tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38702997470635474402024-03-07T05:13:04.878+01:00The Life and Times of La Grande Maison"La Grande Maison - In the Heart of the Vines and La Petite Maison on the Banks of the River Loire"
Wine Tours in France - Vineyard Stays - Riverside Gites - Bed & Breakfast
http://www.lagrandemaison.netMicaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-67799610422920968442017-12-03T13:00:00.000+01:002017-12-03T13:14:58.229+01:00Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour in Loire Valley<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Wine Tour 2018 for Chocoholics in Loire Valley France</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">29th March - 31st March or 30th - 1st April 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">or 1st April - 3rd April </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"> (other dates on request) </span></div>
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Spring
time in the Loire Valley is simply beautiful. Everything is fresh, the
vines are coming into bud and the weather is warming up. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">What better time to</span> <span style="color: black;">t</span></span>ake a Wine Tour <b>and<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <span style="color: black;">now you have the opportunity to take a Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour</span></span></b> as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhFxUmRqIxLNvVd2WiPk7X2wt12_mvVX-rD10hFE5LCC31pj07no-jvujCzdTyeVmkgDGu-FgUYdze_nu17jjPROz6_nBXNgAjVOvPFem-vM20epmLSYkWBKCfrAL3vcYsDQXPlMJI29/s1600/P1010816.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566823663088750210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhFxUmRqIxLNvVd2WiPk7X2wt12_mvVX-rD10hFE5LCC31pj07no-jvujCzdTyeVmkgDGu-FgUYdze_nu17jjPROz6_nBXNgAjVOvPFem-vM20epmLSYkWBKCfrAL3vcYsDQXPlMJI29/s320/P1010816.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
All
you need do is arrive - we’ll take care of the rest!
Experience the
French countryside, fabulous chateaux, chocolates and enjoy Loire Valley
Wines with our <b>Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour 2018</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK5ctEYdEy2A2OYsHlljOnhmWABEcJT7kIK7L7KAs6eGtFAp6sBYrRcgX_kpc_2WG0lb5I1V5Hhc3il6MNg45HR2Z-9PEtnT2vVcW7OYLrGoApx01f8WWKdPD2BtngUOA1A7OYql_5v3C/s1600/P1000441.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566826078783417506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK5ctEYdEy2A2OYsHlljOnhmWABEcJT7kIK7L7KAs6eGtFAp6sBYrRcgX_kpc_2WG0lb5I1V5Hhc3il6MNg45HR2Z-9PEtnT2vVcW7OYLrGoApx01f8WWKdPD2BtngUOA1A7OYql_5v3C/s320/P1000441.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>On
the first evening we serve you a delicious Wine Sampling Supper in the
grand hall with an AOC Loire wine with each course and topped off with a
serving of Sparkling Loire red and handmade chocolates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfW75x-iIJjadp0E8YqHM_5kyN_ndgMNNjA-1FrxcGBqM_XKvpcU8J3ludRNjbn9MKJGCjUTgRGeIMdw5G8Z_MsX5U6QsLwYYpUUgT-2u-zXeaMEpuJ1KNWyQhvQWndOWgP2j69_OdYk4/s1600/P1000438.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566827757774834514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfW75x-iIJjadp0E8YqHM_5kyN_ndgMNNjA-1FrxcGBqM_XKvpcU8J3ludRNjbn9MKJGCjUTgRGeIMdw5G8Z_MsX5U6QsLwYYpUUgT-2u-zXeaMEpuJ1KNWyQhvQWndOWgP2j69_OdYk4/s320/P1000438.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>
Wake up to a delicious continental breakfast, freshly squeezed orange
juice, fresh coffee or tea, croissants and baguettes all collected daily
from the boulangerie and <b>Easter Eggs</b> of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U6-C92n_UxXFACEIaEYtvzFN2HH7k9Ef3YNbiCBIJKAmoQdcFoGGv8DVvm_6QpVSAqPcpupJ3FKOkGKb6rQdcdCa7adt5lm6sJctRIGMbnXvEs3z9segBFNwm9UV1QCWOMDPuzK8YN7A/s1600/image(7).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> </div>
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We
head off the next day into the Saumur Region on the Easter Wine Tour
where we will have the opportunity during the day to visit 2-3 wineries,
sample the wines, tour the caves and buy wines at cellar door prices. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566826694074222898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tv8mT2-o-8UM1SnYZUwBJnN4T9ZOZoN9gXsqY9QjgHmXt6MBHjaLNkvyRtjJ0v0bg1FlOLEePyBmQnvg-SepEjLps6vEk_N1uRD3AbbyOSwWrWevhvIoAHzXi2w4Gm5zONzx7Pvyr9Tw/s320/P1010084.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
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There is a picnic lunch en-route either in the vineyards or on the banks
of the beautiful Loire River. In the evening we’ll take you to a local
restaurant where you can sample the regional food. The
area is so rich in history and culture that we always throw in a little
sight seeing along the way too.
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Back
at La Grande Maison we will open a bottle of sparkling red and sample chocolates, a perfect match. Made from the cabernet franc
grape Sparkling Red wines from our local producers Langlois Chateau and
Bouvet
Ladubay are sublime with a little Easter chocolate. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUX_vDuuV4ED1JfTG0gPjUx4EQ7s-72oFPMKSX6yymxWfrCQw2jIUTi1thJnNYs3R-ll18JcwrZR4g7gx4kHLfvmfamtnvtjd5cxeRYd_v222uaDcjlzy3fcwIjV32EuRbLPbFp2IwPZS/s1600/postcardlgm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUX_vDuuV4ED1JfTG0gPjUx4EQ7s-72oFPMKSX6yymxWfrCQw2jIUTi1thJnNYs3R-ll18JcwrZR4g7gx4kHLfvmfamtnvtjd5cxeRYd_v222uaDcjlzy3fcwIjV32EuRbLPbFp2IwPZS/s320/postcardlgm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Before heading out to dinner you will have chance to take tea/coffee and biscuits in the stunning gardens and have
time to relax before being taken to a local restaurant in the evening.
An exclusive aperitif will be offered in the underground pigeonneir too! After a delicious breakfast the following morning we return you to your
selected departure point. A not to be missed tour of the caves and
tunnels at La Grande Maison is also included. SO EASY!
