September 2014 Tours

The mistral was blowing hard when we arrived in Violes, but the sky was blue and the sun warm (as you would expect!) We have 2 weeks here to enjoy the sun, wine and good company, meet some new faces and share our experiences.
We visited some new caves with Colin and Ann this time in Caromb and Beaumes de Venise, having been on our tours before, they were keen to have tastings from some different vineyards in the area.
One vignerons, just outside Vacqueyras near Aubignan , meet their customers by appointment only. Alain and his wife Nelly have their cave at their home in the middle of their vineyard, which has far reaching views across their vines in a seated pergola area with the perfect view for tastings.
We started with their Vacqueyras wines and followed with their Muscat de Beaumes de Venise white and red.
We were then asked if we fancied trying his Eaux de vie de Muscat and Vinaigre Balsamique de muscat.


Well, it would be rude to say no.......


This caveau has certainly not only entertained us but has showed us again how passionate wine growers are and why they make exceedingly good wines.
We will certainly be adding this vineyard to our wine tours!

Our second tasting takes us to a another family vineyard just outside the village of Caromb, another discovery from the Vacqueyras wine fete this July. It is a busy time of the year with the vendanges taking place, producers are waiting to pick at the right time for their grapes to achieve the perfect wines.  They still have a lot of work to do preparing their vehicles and equipment! After a picnic lunch, (the usual fresh baguette from the boulangerie with selection of cold meats and pate with Charentais melon) and in the midst of the vineyards, we went to the cooperative of Cave St Marc; we are always met here with helpful and friendly staff. When we book here we are able to make use of their tasting room with Gaby.

We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary this week, having a romantic meal at the Mas de Bouvau in Violes, remembering the day where we were married. We also celebrated Pete's 50th Birthday with our good friends in Vacqueyras along with their family and friends. (see More cheese gromit blog)

After a few thunderstorms during the week, (which left our car covered in grape juice from the roads) the mistral returned to settle the weather and let the sun do it's job. The harvest was in full flow now, with some producers waiting to the following weekend to pick at their ripest.