The Loire Valley Wine Trade Fair

A major event in the international wine calendar The Loire Valley Wine Trade Fair, Salon des Vins de Loire, will be held on Sunday 30 January, Monday 31 January and Tuesday 01 February 2011 at the Angers Expo Congrès, Route de Paris, 49044 Angers

The Guardian, Fiona Beckett - Wine: Local Heros

Wine: Local Heros
Independent wine merchants have a reputation as being expensive. But set preconceptions aside, and there are bargains to be had the equal of any in a supermarket, says Fiona Beckett

Ten Green Bottles is altogether funkier. This shop and wine bar in Brighton supplies restaurants as diverse as The Fat Duck and MsMarmitelover's Underground Restaurant. They specialise in hard-to-find bottles such as biodynamic Saumur producer Domaine de la Paleine's Scherzo 2008 (£10.99; 14% abv), a lovely, off-dry chenin that would add real class to jazzed-up turkey leftovers (creamy or spicy).

To read the full article click here - Fiona Beckett 'Wine: Local Heros'

Restoration of 'la belle vue'

With summer an increasingly fading memory all attentions have turned to the forthcoming winter months and the annual autumn shape-up of the flower garden and potager.

Augustin at his beloved school and Constance taking full advantage of Grandmas attention, time allowed for recollections of Percy Thrower (Blue Peter) to be called upon.

The potager had supplied us with some delicious Charlottes and Amandines earlier in the year, and to my surprise delivered an impressive second harvest.

Next, the flower garden, the restoration of la belle vue and a make-over of the massif.

After much weeding, weeding and weeding... prunning, cutting out the dead, replanting, splitting and replanting, along with the introduction of some new additions and some family favourites - Eric Tabarly and Pierre de Ronsard - we eagerly await the blooms of spring 2011.

Wine Tasting with Gérald at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton

On Sunday 10 October Gérald hosted a private wine tasting at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton, UK.

The attending 30 guests enjoyed a selection of chenin & cabernet franc wines from Domaine de la Paleine, accompanied by an accords mets et vins, food dishes chosen to compliment each wine sampled.



















(Ten Green Bottles : Sam Devaney, Simon Broad & Gérald Beaumont)

Gérald will be returning to The Wine Shop & Tasting Room on Sunday 21 November 2010 - please contact The Wine Shop & Tasting Room for further information.

The Wine Shop & Tasting Room
9 Jubliee Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1GE

t : +44 (0) 1273 567176
e : shop@tengreenbottles.com

BioParc Zoo de Doué la Fontaine

For a long time I have heard many speak about the highly reputed Parc Zoologique, Doué la Fontaine.

The imaginative troglodyte giraffe enclosure. Animal protection awareness. Wildlife conservation and the zoo's partnership with the World Wildlife Fund.

And it was during Toussaint bank holiday, in glorious sunshine that la famille Beaumont decided to visit the zoo for ourselves.

Entering the zoo it felt like returning to the jungle, minus mosquito's, humidity and the need for welly boots.

The thought given to create such a fabulous and true environment for the birds and wild animals is impressively creative. Even down to the care and attention of name plates for the various species of plants growing throughout the zoo.














Choosing a best bit? Was it the bird aviary where one can get close to the flamingos, macraws, ibis etc?

Watching the Bolivian saimiri in the trees of the bears enclosure?

Sitting at the café watching the zebra and giraffe at eye level?

The BioParc Zoo de Doué is for all ages and it certainly won't be the last visit from 'la famille Beaumont'!

Félicitations - 25th Wedding Anniversary

We were delighted to welcome Susan & Paul Pickles to La Bellevue during September - made all the more special to us as they were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary!

The cottage, ‘Annie’s House’ was their chosen home while visiting the Loire Valley, one week of several being spent discovering Paris and the North West region of France.

Openly embracing the French culture and great lovers of good food & fine wines, history and local culture, Susan & Paul’s discovery of the Val de Loire couldn’t have been more idyllic aided by a week of glorious sunshine and high temperatures.

Foodie recommendations were encouraged and warmly received and my much beloved restaurant Louis Vins in Paris became a much treasured venue by our wonderful Canadian guests who we look forward to seeing again before their 30th Wedding Anniversary!