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">CHOCOHOLICS EASTER WINE TOUR IN THE LOIRE VALLEY VINEYARDS 2018 </span><br />
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What’s included in this package:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">TWO NIGHTS STAY AT LA GRANDE MAISON in the VINES - ONLY 410 euros per person </span>(based
on two persons sharing a double/twin room) - extra nights bed and
breakfast available on request - extra nights available on request if
you want a longer weekend.<br />
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Collection to/from ANGERS OR SAUMUR STATION<br />
Welcome drink on arrival<br />
2 night(s) accommodation at La Grande Maison
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1 Wine Tasting Supper at La Grande Maison (per person)
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2 Breakfast(s) at La Grande Maison
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1 Picnics in the vineyard or on the banks of the river<br />
Loire
Transport in roomy 6 or 9 seater vehicle
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Qualified Wine Guide - English Speaking
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Translation and explanations by guide whenever necessary
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A one day visit to 2-3 local Saumur/Saumur Champigny wine producers
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Chocolate tasting session with red sparkling wine<br />
Tastings of local white, red, rose and sparkling wines
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Route map
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Details of Domaines to be visited and meet the winemaker
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Helpful descriptions and notes<br />
Wine Tasting note book and pencil
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Bottled water to take on the tour
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Opportunity to buy wines at vineyard prices<br />
Transportation of wines bought to La Grande Maison
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Tour of the wine caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison
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Lifts to and from local restaurants 2nd evening<br />
Tea or coffee in the gardens on return from your tour<br />
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DATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST - BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
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"Our
first trip to France. Six nights in Paris followed by four nights at La
Grande Maison. Whilst Paris was interesting, historic and busy, our
four days with you were relaxing and we experienced more of the REAL
FRANCE than in Paris. Your facilities, service and hospitality were the
"Icing on the Cake!" Thank You" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Max and Deena Warren - Arizona USA
</span></div>
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“How
wonderful to be able to drink 29 different wines in the space of one
weekend and console yourself with the fact that it's educational as well
as pleasurable - heavenly from the first to the last drop. Our hosts
not only provided great food and fascinating lessons in viniculture but
were excellent company too. We shall be back!” <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kirsty Lang of BBC Radio 4 - London UK</span></div>
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"This
is as good as it gets. Thank you for an amazing four days. All five
senses are fully engaged in pleasure, when you have the perfect
combination of fun and interesting people, delicious home made food
& beautiful wines!!" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leah and Barton Melbourne Australia</span>
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"This
is exactly what we were looking for! Your hospitality and
thoughtfulness made our stay extra special - we will definitely see you
again! Graete" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leonie, Helonna and Nicolas - Pretoria South Africa</span>
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A selection of dates are available this year for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour </span><b>2018</b> please email us your dates to check on our availability. Please note this tour is exclusive to La Grande Maison.<br />
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Why not see a little more of the real France with our unique <b>Chocoholics </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Wine Tour 2018 in the Loire</span>. To book today email : resv@lagrandemaison.net REF : CHOCOWINE18Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com049260 Le Puy-Notre-Dame, France47.124879 -0.2298859999999649547.081655 -0.31056699999996495 47.168103 -0.14920499999996495tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-4296596842955312472017-02-09T15:24:00.001+01:002017-02-09T15:24:33.402+01:001 Star Michelin Restaurants Loire - La Table de la Bergerie and Fontevraud Le Restaurant<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Great news to hear that two <b>NEW 1 Star Michelin Restaurants</b> have just been announced in the Loire - La Table de la Bergerie in Champ Sur Layon and Fontevraud Le Restaurant in Fontevraud. </div>
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Congratulations to both chefs for these well deserved awards. Thibaut Ruggeri - Fontevraud Le Restaurant and David Guitton - Le Table de la Bergerie. Who now join Mickaël PIHOURS of La Gambetta in Saumur and Pascal Favre d'Anne of Le Favre d'Anne and Un Ile of Gérard Bossé in Angers in holding a precious Michelin * </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzHW82IoRuzVMJFc9n0HeebRfja53Fkp5pq9vfj24bWM6aXZfD9xsywtLIrfBYpQ1GK-dGO1KuqFb0M7lmjxgBuyRxYWceA35HATdvN7ZEUf7prGvVQrVqgR1vc4gb4ihgtmocAQnHvgt/s1600/thibautruggeri.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzHW82IoRuzVMJFc9n0HeebRfja53Fkp5pq9vfj24bWM6aXZfD9xsywtLIrfBYpQ1GK-dGO1KuqFb0M7lmjxgBuyRxYWceA35HATdvN7ZEUf7prGvVQrVqgR1vc4gb4ihgtmocAQnHvgt/s320/thibautruggeri.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thibaut Ruggeri - Chef Etoilé at Fontevraud Le Restaurant </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IYSELWp8jj6-ASOar3W2d_D646ZOc12HmyszGZLgtcj6gDJ_itgsvgV6aIyC7oEdlgJTeVlP2vdSe8mcSxsL16JbKnybCF2LFAodga6OnETHPZwlZO4-iuFXUIgs0y3_XAz3HHT_2CDc/s1600/fontevraudlerestaurant.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IYSELWp8jj6-ASOar3W2d_D646ZOc12HmyszGZLgtcj6gDJ_itgsvgV6aIyC7oEdlgJTeVlP2vdSe8mcSxsL16JbKnybCF2LFAodga6OnETHPZwlZO4-iuFXUIgs0y3_XAz3HHT_2CDc/s320/fontevraudlerestaurant.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thibaut Ruggeri's amazing food at Fontevraud Le Restaurant </div>
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David Guitton produces some beautiful dishes paired with their own estate wines.</div>
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The view over the vineyards of Domaine de la Bergerie of Yves Guegniard at La Table de la Bergerie</div>
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Vineyard Dining at La Table de la Bergeire</div>
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For lunch or dinner during your stay at La Grande Maison both restaurants are well worth a visit and we are happy to make reservations for you during your stay.</div>
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Thibaut Ruggeri @ Abbaye de Fontevraud BP 24 – 49590 Fontevraud – L'Abbaye</div>
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<a href="http://Abbaye de Fontevraud BP 24 – 49590 Fontevraud – L'Abbaye" target="_blank"> http://www.fontevraud.fr/en/Eating-at-Fontevraud/Le-Restaurant</a></div>
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David Guitton @ La Table de la Bergerie </div>
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<a href="http://www.latable-bergerie.fr/" target="_blank"> http://www.latable-bergerie.fr/</a></div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-19333683036284121892016-02-09T11:21:00.000+01:002016-02-09T11:24:09.886+01:00Wine Tours from London or Paris to the Loire Valley <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Never Been Easier ?</div>
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London City to Angers Airport in only an hour! </div>
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From the 28 March to the 28 October 2016 British Airways is operating out of London City direct to Angers Airport on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. So get your tickets now from only £ 62 (oneway) and we will collect you direct from the airport and transfer you back to La Grande Maison in under 40 minutes. In less than 2 hours you could be sipping your first glass of sparkling Cremant de la Loire in the vineyards at <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/" target="_blank">La Grande Maison</a>. What could be easier?</div>
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<a href="http://www.angersloireaeroport.fr/destinations/londres/?lang=en" target="_blank">London - Angers Timetable </a></div>
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All details for our Wine Tours running from either <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/wine-tours-from-paris-to-loire" target="_blank">Paris</a> or <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/wine-tour-london" target="_blank">London</a></div>
