to produce the Domaines wines.

And 2009 looks to be a very interesting vintage as the good quality grapes and good volumes are proving.

6eme Les Foulées du Saumur-Champigny

Varrains (49) hosted its 6th Les Foulées du Saumur-Champigny, a race course of 6kms or 17kms set amongst the vineyards of the AOC Saumur-Champigny.

Competing in the race was an impressive 2,500 runners, both seriously and for fun and as fun-runners past I couldn't help but get caught up in the festive spirit - a smile never left my face.

It was Augustins & my first les foulées and certainly not our last, the atmosphere was wonderful and an extremely well organised event for all to participate in and enjoy.

We were there to cheer our dear friend Hélène along as she had opted for the 17kms run...

...and by half-way she was still looking remarkably fresh !

Allez Hélène !!!

Not all about the race, a huge fête for spectators and runners to enjoy afterwards included playground rides for the children, artisans cuisine and of course, les dégustations of the AOC Saumur-Champigny wines.

5ème Marché des Vins de Saumur

On Sunday 6th September Saumur hosted its 5th Wine Festival - Marché des Vins de Saumur.

In glorious sunshine and set along the edge of the Loire river visitors sampled wines from 60 vigerons from the AOC Saumur and local artisans cuisine whilst enjoying live music and the festive atmosphere.

No stranger to Saumurs' festival Gérald was there presenting the Domaine.

And not to miss out on his 2nd Marché des Vins de Saumur, Augustin went along to help Papa...

...well, to bring Papa his lunch, to meet friends and annual returning holiday makers who make the Saumur Wine Festival part of their holiday - who can blame them, it's a fabulous event !!

6ème Marché des Vins de Saumur - Sunday 5th September, 2010

A Week in the Loire Valley with Ros & Peter

All the way from Perth, Australia Gérald & I welcomed Ros & Peter to 'La Bellevue' whilst on their Loire Valley leg of their own 'Tour de France'.

Clearly after our own hearts, Ros & Peter embraced 'la France' - this was going to be a great week !

A full days bike riding and exploring...

...warranted the evenings aperitif !

A morning spent at a bustling local market was followed...

...by an afternoon at the Domaine for a Private Wine Tour & Wine Tasting with Gérald.

Château visits and more bike riding where Ros & Peter covered some phenomenal distances continued...

And as all good things come to an end, Ros & Peter's final day in the Loire fell on Saumur's 5th Wine Festival - Marché des Vins de Saumur - perfect timing !

By now fully adept to the art of dégustation they enjoyed sampling wines from the 60 presenting vignerons, naturally spending more time with Gérald at his stand.



"Everything was PERFECT. Our stay with Sarah-Jane & Gérald was an absolute highlight. Their warmth, generosity & friendship provided us with a more complete French experience in this beautiful wine region. Gérald educated us in the art of wine making and his dégustation at La Paleine was an occassion to remember. The wines were superb, Annie's House was spotless & well appointed, set in the serene setting of Pouançay. We will return!"
Ros & Peter Buck, Perth Australia