Thank you, Sarah-Jane & Gérald for a most wonderful week at Annie's House. We felt like a part of your family staying in your wonderful village. The accommodation was superb, the location is perfect to explore the Loire Valley. We had arranged an evening meal on the day we arrived and breakfast for the first morning, both were delicious. We especially enjoyed our wine tour with Gérald and learned so much about the process & loved the wine. This stay has been the highlight of our 25th Anniversary trip to France and we hope to be back for (or before) our 30th. Thanks again.
Susan & Paul Pickles, Nanaimo, Canada

Oz Clarke's Pocke Wine Guide 2010

Featuring in Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guide 2010 Domaine de la Paleine is quoted amongst the better producers in the AOC Saumur and amongst the 'best producers' of the Saumur Brut.

Wine enthusiasts seeking an Oz Clarke style wine tasting can visit Domaine de la Paleine, a beautiful vineyard set in the picturesque village of Le Puy Notre Dame, south of Saumur.

Hosted by Gérald Beaumont, a bilingual French wine professional experience a privately conducted wine course, wine tour & wine tasting at Domaine de la Paleine, sample the Brut Saumur referrenced by Oz Clarke and the many more exquiste wines produced by this highly reputed Domaine.

If the Loire Valley is a little too far to go, you can meet Gérald at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton, UK and enjoy a private wine tasting accompanied by an accords mets et vins, wine & food pairing.

Discover with Gérald the diverse wines from Domaine de la Paleine while learning about wine, the vines, food pairing & wine production.

Bonne dégustation.

For further information about our private wine courses, luxury wine breaks, full day Loire Valley wine tours & privately conducted wine tastings please contact Sarah-Jane at: info@loirevalleyuncorked.net

Grape Harvest - Les Vendanges

Autumn has arrived in the Loire Valley.

Signalled by the start of les vendanges, grape harvest, next week at Domaine de la Paleine.

6ème Marché des Vins de Saumur

Set along the edge of the Loire river Saumur hosted its 6ème Marché des Vins de Saumur in glorious sunshine and temperatures of 30°C.

Locals and holiday makers got into the spirit of things taking their time to enjoy the festive ambience while sampling local vignerons wine and artisans home produced delicacies.

Proving to be increasingly popular Le Marché des Vins de Saumur is now a two day event, opening on Saturday from 16h00 to 21h00 and again on Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00.






Constance Beaumont made her debut at her first wine festival and joined Papa Beaumont at the stand.

While Augustin, now a novice at these events, decided playing with his favourite cars were far more fun!

7ème Marché des Vins de Saumur will be held the first weekend of September 2011.

Wine Course : The 'Ultimus' Tasting

In August we welcomed two great wine enthusiasts Shelley & Simon to La Bellevue.

Keen to embark on their passion of ‘wine & French cuisine' Shelley & Simons stay got underway with an extensive wine course - The 'Ultimus' Tasting'.

Privately hosted The 'Ultimus' Tasting is a fun and informative wine course and wine tasting. Comprehensive explanations of wine creation & alchemy from Gérald combined with a private visit of the Domaine makes perfect sense of what can be viewed as an overwhelming subject.

And what of the sampled wines? These can continue to be savoured thoughout a stay at La Bellevue.

CentreParcs is coming to Les Trois Moutiers

The group Pierre et Vacances have chosen Les Trois Moutiers to be the location for their next Center Parcs.

After much competition between Gennes, Maine et Loire (49) and Les Trois Moutiers, Vienne (86) this week it was announced the vast forest area close to the commune of Ternay will be developed and the latest Center Parcs will open in 2015.

Not far from Les Trois Moutiers is Futuroscope, a huge Theme Parc and la grande force of the Vienne which attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.

The Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms, Brighton

For the latest photographs of The Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms which opened in Brighton on Friday 20 August 2010. Please visit the provided link : The Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms

Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tastings Rooms

After much anticipation we are thrilled to announce on Friday 20 August 2010 at 20h00 the Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms opened in Brighton and word is spreading...

