Steel, Oak & Glass
Viticulturist Alberic Mazoyer spoke to us about their production using modern stainless steel tanks & old-fashioned oak barrels. You can see pallets of bottled wine behind him, wrapped & ready to ship locally.
Wine Cellar
Monsieur Mazoyer escorted us through the private reserve room on the way to the tasting room to sample their regional wines.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Cotes du Rhone
Continuing to sail south, a drive through the country & we are now in the village of Cornas, home to small wineries such as this one owned by Alain Voge. It’s tucked away down a narrow side street so you would need directions or a guide to show you the way there.
Walk in the Vines
We were led around the back in to the vineyards where the village of Cornas, with its prominent church steeple, served as a beautiful backdrop for our discussion.
New Crop
We were seeing spring’s first green growth on the bottom of these antique vines that have grown here for generations.
Young Buds
The promise of things to come. By summer, there would be full lush foliage & finally a harvest of fruit in the fall. All of this before the wine making process can even begin.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Romancing the Stone
Back down at ground level in the Old Quarter of Vienne, we walked over to the Abbey St Pierre, now a small archaeological museum which houses a surprising collection of local Roman artifacts.
Pottery Barn
Amphorae are containers of a distinct size & shape, used in ancient times, to store & transport both liquids & dry goods, commonly used for wine.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Toy Train to the Top
You can take a tiny train from the center to the top of the town for a bird’s eye view.
Jazz Festival
The view from the top down. There is an annual music festival held her in Vienne in July in the Roman amphitheater. Imagine it filled with music & music lovers!
Bird’s Eye View
The panoramic view from the top of Vienne overlooking the Rhone River Valley.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Roman Roots
Sailing farther south, we arrive at the Roman town of Vienne. This was a large surburban settlement during the age of Julius Caesar & later the capital of Burgundy.
The Temple of Augustus & Livia
Originally erected by Emperor Claudius, this building has a colorful history having been repurposed & rebuilt several times over the centuries. It was even converted into a church in the 5th century & secularized during the French Revolution. Your guide has all the details.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
We are literally in the vineyards at Domaine de la Logere winery in Beaujolais country between the Burgundy & Rhone wine regions.
Our host, viticulturist, Pascal Gayot, discusses the specific terrior of his winery – all the environmental factors impacting the growth & production of wine. He spoke to us in French, while our guide, Marion (to his right), translated into English through her audio unit.
Sips & Nibbles
Monsieur Gayot escorted us inside the winery for tastings & more informal discussion. While this region is famous for Beaujolais Nouveau, it also produces Chadonnay Beaujolais Blanc, sparkling Blanc de Blancs & even rose.
a Votre Sante
We sampled a red, a white & also a rose wine. With local sausages, cheese & bread, of course. All this & it’s only 10 o’clock in the morning. Bottles were available for sale, conveniently boxed & ready to go!
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Beaujolais Country
We are in the heart of Beaujolais country now, note the vineyards in the background, surrounding the quaint hilltop village of Oingt, a stop on the way to a local vineyard.
Cafe Stop
Ochre yellow facades are characterstic of the homes of cradftsmen & artists in Oingt. My friend Laura & I decided to duck into this charming cafe for a quick drink. The owners were quite friendly, engaging us in conversation, inquiring about where we were from.
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