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can be found here. Hope to see you soon. Sante!</div>
Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-65541365728336278162016-01-28T14:58:00.000+01:002016-01-28T14:59:13.159+01:00La Grande Maison Supporting UK Wine Research<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4PhumyJZH-a0KrZqSuxRHroLZ75_lgi-VacFg0mIvE0jWVGqCvhOCGt4alfJpGsIz4GVWiyGaNEnJQAHYWQwVBZwtqwblumqNYuAIB5mIlfrEX8NFss-vMHkf-k6f39Y-C0T_hCvRzIp/s1600/UKWineResearchCentre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4PhumyJZH-a0KrZqSuxRHroLZ75_lgi-VacFg0mIvE0jWVGqCvhOCGt4alfJpGsIz4GVWiyGaNEnJQAHYWQwVBZwtqwblumqNYuAIB5mIlfrEX8NFss-vMHkf-k6f39Y-C0T_hCvRzIp/s400/UKWineResearchCentre.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sponsors Board at the UK Wine Research Centre featuring La Grande Maison</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: justify;">Sue and Micaela at La Grande Maison are pleased to support the UK Wine Research Centre at Plumpton Agricultural College (University of Brighton). "The donations make a tremendous difference," says Chris Foss. "They allow us to go beyond teaching into proper research, which is fundamental for a university."</td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV9WhwCBpMTxLHQuEkuB18Zj7oyBrX4qmgHlf0OwusVat5r5AIz-1LXy5_qNhDL0AUM5GKuMUI5SAuuPRXVtBRAlyeyDPWvshEBEltA5xM2ViQHJVLylXSOgAGy4qAegZh63d8FeLp2N8/s1600/cornwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV9WhwCBpMTxLHQuEkuB18Zj7oyBrX4qmgHlf0OwusVat5r5AIz-1LXy5_qNhDL0AUM5GKuMUI5SAuuPRXVtBRAlyeyDPWvshEBEltA5xM2ViQHJVLylXSOgAGy4qAegZh63d8FeLp2N8/s640/cornwall.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue attended the opening of the new centre by The Duchess of Cornwall in 2014</td></tr>
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Photo: Sue Hunt ©</div>
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Speaking about Chris Foss Head of the Wine Department, Sue said "he is the inspiration and driving
force for all the wine courses, as well as the brand new winery and now the UK Wine Research Centre. His
quiet passion and obvious immense knowledge of wine is infectious and is
caught by staff and students alike. But Plumpton College is more than
Chris and his team, it has a beautiful setting tucked beneath the Sussex
South Downs, surrounded by fields of sheep, cattle and some vines; the
pace and place is peaceful, the learning is intense.</div>
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The balance of practical and theory gave me the knowledge
and experience to know that I could walk into almost any winery,
vineyard or tasting event in the world and perform confidently and
competently. Wine is an ever expanding subject and I am privileged to
have had such a good grounding."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F8rE1QxIHaDe26xWK_ZhyphenhyphenS_KOmtsItA06EyDZ-_YTuNHpaHL31y6wUjiVTRpz3UmacvxX2nnj5MqY_eosMhKzSlcEjBU9M1MpKni7tuIvZibveV5YIB6c12oPKlUrf11bGNd-2TrCySj/s1600/chrisfoss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F8rE1QxIHaDe26xWK_ZhyphenhyphenS_KOmtsItA06EyDZ-_YTuNHpaHL31y6wUjiVTRpz3UmacvxX2nnj5MqY_eosMhKzSlcEjBU9M1MpKni7tuIvZibveV5YIB6c12oPKlUrf11bGNd-2TrCySj/s400/chrisfoss.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.plumpton.ac.uk/page/about-plumpton-college/research-at-plumpton/individual-staff-research-interests/chris-foss/183" target="_blank">Chris Foss - Head of the Wine Department and regular visitor to La Grande Maison</a></td></tr>
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Our business based at <a href="http://www.lagrandemaisonloire-winetours.com/" target="_blank">La Grande Maison</a> is going from
strength to strength and over the years we have set up exclusive links
with companies based in the Rhone and Burgundy and extended the range of <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/loire-wine-tours" target="_blank">Loire wine tours</a> we have on offer.</div>
Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-76774738124537883302015-04-03T15:06:00.000+01:002015-04-03T15:14:35.961+01:00L'Auberge des Iles - Montreuil Bellay - Team Vigneron<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oRasmpDG-z6TlDGWVv0xlhlIHdcWdzTMD-UCcnqrZDlbDBRiR51uBZCYd_eQR9zCU02Re1OIH19CxEVPdaScwLXtDU961EO5YgTTKDZ3zYyZ4VcSzdaAlm_ugVjNgs45dU9GXuPDs-J5/s1600/image(28).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oRasmpDG-z6TlDGWVv0xlhlIHdcWdzTMD-UCcnqrZDlbDBRiR51uBZCYd_eQR9zCU02Re1OIH19CxEVPdaScwLXtDU961EO5YgTTKDZ3zYyZ4VcSzdaAlm_ugVjNgs45dU9GXuPDs-J5/s1600/image(28).jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many of you that have stayed at La Grande Maison in the past will be familiar with the wonderful cuisine of David Beaufreton the chef at Le Puy A Vins and will have undoubtedly enjoyed the wines of Guillaume & Adrien of Chateau de Fosse Seche and Aymeric Hillaire of Domaine Melaric. Well now the team have come together along with Romain Amblard of Le Puy A Vins to bring you a new restaurant in Montreuil Bellay - L'Auberge des Iles. Only 10 minutes from La Grande Maison.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcRajFWu4mWYLnAeDiaWx5PcEs0iiTudW40Ks_jzZ-8e194QJhd9sW0PjesPaU5Os6YaRivdgkhwX90ALdxM0rxLsYB7oFpH7wdnXaZ6XjEmdOA7W5x3owZZhgKSsxtmw3Sbu5rMpfGcE/s1600/image(29).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcRajFWu4mWYLnAeDiaWx5PcEs0iiTudW40Ks_jzZ-8e194QJhd9sW0PjesPaU5Os6YaRivdgkhwX90ALdxM0rxLsYB7oFpH7wdnXaZ6XjEmdOA7W5x3owZZhgKSsxtmw3Sbu5rMpfGcE/s1600/image(29).jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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The terrace is on the banks of the River Thouet in a stunning location at the foot of the magnificent Chateau of Montreuil Bellay. "Cuisine à l'ancienne" and a large wine list not only featuring many local Loire organic wines but also some very fine wines from other regions of France along with a few surprises from Spain, Germany and Swtizerland.<br />
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I'm sure it is going to become a winemakers hang out too. We popped in this
luch time, after the inaugaration last night it was hard not to return
to try the food and enjoyed a glass of sparkling at the bar with
Matthieu Vallée of Chateau Yvonne.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfePoHdKcK-YZwqOgUZlGSjVggby_6NMQaFJTs2NMzG7jsC7zGMFyHUB2Kv3geEVc2vFpuRjqFKhFhiv1zbJ6m4uxi3NHx-qe_CxRrFRobvARvohGBfdUcO9tyHGBr5RBm0Qyx737gVbN/s1600/image(33).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfePoHdKcK-YZwqOgUZlGSjVggby_6NMQaFJTs2NMzG7jsC7zGMFyHUB2Kv3geEVc2vFpuRjqFKhFhiv1zbJ6m4uxi3NHx-qe_CxRrFRobvARvohGBfdUcO9tyHGBr5RBm0Qyx737gVbN/s1600/image(33).jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Food is simple but fresh and delicious with a series of 'formules' to suit any pocket. Enjoy "Le plat du jour" from only 12 euros. Needless to say there are wines by the glass and very good prices too if you want to sample some of the different producers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zodDejNCOzYIkOtNepG4CIS80TVkJIqt8J5TWCyL0MBSH5T5bGIvttebqC0wh8nYPYOjs_J-HAXk82paHLOI65VeADaDO_BhSOjTwHPC2RFJ0FIJ7kmSxj6ePKrC3ruJIesj7tGhotWS/s1600/image(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zodDejNCOzYIkOtNepG4CIS80TVkJIqt8J5TWCyL0MBSH5T5bGIvttebqC0wh8nYPYOjs_J-HAXk82paHLOI65VeADaDO_BhSOjTwHPC2RFJ0FIJ7kmSxj6ePKrC3ruJIesj7tGhotWS/s1600/image(30).jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Bravo Romain, David, Aymeric, Guillaume and Adrien wishing you all the best for your first season in Montreuil Bellay. We will be back and recommending to our guests at La Grande Maison too! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfePoHdKcK-YZwqOgUZlGSjVggby_6NMQaFJTs2NMzG7jsC7zGMFyHUB2Kv3geEVc2vFpuRjqFKhFhiv1zbJ6m4uxi3NHx-qe_CxRrFRobvARvohGBfdUcO9tyHGBr5RBm0Qyx737gVbN/s1600/image(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">http://www.auberge-des-isles.fr/</a></div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-72162453028363690922015-02-25T16:02:00.002+01:002015-02-25T16:02:57.767+01:005 French Wine Production Styles at a Glance - Understanding the Logos <br />
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<pre></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Confused with all the logos you find on French wine bottles? </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not sure what type of French wine you are drinking? </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here is a quick guide to exactly what is going on in the vineyards and </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">therefore in the bottle. </span></pre>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1. Organic - "Les Purs Biologiques"</b></span></pre>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Winegrowers that don't use either pesticides or herbicides. </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They only have a access to elements made available by nature e.g. Copper </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and Sulphur and the only treatments allowed are those that are washed </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">away by the rain and do not penetrate into the plant. </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wines are allowed to show the logo AB Agriculture Biologique.</span></pre>
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</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AB Agriculture Biologique</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2. Biodynamic - "Les Biodynamisyes"</b></span></pre>