Read article by The Drinks Business - Vitual Store becomes physical

Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms
9 Jubliee Street
Brighton

Félicitations & Congratulations

A week away in the Loire Valley was what Amber had been expecting but Sam had choosen 'La Grange d'Henri' to be the romantique setting for his marriage proposal.

Decision made, the challenge ahead was ensuring Amber did not find out!

And after several phone calls, numerous emails and various back-up plans Sam and I managed between us to organise events with precision timing.

My task was to arrange 'La Grange d'Henri' whilst Sam & Amber visited the local area and the Domaine with Gérald.

Rose petals littered the floor, the engagement ring nested on a bed of rose heads and champagne flutes stood waiting - it really looked so pretty.

Lastly, candles required lighting and a phone call from Gérald, who had left the Domaine with Amber & Sam, gave me 5 minutes to put the final touches to the fabulous surprise which lay ahead.

Moments later corks were popping and the champagne was flowing as the engagement of Sam & Amber was celebrated.

Congratulations to you both and we wish you a very happy future together, Sarah-Jane & Gérald

A Word from Amber & Sam : Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and for helping to make our holiday perfect! Your home is stunning, location picture perfect and we shall most certainly recommend you to friends & family. We are certain we will be back. Many thanks again & warm wishes.

Harpers Wine & Spirit - Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms, Brighton

As the opening dates of Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms nears so word is spreading...

11 Aug 10 : Harpers Wine & Spirit

Le Grand Prix Rétro, Le Puy Notre Dame

The last Sunday of July Le Puy Notre Dame hosts the ever increasingly popular 'Grand Prix Rétro'.

This year saw an estimated 15,000 visitors come to watch the fabulous vintage racing cars, motorcycles and sidecars being put through their paces.



Turned into a race track for the day, the pretty village of Le Puy Notre Dame, lined with straw bale barriers welcomed racers from across Europe, UK and even as far as South Africa!

Augustin will have to wait until he is a little bit taller before he can thoroughly enjoy watching his much loved racing cars. Poor thing, viewing from a pushchair wasn't ideal.

Bastille Day in Pouançay : le 14 juillet

Le 14 juillet, Bastille Day is celebrated all over France and our village of Pouançay was no exception.

The French national holiday commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789.












Held at the Mairie the fun got underway with games which was followed by the customary aperitif and buffet campagnard.

Gérald participated in palet with Monsieur le Mayor, a traditional French game similar to boules but requires greater dexterity to play well, whilst Augustin tried his hand too.

Oh! I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside.
I do like to be beside the sea!
I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play : "Tiddly-om-pom-pom!"
So just let me be beside the seaside
I'll be beside myself with glee!












It was a picture seeing Augustins face light up as he saw the sea, sand and beach for the first time.

Constance, too young to know what all the fuss was about, got busy in her rather fabulous UVC protected tent.

And as busy little boys ran around, dug for hidden treasure and built sand castles in the fresh sea air, it wasn't long before Mummy was searching for the trusty olde bag of crisps.

Who Stays at 'La Bellevue'...?

You may wonder just who does 'La Bellevue' appeal to.

The cyclists? The ramblers? The honeymooners? Les gourmands?

All of them but the most apparent are 'the wine connaisseurs'. And Gwen & Victor were no exception. In fact, dare I say, certified wine connaisseurs & gourmands!

Our stay at 'Annie's House' was delightful, in such a beautiful setting and a very comfortable gite. Gérald, Sarah-Jane & the kids couldn't have been better hosts without being intrusive.

Géralds great knowledge of good wine, which he has shared with us was an added bonus to the fabulous holiday of good weather, great food at the local markets and a very relaxing time.

Thank you so much and we would have no hesitation to recommending you to any of our friends and hopefully we will be back.

If you need an olympic size swimming pool and can't stand bird song - this is not the place for you! If you want good food, excellent wine and wonderful hosts, give it a whirl!!

Gwen & Victor, Belfast

Fête de l'Ecole

Last Sunday Augustins future school hosted its annual 'Fête de l'Ecole'.

Invited to join in the school festivities Constance, Augustin and I sat alongside other parents to watch their childrens gymnastic displays and dance routines.

Following the spectacle in the shade of the large trees everyone tucked into chips, homemade cakes, fizzy drinks, played games and won prizes - it was a lovely afternoon.

