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

A Weekend Wine Tour in the Loire Valley

High interest in our private 'Visit a Vineyard' wine tour prompted Gérald and I to create an unparalleled opportunity for the serious wine enthusiast and a unique insight into wine from the Val de Loire.

Combining Géralds knowledge and wine making background we have spent much time meeting Géralds vigneron colleagues to establish a private wine tour & wine tasting 'truely French' and include some of the more select vineyards of the Loire Valley.

Today we are delighted to introduce our all inclusive 'Weekend Wine Discovery', much more than a 'wine tour', available throughout the year and the day itself can be combined with a longer stay at the cottage.

A bientôt,
Sarah-Jane & Gérald

Montreuil-Bellay Brocante

The first Sunday of every month Montreuil-Bellay hosts its monthly Brocante (flea-market).



The heart of this small town comes alive as locals, tourists and bargin hunters mill around stalls full of curiosities.




With a little patience, perserverance and bartering a French treasure or two can be found to take home to remind you of your time in the Loire Valley.


One of our favourite brocantes to visit Montreuil-Bellay is dominated by a impressive fairy-tale château....

....which can be visited after a busy morning of mooching around the brocante and a picnic lunch along the river edge at the feet of the château.

'AOC Mission Possible'

Capturing the sunshine in May we welcomed budding wine connoisseurs Jane & Christopher to 'La Bellevue' for their 'AOC Mission Possible'.

With an impressive list of 'must try' AOC's to visit in the Loire Valley, Christopher & Jane combined well & lesser known appellations, châteaux and many of the attractions of the Val de Loire during their stay.

Dear Sarah-Jane & Gérald,

Thank you so much for a brilliant stay at Annie's House - we couldn't have been looked after better or have had a better introduction to wine and wine-tasting.

Thank you for the caves, delicious wines and strawberries. Gorgeous weather was the icing on the cake. We'll be back and telling all of our friends !

Thanks again !
Jane & Christopher

Summer gets underway in the Loire Valley

Summer is officially underway in the Loire Valley, I just love this time of year !

And with the long warm evenings to sit outside and enjoy the customary aperitif in, has come the demand to learn more about the Loire Valley wines.

Invited to host a weekly Wine Tasting Soirée, Gérald happy shares his knowledge of the regions wines - all welcome to join in !

AOC Tour de France 2009

This week we saw the return of wine enthusiasts Mark and Jeremy to 'La Bellevue' for the final leg of their 'AOC Appellation Tour de France 2009' .

Hosted by Gérald the early evenings Wine Tasting Soirée got underway with dégustations held in the garden and in our troglodyte caves.

Taken through an array of sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, Gérald introduced Mark and Jeremy to last years vintage and discused todays expectations for this years wines.

Wine and conversation continued over dinner which was enjoyed outside with a setting sun and spectacular view across the Loire.

To experience a Wine Tasting Soirée visit: http://www.domainedelabellevue.com/wine_tasting.html



A l'année prochaine !