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<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These wine producers are considered the most radical fringe group of the </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">organic producers. They refuse to use pesticides and weed killers.</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They follow the norms of the organic producers imposed by the label AB </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Agriculture Biologique but also want to revert to typical soils of</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">animal material and plant matter.</span></pre>
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</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVdocptLcD-jb6ZSGD_8uGMgsewM7NuBvTlhryg6p-k-qTGqWI5jAKUAhBt7TRIwpJH-gDqSLiAUUjeUBl7nWwnpT6pNIHvzHktQfltNMG6N3xEsSdwgxMKKENJgcPG4OFgrjr5fjz3ek/s1600/image(26).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVdocptLcD-jb6ZSGD_8uGMgsewM7NuBvTlhryg6p-k-qTGqWI5jAKUAhBt7TRIwpJH-gDqSLiAUUjeUBl7nWwnpT6pNIHvzHktQfltNMG6N3xEsSdwgxMKKENJgcPG4OFgrjr5fjz3ek/s1600/image(26).jpg" height="86" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Demeter</span></td></tr>
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<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are two main labels indicating Biodynamic Wine those of Demeter </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and Biodyvin.</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKuCm550zG8Pos2ejzzgC_AD_9eRkXaW7pMYHRsZdNGze1MWk1MS-EfwfJACjgbAOFgOhfymowG8MUriJCVs62ZBvxydp6LitAyIvynecj_PXHhv6BhGIoXMQkB0_yzvFJbk7BRAOVqW3/s1600/image(25).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKuCm550zG8Pos2ejzzgC_AD_9eRkXaW7pMYHRsZdNGze1MWk1MS-EfwfJACjgbAOFgOhfymowG8MUriJCVs62ZBvxydp6LitAyIvynecj_PXHhv6BhGIoXMQkB0_yzvFJbk7BRAOVqW3/s1600/image(25).jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Biodyvin</span></td></tr>
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<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>
</pre>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>3. Natural Wines - Les Natures</b></span></pre>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This group of producers are different to the pure organic and biodynamic </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">producers and are hostile to anything added to the wine during the process </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">of the wine making. They are strongly opposed to the use of sulphur in the </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">winery. Sulphites are reputed to act as anti-bacterial and are there good for </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">conservation of wine. For the Naturalist the taste of the pure grape is all </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that is important. Nothing added and nothing taken away. Currently no label </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">for "Natural Wines" but there is an Association des Vins Naturels.</span></pre>
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</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvGSvb5Y_EKvf17VL9Ox5ij7hjtNx3oQfzms_3KiUn0EHeWG-3Dh8zOaQ1eCzXFjfVcJAX-OM1vmT91KBUnVdyADrbrQywfWjhQ5epLgbsW8H7IhMg8_cwo5L8i6fXvZsIAD_0U1IooYH/s1600/mascotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvGSvb5Y_EKvf17VL9Ox5ij7hjtNx3oQfzms_3KiUn0EHeWG-3Dh8zOaQ1eCzXFjfVcJAX-OM1vmT91KBUnVdyADrbrQywfWjhQ5epLgbsW8H7IhMg8_cwo5L8i6fXvZsIAD_0U1IooYH/s1600/mascotte.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Association des Vins Naturels AVN </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>4. Reasonable Culture - Les Raisonnés</b></span></pre>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Durable viticulture with the objective to limit the number of chemical </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">treatments, reduce the amount of pesticides and weed killers and other...</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">...both in the vineyard and the winery. Some of these producers move to </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">organic production as a next step.</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMGLKnHzmbQ5blFO3CSN66lvvZEIALQ4555uRx-epYu4nytand5ZgsTRlDeAwHASJ4L0qMgK3mNUZOh2RmVqSHEPWbNLXdXXCgIMYDpZ-f3OxHkuZvC-mmW5s8W0Sdqfbn9mTrcnWlwZG/s1600/image(27).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMGLKnHzmbQ5blFO3CSN66lvvZEIALQ4555uRx-epYu4nytand5ZgsTRlDeAwHASJ4L0qMgK3mNUZOh2RmVqSHEPWbNLXdXXCgIMYDpZ-f3OxHkuZvC-mmW5s8W0Sdqfbn9mTrcnWlwZG/s1600/image(27).jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Les Raisonnés - Reasonable Culture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>5. The Conventionals - Les Conventionnels</b> </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or as I have often heard other producers describe them "Les Chimiques" </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(The Chemicals) </span></pre>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">75% of winegrowers in France are still conventional. They treat their vines </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">with chemicals, pesticides and weed killers.</span></pre>
</div>
<br />
Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-79382152874356463872015-01-27T12:33:00.000+01:002015-01-28T21:00:36.015+01:00Loire Wine Salons 2015 <div style="text-align: justify;">
The big week has nearly arrived and
it's time to descend on the various Wine Salons held in the Anjou
region of the Loire. Gone are the days of visiting one major salon
(Salon des Vins de Loire) as 'Offs' or off-shoot salons have grown year
by year. This year we have the challenge of visiting all SIX - yes six
different shows within the space of 3 days (although the elapsed time is
over 5 days). So here is the unofficial list of what is going on, when
and where. Salons are reserved for professionals in the wine trade and
usually by invitation although some allow a supplementary entrance to be
paid on the door in return for a glass and an extraordinary range of
tastings.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5bi1r3N_WQKJX5FExf7pA6eYntzvgch2GWe558ByPpMw1IWnC23-xhvSzzPNeyWrllkc3e3LgmjEmVph1i3SQkhWagMurQEbfel9IYW-Neg4dQ5QKHMaUl3wTi9Gwkr3xGFMTX32vhO/s1600/renaissanceloire2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5bi1r3N_WQKJX5FExf7pA6eYntzvgch2GWe558ByPpMw1IWnC23-xhvSzzPNeyWrllkc3e3LgmjEmVph1i3SQkhWagMurQEbfel9IYW-Neg4dQ5QKHMaUl3wTi9Gwkr3xGFMTX32vhO/s1600/renaissanceloire2015.png" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Starting on Saturday is the <b>Renaissance des Appellations 2015</b>
at Greniers Saint Jean - Angers Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st
February 9h30-19h. One of our favourite salons for the quality of wines
represented and showing organic and biodynamic wines with a great
selection from the Loire Valley. Including :</div>
<h4>
LOIRE</h4>
- Didier Chaffardon<br />
– Christophe Daviau<br />
– Yves et Anne Guégniard<br />
– Clément Baraut<br />
– Toby Bainbridge<br />
– Eddy Oosterlinck<br />
– Benoit Blet<br />
– Didier Hauret<br />
– Olivier Lecomte<br />
– Patrick Baudouin<br />
– Xavier Cailleau<br />
– Damien et Didier Richou<br />
– Stéphane Rocher<br />
– Th. Ducleux, JM Brousset et J. Delrieu<br />
– Jean-François Vaillant<br />
– Thomas Carsin<br />
– Jo Pithon<br />
– Nathalie et Vincent Betis<br />
– Thierry Michon<br />
– Joseph Landron<br />
– Frédéric Niger Van Herck et Guy Bossard<br />
– Sébastien Riffault<br />
– Philippe Gilbert<br />
– Michel Gendrier<br />
– Michel Quenioux<br />
– Laura Semeria<br />
– Bruno Allion<br />
– Louis-Jean Sylvos<br />
– Olivier Bellanger<br />
– Paul Gillet<br />
– François Plouzeau<br />
– François Chidaine<br />
– Vincent Carème<br />
– Hélène Fillette<br />
– Eric Nicolas<br />
– Philippe Delesvaux<br />
– Maï et Kenji Hodgson<br />
– Stéphanie et Vincent Deboutbertin<br />
– Joël Ménard<br />
– Thomas Batardière<br />
– Liv Vincendeau<br />
– Bruno Rochard<br />
– Richard Leroy<br />
– Rémi Bonnet<br />
– Bernard et Benoit Landron<br />
– Jacques Carroget<br />
– Tessa Laroche<br />
– Loïc Mahé<br />
– Virginie Joly<br />
– Yannick Amirault<br />
– Sébastien David<br />
– Pascal Lambert<br />
– Etienne de Bonnaventure<br />
– Bernard Baudry<br />
– Guillaume Pire<br />
– Guillaume Reynouard<br />
– Jean-François Regnier<br />
– Jean-Noël Million<br />
– Mathieu Vallée<br />
– Anne-Claude Leflaive<br />
– Xavier Caillard<br />
– Aymeric Hilaire<br />
– Philippe Gourdon<br />
– Mark Angeli
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also on the Saturday and Sunday 31st Jan - 1st February 10h - 18h is an off-shoot from Les Salons des Amis - <b>Les Pénitentes @ Hotel de Penitents Angers. </b>Bonhomme,
Chaussard, Mosse, Puzelat and Villemade have invited a range of
producers listed below with empasis on organic and natural wines.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduI4MKePb23kjgqs5z6GeqHjxv8NkV8aKMjqje2_FSWXuhva_GEY6R1xZeT9LITv_9GD_Esyjk1oa_vl8GJ858UD6BLUQG_EgU4ZglIAv6QwB-PmM3Z4iRvF2LMidYYO9O4o-Z-za7BBV/s1600/les-penitentes2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduI4MKePb23kjgqs5z6GeqHjxv8NkV8aKMjqje2_FSWXuhva_GEY6R1xZeT9LITv_9GD_Esyjk1oa_vl8GJ858UD6BLUQG_EgU4ZglIAv6QwB-PmM3Z4iRvF2LMidYYO9O4o-Z-za7BBV/s1600/les-penitentes2015.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
it's third year now but this time a new location on Sunday 1st February
at the Salon Curnonsky, rue st martin, 49700 Angers (in front of the
old location of the collegiale saint Martin) from 10h00 - 19h00 is the <b>Vins Anonymes 2015</b>.