In between running around with his new friends Augustin let everyone know he did not appreciate the music throughout the displays!

Mummy thought it was hilarious.

Ten Green Bottles - Wine Bar & Tasting Rooms

It is with great delight we announce our Partnership with Ten Green Bottles which will see the opening of the first Ten Green Bottles Wine Bar & Tasting Rooms in Brighton, UK this summer.

Below is Ten Green Bottles announcement made this week...

We'll be making more of a formal announcement with more details shortly, but just to let all of you know, we're very excited that we'll soon be opening our first shop and bar.

Tengreenbottles wine shop and tasting rooms will be located in the North Laines area of Brighton, and we're hoping to open mid-August.

As well as a shop area offering a large range of the kind of unique wines, direct from the vineyard, that have made up our list so far.

You'll also be able to enjoy a glass in our lounge area with food designed specifically to match; take a bottle of the shelf and enjoy it with friends; and come along to one of the many wine events we're planning.

More details to follow shortly...

Wine Tasting Soirée - le 3ème retour

This week we were delighted to welcome Mark & Jeremy back to 'La Bellevue' - leurs 3ème retour - for an extensive wine tasting hosted by Gérald. Dinner followed, as did some typically French cuisine !!

Sat outside in the afternoons sun the setting couldn't have been more idyllic for une dégustation of the new vintages from Domaine de la Paleine.

In addition was the introduction of other AOC appellations which provided an interesting contrast to the AOC Saumur.

As well as the unique experience of sampling a 1986 Quart de Chaume which instantly made us reflect on what we were all doing in '86...gosh, it feels so long ago !!

A word from Mark & Jeremy:

Thank you so much Sarah-Jane & Gérald! Another fabulous stay, our third year running, can you keep us away? I doubt it! Many thanks.

'La Grange d'Henri'

We started 2010 knowing it would be an eventful and demanding year, and the month of May did not disappoint us!

Captivating and condensing all the emotions we had been anticipating and concluding with very exciting results, I need not emphasize corks have been popping!

Not only did we see the final touches put to 'la Grange d'Henri' but our Partnership with Ten Green Bottles Ltd and our forthcoming venture together is being developed as I blog.

It is with great pleasure I post photographs of our charming barn conversion which is alreadying proving to be a popular addition to 'la Bellevue':

Le Salon

- Wi-Fi access
- Television/DVD player
- CD players
- iPod speakers


La Cusine

I adore the kitchen, the spot lights add a lovely embiance particularly when the evening is drawing in.


Following are pictures of la Chambre .












For more information on 'la Grange d'Henri' and 'la Bellevue' visit our website at: www.domainedelabellevue.com

A très bientôt !

Vitiloire 2010 - Tours, Loire Valley

This weekend, 29th-30th May 2010 the beautiful city of Tours (49) will play host to Vitiloire for an 8th consecutive year.

Set in the centre of Tours this fabulous event brings together viticulteurs, artisans and sommeliers from across the Loire Valley region providing visitors with a wonderful opportunity to sample a wide range of wines, local produce and meet the vine growers directly.

During your visit remember to say 'bonjour' to Gérald who will there representing Domaine de la Paleine.

London International Wine Fair - ExCeL London

The London International Wine Fair (LIWF) returns to ExCeL London this week.

This huge event brings together producers, wholesalers and importers from all over the world, restaurateurs and sommeliers, to be frank, everyone whose work involves direct contact with wine.

Say 'hello' to Gérald as he will be there representing Domaine de la Paleine !

Loire Valley Uncorked 2010

This week saw the launch of ‘Loire Valley Uncorked’.

A new website designed in response to the high demand we have recently received for privately conducted wine tasting tours in the company of a French wine professional.

Much more than a vineyard visit our tailored wine tours hosted by Gérald offer a unique insight into a ‘Vignerons World’ and the opportunity to experience a truly French wine tasting experience!

From a variety of half & full day wine tours, a wine tasting soirée and several all inclusive weekend wine breaks to choose from - visit some of the more highly referenced Domaines in the Loire Valley while learning about, and sampling the diverse and exquisite Val de Loire wines.