The idea of this salon is to allow a collective of young and perhaps
relatively unknown vignerons show their wines that are either
alternative, close to natural and authentic. Some of the vignerons
represented include our neighbour Jacky RIPOCHE of LES NOADES SAUMUR
along with
– LA COULEE D’Ambrosia johana et jf Chene ANJOU – LAMBERT Jérôme ANJOU –
CAVE BECLAIR ANJOU – GARREAU cédric ANJOU – SAURIGNY jérôme ANJOU –
BOUTIN Thomas ANJOU – LES VIGNES DE BABASS ANJOU – BOREL Pierre
BOURGUEIL – DOMAINE DU MORTIER maison Boisard BOURGUEIL - – COURANT
XAVIER BOURGUEIL – COURTAULT Joel TOURAINE – LA LUNOTTE Foucher TOURAINE</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXfWA1gnv8NzCo8nMa3TH6B11pME5ue5kWrSfc68pjTMWgrpjCnDgrWIJg3-8t5Q2T5m12fA8xLy5oruY2UvAQx7P9opwyYQv4kwwqp2rPJq-JieDCADnktAsdPY8NJyaiMslDU8Z8zD/s1600/Les-anonymes-2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXfWA1gnv8NzCo8nMa3TH6B11pME5ue5kWrSfc68pjTMWgrpjCnDgrWIJg3-8t5Q2T5m12fA8xLy5oruY2UvAQx7P9opwyYQv4kwwqp2rPJq-JieDCADnktAsdPY8NJyaiMslDU8Z8zD/s1600/Les-anonymes-2015.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's not forget another of our favourite events of the year the <b>Dive Bouteille </b>this
time on the 1-2 February Sunday and Monday in the sous terrain setting
of the caves of Ackerman. Organised by Sylvie Augereau this salon
features natural wines from all over France, but also some wines from
Italy and producers from the USA. This is the 15th Dive and we are sure
it is going to be a popular as ever with a diverse and electic range of
natural wines.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb65dcESSWwehEPeG7Ze9t6zLF-gr2P6wPyUxzTJj4JH-PYDQhYVcGkZ74BbTpX7sIkvTWOAqmUcAvYslGVXGUhCxhrsJkN5V63xKH4UlTOaX_OqpsBjcjHw6gHPWVCayxKmXw8muNae5E/s1600/La-Dive-Bouteille2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb65dcESSWwehEPeG7Ze9t6zLF-gr2P6wPyUxzTJj4JH-PYDQhYVcGkZ74BbTpX7sIkvTWOAqmUcAvYslGVXGUhCxhrsJkN5V63xKH4UlTOaX_OqpsBjcjHw6gHPWVCayxKmXw8muNae5E/s1600/La-Dive-Bouteille2015.png" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
Many of the Loire regulars including<br />
<br />
– Marion Pescheux et Manuel Landron, Complémen’terre (Muscadet)<br />
– Jérôme Bretaudeau, Bellevue (Muscadet)<br />
– Marc Pesnot, la Sénéchalière (Muscadet)<br />
– J Bresteau et M Houtin, Grange aux Belles (Anjou)<br />
– Philippe Delmée (Anjou)<br />
– Geneviève et Nicolas Bertin-Delatte,Echalier (Anjou)<br />
– Clément Baraut (Anjou-Savennières)<br />
– Sylvain Martinez (Anjou)<br />
– François Saint-Lô (Anjou)<br />
– Stéphane Erissé (Anjou)<br />
– Nicolas Reau (Anjou)<br />
– Eric Dubois, Clos Cristal (S-Champigny)<br />
– Antoine Sanzay (S-Champigny)<br />
– Bruno Dubois (S-Champigny)<br />
– Matthieu Bouchet, Gaillard (Saumur)<br />
– Thierry Germain, Roches Neuves (S-Champigny)<br />
– Sylvain Dittière, Porte Saint-Jean (S-Champigny)<br />
– Caroline et Antoine Foucault, le Collier (Saumur)<br />
– Arnaud Lambert, Brézé (Saumur)<br />
– Emeline et Sébastien Bobinet (S-Champigny)<br />
– Romain Guiberteau (Saumur)<br />
– Patrick Corbineau (Touraine-Chinon)<br />
– Fred Sigonneau, de l’R (Chinon)<br />
– Jérôme Lenoir, cave des Roches (Chinon)<br />
– François Blanchard, le Grand Cléré (Touraine)<br />
– Gérard Marula (Touraine-Chinon)<br />
– Lise et Bertrand Jousset (Montlouis)<br />
– Sébastien Brunet (Vouvray)<br />
– Mathieu Cosme, Beaumont (Vouvray)<br />
– C. et D. Delecheneau, Grange Tiphaine (Mtlouis)<br />
– Grégory Leclerc, Chahut et Prodiges (Touraine)<br />
– Noella Morantin (Touraine)<br />
– Laurent Saillard (Touraine)<br />
– Brendan Tracey (Touraine)<br />
– Olivier Lemasson, les Vins Contés (Touraine)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb65dcESSWwehEPeG7Ze9t6zLF-gr2P6wPyUxzTJj4JH-PYDQhYVcGkZ74BbTpX7sIkvTWOAqmUcAvYslGVXGUhCxhrsJkN5V63xKH4UlTOaX_OqpsBjcjHw6gHPWVCayxKmXw8muNae5E/s1600/La-Dive-Bouteille2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
New for the 2nd February Dans Nos Pas 12h-21h chez La Gastonomie featuring from the Loire Chateau de Fosse Seche and Ferme de Caudalies (5 mins from Parc des Expo)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSD6Lu1ur7Arz_QC126GxnvfjyUwfAIER9YZlAm0zedvouutkHmmXQ3pwiXFNNval5ZPsseMXs0qrpbgyydcpahoJPYlQRfS6ME6VJfPJCDtdXoqde4ZykSlU9xLgjhq9MQE7A432B-NV/s1600/dans-nos-pas-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSD6Lu1ur7Arz_QC126GxnvfjyUwfAIER9YZlAm0zedvouutkHmmXQ3pwiXFNNval5ZPsseMXs0qrpbgyydcpahoJPYlQRfS6ME6VJfPJCDtdXoqde4ZykSlU9xLgjhq9MQE7A432B-NV/s1600/dans-nos-pas-2015.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Returning again this year is another newish salon <b>La Levée de la Loire</b>
scheduled for Monday 2/3/4th February 2015 this time at the Parc des
Expositions d’Angers from 9h - 19h. This is the Association
interprofessional of the Organic Wines of the Loire (Vin Bio de Loire)
organised in partnership with the Renaissance, the Dive and le Salon du
Logis du Gouverneur.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrYyeIYyJ3l_exJwF5oFcSSOkCthuQHwBjEZ3XyBx5J1pIMOkdcOqKhmZB0Q6Iha5IwYz9lGh2UzZjF4aPt0mpBIGLCfrZNjscHFViLTry_pB4KH1aqZ5LxPCK-G9Ph1B7rI_ecSzcrj/s1600/la-levee-de-la-loire-2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrYyeIYyJ3l_exJwF5oFcSSOkCthuQHwBjEZ3XyBx5J1pIMOkdcOqKhmZB0Q6Iha5IwYz9lGh2UzZjF4aPt0mpBIGLCfrZNjscHFViLTry_pB4KH1aqZ5LxPCK-G9Ph1B7rI_ecSzcrj/s1600/la-levee-de-la-loire-2015.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Represented from the Loire we have -<br />
<br />
– AMIRAULT Xavier, Thierry et Agnès<br />
– AUPETITGENDRE Claude et GOZARD Jacques<br />
– BILLARD Jérôme<br />
– BOISARD Fabien et Cyril<br />
– BOURSE Quentin<br />
– BRETON Pierre<br />
– CAREME Vincent<br />
– CASLOT Claudia, Franck et Bertrand<br />
– CASLOT Stéphanie et Emmanuel<br />
– CHANSON Ludovic<br />
– COURANT Xavier<br />
– COURTEMANCHE Frédéric<br />
– DAVID Sébastien- DANSAULT Gabrièle et Régis<br />
– DESCHAMPS Sandrine et Christophe<br />
– DE BONNAVENTURE Pascale et Etienne<br />
– GALBRUN Bertrand- GASNIER Fabrice<br />
– GAUTHIER Pierre et Rodolphe<br />
– GENDROT Fabrice<br />
– GERARD Philippe et DETECHEVERRY Arnaud<br />
– GROSBOIS Nicolas<br />
– GUION Stéphane<br />
– HERIVAULT Arnaud<br />
– HERLIN Laurent<br />
– JOURDAN Francis<br />
– KLOECKE Jean-Daniel<br />
– LAMBERT Pascal et Béatrice<br />
– LAMBERT Patrick<br />
– LANDRY Thierry<br />
– MABILEAU Frédéric<br />
– MANCEAU Jean-Max<br />
– MERIAS Benoît<br />
– MUREAU Stéphane<br />
– PELLETIER Jean-Christophe<br />
– PICHET Thomas<br />
– PINON François<br />
– PLAISANTIN Yves<br />
– PLOUZEAU Marc<br />
– RIMBAULT Sophie et ROUXELIN Anne<br />
– ROUSSE Wilfrid<br />
– SIGONNEAU Frédéric<br />
– SPELTY Johann<br />
– SYLVOS Louis-Jean<br />
– THIBAULT Marie<br />
– VALLEE Gérald<br />
– VAN DEN BERGHE Kathleen<br />
– VALLEE Gérald
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last but never least the BIG one that starts on 2nd February and runs for 3 days to the 4th February inclusive the <b>Salon des Vins de Loire </b>at
the Parc des Expositions in Angers from 9h - 19h each day except
Wednesday to 18h as everyone will want to go home as let's face it they
will be exhausted by this time! It is here that the Medal Winners
(Palais de Ligers) are announced along with the winners of the blog
trophy, the best student sommelier and many other master classes on
terroir and chenin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB4e1P_-joPCcjysd0pAC0CHuD5wYKmMoTkldtiBO8B5h1-jAsUDTV2AZPC4COclWsJ66p7V1q6PdjsLqOZxZdpqetfVby-rfrtxceHHOU9wXM7vTgIEzrxXbCvBkbelZ_9i6ZDoU1_gw/s1600/salons-des-vins-de-loire-2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB4e1P_-joPCcjysd0pAC0CHuD5wYKmMoTkldtiBO8B5h1-jAsUDTV2AZPC4COclWsJ66p7V1q6PdjsLqOZxZdpqetfVby-rfrtxceHHOU9wXM7vTgIEzrxXbCvBkbelZ_9i6ZDoU1_gw/s1600/salons-des-vins-de-loire-2015.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within the Salon des Vins de Loire is also the
<b>Salons des Vins de Loire Stand Collectif Vins Bio</b> a stand for the collective of organic producers. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So
you see the wine world is going to be a buzz in this area of the Loire
Valley over the next week. The logistics of getting from one show to the
other are going to be fun but at the least the weather is on our side
at the moment but we know how precocious February can be in the region -
so fingers crossed !</div>
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Previous years we had heavy snow - this years forecast is looking ok!! </div>
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Dive Bouteille - Nul n'est censé ignorer la Loire </div>
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© Sylvie Augereau</div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-37034031237812834872014-09-22T15:39:00.000+01:002014-09-22T15:39:21.308+01:00Scenes from the Loire Harvest 2014Harvesting is underway today for the Cremant de Loire (Sparkling Wine) and the Saumur Brut. We are starting to see hand picking and machine harvesting in the vines around Saumur-Puy Notre Dame. Hand picking is obligatory for the Cremant de Loire where as machines can be used to harvest the grapes for the Saumur Petillant / Sparkling Wines.<br />
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Monday 22nd September 2014 and the grapes being picked today include Chardonnay and some Cabernet Franc for the sparkling.<br />
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Here are a few shots from the early harvest activity today.<br />
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Chardonnay hand picked into buckets and then transfered to crates for Ackerman</div>
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Chardonnay machine picked for Domaine Aupy - Puy Notre Dame</div>
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Crates ready for picking at Domaine de L'Echantoir - Pierre says he'll start picking on Wednesday<br />
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Happy crew hand picking grapes for the Cremant de Loire for Bouvet Laduaby</div>
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Chardonnay for the Cremant de Loire of Bouvet Ladubay</div>
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One of the growers for Bouvet Ladubay outside Le Puy Notre Dame</div>
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Equipment being prepared at Domaine des Guyons in Le Puy</div>
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Equipment being prepared at Domaine des Hauts Baurds in - Puy Notre Dame </div>
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The Ackerman installation just outside Le Puy Notre Dame </div>
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Machine harvesting at Domaine Aupy</div>
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Chardonnay in the shade waiting to be taken for pressing at the Ackerman installation</div>
Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-23768400539681792282014-03-18T12:20:00.000+01:002014-03-18T12:22:32.516+01:00Great Events in the Loire Valley 2014Here are some events that you might want to see during your visit to the Loire Valley this year. I'll add to the list as the season progresses but for the time being here are a few of our favourites :<br />
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<a href="http://www.livreetvin.com/programme-2014/programme-2014/" target="_blank">Livre et Vin</a> - Bouvet Ladubay 13th April<br />
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<a href="http://jeannecamillelethoureil.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/fete-des-bateaux-de-loire-au-thoureil-dimanche-27-avril-2014/" target="_blank">Fete du Thoureil</a> - 27th April Annual boat festival along the Loire and the first of the season is held in Le Thoureil <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO2K2VZkRWimtjNEu2onCAQ8UhVV_2c_mkd0PGD6xUDXcvs0VZ5IrW03zURkCv121iFiu1CjEzX7w8vJUTZIUdBxfjmLb1VW0neWx_kZ6MbW2AduNo3e82dO_80lQi5-pZWB8xM-S4Hn5/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO2K2VZkRWimtjNEu2onCAQ8UhVV_2c_mkd0PGD6xUDXcvs0VZ5IrW03zURkCv121iFiu1CjEzX7w8vJUTZIUdBxfjmLb1VW0neWx_kZ6MbW2AduNo3e82dO_80lQi5-pZWB8xM-S4Hn5/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the water in Le Thoureil for the Fete</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.ville-chinon.com/vie-culturelle/agenda-culturel/index.html?police=2%20onfocus%3DblurLink%28this%29%3B&tx_keyac_pi1[showCal]=1&tx_keyac_pi1[month]=05&tx_keyac_pi1[year]=2014&tx_keyac_pi1[showUid]=320&cHash=a4fa1344b209ffc8543ba8b56d1e5358" target="_blank">Fete de la Batellerie</a> - 24th May Chinon<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_OpJWc5I16dnBNKD3TKXWpoiB1xkd8AFztnJJoJXWQGrCTYI6O3NAHsjL262NnDoSE-NQ7PPyEpR37RN5fbB09-rzyxmgofPfDSD5zrVXGLBqZaqEUPN1OXtSxCbjoYNA28lh6COiTd-/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_OpJWc5I16dnBNKD3TKXWpoiB1xkd8AFztnJJoJXWQGrCTYI6O3NAHsjL262NnDoSE-NQ7PPyEpR37RN5fbB09-rzyxmgofPfDSD5zrVXGLBqZaqEUPN1OXtSxCbjoYNA28lh6COiTd-/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Sterne moored up in front of the Chinon Chateau</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.anjou-velo-vintage.com/en/" target="_blank">Anjou Velo Vintage</a> - 28-29th June Saumur Come and join
the fun you can hire a vintage bike and enter the circuit in vintage
costume. It's great fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing the bikes up hill !</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.infoconcert.com/ticket/concert-zaz-avoine/775810.html" target="_blank">Zaz plays at Avoine Blues</a> - 6th July Local to the area and fabulous in concert Zaz returns to play this year at the Blues Festival in Avoine near Chinon <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRMtlZhjzbZh1HcnaEtUNPz2krOmoNrVFNAYZCQ4C3AoW2AAyjIubEhiAA6rALF_cmKNoG7r4Sl0yOhKO7fADtor4rrggMxU5qMJrEPNnVJJ2yx9sHmU3oGWBIYTg5n4U-DMS3hue-A2J/s1600/P1010394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRMtlZhjzbZh1HcnaEtUNPz2krOmoNrVFNAYZCQ4C3AoW2AAyjIubEhiAA6rALF_cmKNoG7r4Sl0yOhKO7fADtor4rrggMxU5qMJrEPNnVJJ2yx9sHmU3oGWBIYTg5n4U-DMS3hue-A2J/s1600/P1010394.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaz in Concert </td></tr>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day" target="_blank">Bastille Day</a> - 14th July Fireworks and Celebrations in Saumur<br />
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<a href="http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/what-s-on/carrousel-de-saumur" target="_blank">Carrousel de Saumur </a>- 19-20th July Cadre Noir Performance of the wonderful horses<br />
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<a href="http://www.grandprixretro-puynotredame.com/" target="_blank">Le Puy Notre Dame Retro Grand Prix </a>- 26- 27th July <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS0ubC0xw2YIK1nu1eRa6C75vJHF3v8CcFTk-AIyxRpakCPq9EyKAVenNlG3DM97AbRPB9S7Za2rJEYpqhmtHSSWW5t1ZS7WqOdWAlSIuiI_ZFryzVXTB_iog_0fXq7NHXDMZTJFKTi0u/s1600/P1040588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS0ubC0xw2YIK1nu1eRa6C75vJHF3v8CcFTk-AIyxRpakCPq9EyKAVenNlG3DM97AbRPB9S7Za2rJEYpqhmtHSSWW5t1ZS7WqOdWAlSIuiI_ZFryzVXTB_iog_0fXq7NHXDMZTJFKTi0u/s1600/P1040588.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage cars on their drive past La Grande Maison</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.saumur-champigny.com/grandes-tabl%C3%A9es-56.php" target="_blank">Grande Table de Saumur Champigny</a> - 6-7th August For two nights in Saumur we have the largest restaurant in the world. With wine supplied courteousy of the winemakers of the Saumur Champigny region.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqX_YGRfAvTmhFCUfXI2Wi-aBGjkyNWvWzpK6wuCgoLatOxzLMFu56_PwwlrmFI01GIkRuu7CRQzk0uLVRiaoGjbGRicd7wAbxGRRAbBtZ6v6V3Mps-VQLoeo_G44VHbKQ9UeRQtNOoWU/s1600/P1040599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqX_YGRfAvTmhFCUfXI2Wi-aBGjkyNWvWzpK6wuCgoLatOxzLMFu56_PwwlrmFI01GIkRuu7CRQzk0uLVRiaoGjbGRicd7wAbxGRRAbBtZ6v6V3Mps-VQLoeo_G44VHbKQ9UeRQtNOoWU/s1600/P1040599.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest table in the world in Saumur</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.anjou-tourisme.com/agenda/fete-du-patrimoine-vin-art-en-musique-et-gastronomie" target="_blank">Aubigné sur Layon - Fete du Vin Art Music and Gastronomy</a> - 31st August Serving the first sampling
of the Coteaux du Layon in this pretty Layon village. Music, art,
literature plus great food and wine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu4NvRWgsey9TtWFT6W_o1NioIx0MMSOPTrqIVl3Y9nF360-aGk5fmXH1FaDByJC9EKLE39dGKh19idUM7ELNtKKxD8hKZlcBqkVxbrAd46Gil0lmmpult8oXu4J04AYGYV6Elk4n2LmA/s1600/SSL28699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu4NvRWgsey9TtWFT6W_o1NioIx0MMSOPTrqIVl3Y9nF360-aGk5fmXH1FaDByJC9EKLE39dGKh19idUM7ELNtKKxD8hKZlcBqkVxbrAd46Gil0lmmpult8oXu4J04AYGYV6Elk4n2LmA/s1600/SSL28699.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving the Coteaux Du Layon</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk/what-s-on/festivini" target="_blank">Fete de Vins Festivin</a> - Saumur 6-14th September<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u84tF5xgRBwmF-z6Ppw9Wxd5oHe4Ei0yhKi2CdcWhxZhg9Uxyg9dQeOs8cA8x3HcDGrEsAr6qBzHBvBc7tjYc7RUdg0RjajqAaqCfjk33LX0Ew-nRVw-_lzCaGbxb7qzi-D7FiTyfRNt/s1600/IMGP6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u84tF5xgRBwmF-z6Ppw9Wxd5oHe4Ei0yhKi2CdcWhxZhg9Uxyg9dQeOs8cA8x3HcDGrEsAr6qBzHBvBc7tjYc7RUdg0RjajqAaqCfjk33LX0Ew-nRVw-_lzCaGbxb7qzi-D7FiTyfRNt/s1600/IMGP6737.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacky Ripoche of Les Noades at Festivini</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.ot-saumur.fr/28-09-FETE-DES-VENDANGES-AU-CHATEAU-DE-SAUMUR_a19490.html" target="_blank">Fete de Vendanges</a> - 28th September The annual hand harvest at the Chateau of Saumur<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shahFuqU1yx04EDKPz70qwcH8z0uNAwO0QQDcPwitwh0lokFJ3M4wlAiln9ld53N5yfpXIahB23FchO7zBgUlMGMvzVK9vNhvpruQ8-lgAmfk-mm-1NEZW0uXlMZhaylWIPa1ZtESAIz/s1600/SSL28150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-shahFuqU1yx04EDKPz70qwcH8z0uNAwO0QQDcPwitwh0lokFJ3M4wlAiln9ld53N5yfpXIahB23FchO7zBgUlMGMvzVK9vNhvpruQ8-lgAmfk-mm-1NEZW0uXlMZhaylWIPa1ZtESAIz/s1600/SSL28150.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivier Coussin brought his horse and cart to help the harvest</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.bouvet-ladubay.fr/visiter-vous-reunir/centre-d-art-contemporain/" target="_blank">Ar(t) Cheval</a> - 26th October to the 9th November at the Centre Contemporain Bouvet Ladubay<br />
<br />Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-67377806408631523512014-03-04T19:00:00.000+01:002016-01-25T11:41:49.770+01:00Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour 2014 in the Loire Valley Vineyards<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Wine Tour 2014 for Chocoholics in the Loire Valley France</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">18th - 21st April 2014 </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dMkbTL6CBL1cObV56uI4uZ1KjHBXZYtX3zrRsnY89IkPyDR7k3neuUEyf8udA6AU9bB4-57mpF6BuVuceTi_7lvZggi5LyLKVO6IvuTofCNP3Na4YtAxDQ2Iw7vSvhnOl5OgY7tHcVKf/s1600/image(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dMkbTL6CBL1cObV56uI4uZ1KjHBXZYtX3zrRsnY89IkPyDR7k3neuUEyf8udA6AU9bB4-57mpF6BuVuceTi_7lvZggi5LyLKVO6IvuTofCNP3Na4YtAxDQ2Iw7vSvhnOl5OgY7tHcVKf/s320/image(8).jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Spring time in the Loire Valley is simply beautiful. Everything is fresh, the vines are coming into bud and the weather is warming up. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">What better time to</span> <span style="color: black;">t</span></span>ake a Wine Tour <b>and<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <span style="color: black;">now you have the opportunity to </span></span>learn how to make chocolates</b> as well.<br />
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Spend an hour or so learning
how to make handmade chocolates with chef David Beaufreton at the wonderful <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.lepuyavins.com/" target="_blank">Le Puy à Vins</a> and dine there on one of the evenings during your stay. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U6-C92n_UxXFACEIaEYtvzFN2HH7k9Ef3YNbiCBIJKAmoQdcFoGGv8DVvm_6QpVSAqPcpupJ3FKOkGKb6rQdcdCa7adt5lm6sJctRIGMbnXvEs3z9segBFNwm9UV1QCWOMDPuzK8YN7A/s1600/image(7).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U6-C92n_UxXFACEIaEYtvzFN2HH7k9Ef3YNbiCBIJKAmoQdcFoGGv8DVvm_6QpVSAqPcpupJ3FKOkGKb6rQdcdCa7adt5lm6sJctRIGMbnXvEs3z9segBFNwm9UV1QCWOMDPuzK8YN7A/s320/image(7).jpg" width="320" /> </a><br />
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Back at La Grande Maison we will open a bottle of sparkling red and sample your homemade chocolates, a perfect match. Made from the cabernet franc grape Sparkling Red wines from our local producers Langlois Chateau and Bouvet
Ladubay are sublime with a little Easter chocolate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhFxUmRqIxLNvVd2WiPk7X2wt12_mvVX-rD10hFE5LCC31pj07no-jvujCzdTyeVmkgDGu-FgUYdze_nu17jjPROz6_nBXNgAjVOvPFem-vM20epmLSYkWBKCfrAL3vcYsDQXPlMJI29/s1600/P1010816.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566823663088750210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MhFxUmRqIxLNvVd2WiPk7X2wt12_mvVX-rD10hFE5LCC31pj07no-jvujCzdTyeVmkgDGu-FgUYdze_nu17jjPROz6_nBXNgAjVOvPFem-vM20epmLSYkWBKCfrAL3vcYsDQXPlMJI29/s320/P1010816.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
All you need do is arrive - we’ll take care of the rest!
Experience the French countryside, fabulous chateaux, chocolates and enjoy Loire Valley Wines with our <b>Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour 2014</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK5ctEYdEy2A2OYsHlljOnhmWABEcJT7kIK7L7KAs6eGtFAp6sBYrRcgX_kpc_2WG0lb5I1V5Hhc3il6MNg45HR2Z-9PEtnT2vVcW7OYLrGoApx01f8WWKdPD2BtngUOA1A7OYql_5v3C/s1600/P1000441.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566826078783417506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK5ctEYdEy2A2OYsHlljOnhmWABEcJT7kIK7L7KAs6eGtFAp6sBYrRcgX_kpc_2WG0lb5I1V5Hhc3il6MNg45HR2Z-9PEtnT2vVcW7OYLrGoApx01f8WWKdPD2BtngUOA1A7OYql_5v3C/s320/P1000441.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>On the first evening we serve you a delicious Wine Sampling Supper in the grand hall with an AOC Loire wine with each course and topped off with a serving of Sparkling Loire red and handmade chocolates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfW75x-iIJjadp0E8YqHM_5kyN_ndgMNNjA-1FrxcGBqM_XKvpcU8J3ludRNjbn9MKJGCjUTgRGeIMdw5G8Z_MsX5U6QsLwYYpUUgT-2u-zXeaMEpuJ1KNWyQhvQWndOWgP2j69_OdYk4/s1600/P1000438.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566827757774834514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfW75x-iIJjadp0E8YqHM_5kyN_ndgMNNjA-1FrxcGBqM_XKvpcU8J3ludRNjbn9MKJGCjUTgRGeIMdw5G8Z_MsX5U6QsLwYYpUUgT-2u-zXeaMEpuJ1KNWyQhvQWndOWgP2j69_OdYk4/s320/P1000438.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> Wake up to a delicious continental breakfast, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh coffee or tea, croissants and baguettes all collected daily from the boulangerie and <b>Easter Eggs</b> of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U6-C92n_UxXFACEIaEYtvzFN2HH7k9Ef3YNbiCBIJKAmoQdcFoGGv8DVvm_6QpVSAqPcpupJ3FKOkGKb6rQdcdCa7adt5lm6sJctRIGMbnXvEs3z9segBFNwm9UV1QCWOMDPuzK8YN7A/s1600/image(7).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> </div>
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We head off the next day into the Saumur Region on the Easter Wine Tour where we will have the opportunity during the day to visit 2-3 wineries, sample the wines, tour the caves and buy wines at cellar door prices. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566826694074222898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tv8mT2-o-8UM1SnYZUwBJnN4T9ZOZoN9gXsqY9QjgHmXt6MBHjaLNkvyRtjJ0v0bg1FlOLEePyBmQnvg-SepEjLps6vEk_N1uRD3AbbyOSwWrWevhvIoAHzXi2w4Gm5zONzx7Pvyr9Tw/s320/P1010084.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
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There is a picnic lunch en-route either in the vineyards or on the banks
of the beautiful Loire River. In the evening we’ll take you to a local
restaurant where you can sample the regional food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30X2wFhNfrbdxkGb3GXqe3e2oWhv5w4sOZtmVePPbugMFFoAbXllDIhbQpCcZojcvLqZ8AXSFmdnPcWOe71zV_3ZJp8MwbNug_dysbmV6oREhMgUIY1t1NB_v9Xz-0IjT2-KPwn8QLZnF/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30X2wFhNfrbdxkGb3GXqe3e2oWhv5w4sOZtmVePPbugMFFoAbXllDIhbQpCcZojcvLqZ8AXSFmdnPcWOe71zV_3ZJp8MwbNug_dysbmV6oREhMgUIY1t1NB_v9Xz-0IjT2-KPwn8QLZnF/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lepuyavins.com/" target="_blank">Le Puy a Vins in nearby Le Puy Notre Dame</a></div>
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On the second day of the Easter Wine Tour we’ll venture a little further to discover the delights of the Chinon, Bourgeuil and St Nicolas de Bourgeuil vineyards or Anjou and Savennieres.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqFj4OM3qW1zmR9VEOdnWGPYJSUWEQ75fPnt7d7EzTqDsaRw72MSzxkJXc-Atc2s8SKGX0PS63ixHtsvJyJpISbrVyh_oY3T0zEWLFODfibJbsfoDVBVGAYBveiJHPDICfOx9AJm910qv/s1600/P1010863.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566827133611221426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqFj4OM3qW1zmR9VEOdnWGPYJSUWEQ75fPnt7d7EzTqDsaRw72MSzxkJXc-Atc2s8SKGX0PS63ixHtsvJyJpISbrVyh_oY3T0zEWLFODfibJbsfoDVBVGAYBveiJHPDICfOx9AJm910qv/s320/P1010863.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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The area is so rich in history and culture that we always throw in a little sight seeing along the way too.
Back at La Grande Maison you will be greeted with tea/coffee and biscuits in the stunning gardens and have time to relax before being taken to a local restaurant in the evening. After a delicious breakfast the following morning we return you to your selected departure point. A not to be missed tour of the caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison is also included. SO EASY!
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">CHOCOHOLICS EASTER WINE TOUR IN THE LOIRE VALLEY VINEYARDS 2014 </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">19th April - 21st April 2014</span></div>
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What’s included in this package:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">THREE NIGHTS STAY AT LA GRANDE MAISON in the VINES - ONLY 555 euros per person </span>(based on two persons sharing a double/twin room) - extra nights bed and breakfast available on request - extra nights available on request if you want a longer weekend.<br />
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Collection to/from ANGERS OR SAUMUR STATION<br />
Welcome drink on arrival<br />
3 night(s) accommodation at La Grande Maison
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1 Wine Tasting Supper at La Grande Maison (per person)
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3 Breakfast(s) at La Grande Maison
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2 Picnics in the vineyard or on the banks of the river<br />
Loire
Transport in roomy 6 or 9 seater vehicle
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Qualified Wine Guide - English Speaking
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Translation and explanations by guide whenever necessary
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A one day visit to 2-3 local Saumur/Saumur Champigny wine producers
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A one day visit to 2-3 local Chinon/Bourgeuil/St Nicolas de Bourgeuil wine producers<br />
Chocolate making session <br />
Tastings of local white, red, rose and sparkling wines
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Route map
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Details of Domaines to be visited and meet the winemaker
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Helpful descriptions and notes<br />
Wine Tasting note book and pencil
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Bottled water to take on the tour
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Opportunity to buy wines at vineyard prices<br />
Transportation of wines bought to La Grande Maison
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Tour of the wine caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison
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Lifts to and from local restaurants of choice on 2nd & 3rd evening<br />
Tea or coffee in the gardens on return from your tour<br />
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DATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST - BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
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"Our first trip to France. Six nights in Paris followed by four nights at La Grande Maison. Whilst Paris was interesting, historic and busy, our four days with you were relaxing and we experienced more of the REAL FRANCE than in Paris. Your facilities, service and hospitality were the "Icing on the Cake!" Thank You" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Max and Deena Warren - Arizona USA
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“How wonderful to be able to drink 29 different wines in the space of one weekend and console yourself with the fact that it's educational as well as pleasurable - heavenly from the first to the last drop. Our hosts not only provided great food and fascinating lessons in viniculture but were excellent company too. We shall be back!” <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kirsty Lang of BBC Radio 4 - London UK</span></div>
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"This is as good as it gets. Thank you for an amazing four days. All five senses are fully engaged in pleasure, when you have the perfect combination of fun and interesting people, delicious home made food & beautiful wines!!" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leah and Barton Melbourne Australia</span>
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"This is exactly what we were looking for! Your hospitality and thoughtfulness made our stay extra special - we will definitely see you again! Graete" - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leonie, Helonna and Nicolas - Pretoria South Africa</span>
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A selection of dates are available this year for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocoholics Easter Wine Tour </span>please email us your dates to check on our availability. Please note this tour is exclusive to La Grande Maison.<br />
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Why not see a little more of the real France with our unique <b>Chocoholics </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Wine Tour 2014 in the Loire</span>. To book today email : resv@lagrandemaison.net Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-19484104735487024642014-02-25T15:59:00.000+01:002014-02-25T15:59:18.511+01:00Loire Dining on the Salt Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For centuries in France the River Loire has been the route of
important trade exchanges and goods transported on the river included hemp, limestone (tuffeau), slate, wine, and
of course <b>salt</b> ! </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boats that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">were built </span></span>to transport the goods included barges of all kinds,
flatbottomed river boats, wine and<b> salt barges</b>, sand dredgers, ferry and steamboats.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>These days
in Le Thoureil you will find many modern day examples of the old boats
that used to sail the Loire from simple flat bottomed barques to the
futreau with it's square sail and the covered toue cabanees. Used for
fishing, sight seeing or pleasure you will find these boats dotted along
the the quay. You will also find <a href="http://www.authoureil.fr/" target="_blank">La Route du Sel</a>, a great restaurant and wine bar that has recently changed ownership.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Taken over by Marie Monmousseau and Daniel Eastcott, we believe it is going to be well frequented this Summer. Marie is a talented and creative chef having worked at Le Muerice in Paris and Locatelli's in London so expect inventive cuisine with a modern twist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a big pasta fan I couldn't resist the tagliatelli made with a chestnut flour and served with winter vegetables and shaved parmesan. Great for vegetarians too as there is plenty of choice from both the starters and the mains. For those who prefer their meat dishes there is everything to choose from Duck, Veal, Poulet, Beef even a Chou Farci - cabbage stuffed with veal, cepes, chestnuts and foie gras. Fish gets a great showing too and here Marie has a Loire speciality Anguille de Loire fumée served with egg, horseradish & creme fraiche.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was hard to part a spoonful of Sue's 'Gateau de Marie' away from her to taste. A light and extremely delicious chocolate fondant served with a confiture de lait and grilled sesame seeds. The Crémet du Thoureil was equally delicious, a fromage frais served with meringue and red fruits that was neither too sharp or nor sweet - just perfect!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We'll talk about Daniel's fabulous wine list in a later post but let's just say he is an excellent host and has a great knowledge of the wines of the Loire region. So if you are hoping to try <a href="http://nicolas-reau-show.overblog.com/" target="_blank">Nicolas Reau's</a> Grande Cuvée L'Enfant Terrible or sample a chilled glass of <a href="http://www.bouvet-ladubay.fr/accueil/" target="_blank">Bouvet Ladubay's</a> Crémant de Loire Cuvée Excellence whilst the sun goes down and the hot air balloons go up - then this is a great place to be. Sante !</span></span></div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-28100105227846397582014-01-13T12:52:00.000+01:002014-01-13T12:58:15.088+01:00Sunday Lunch at Le Puy à VinsA wonderful blue sky sunny Sunday today so we took a walk through the vines from <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/" target="_blank">La Grande Maison </a>to our local village of Le Puy Notre Dame for 'Sunday Lunch' at <a href="http://www.lepuyavins.com/" target="_blank">Le Puy à Vins.</a><br />
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The appellation of Saumur-Puy Notre Dame and it's vineyards</div>
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Le Puy à Vins specialising in great local organic and biodynamic wines from the Loire Valley</div>
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Rillette de Saumon Et Tartine Grillé</div>
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Volaille Rôtie au thé fumé, ratté du Touquet</div>
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Dacquoise amande, praliné feuilletine et chocolat</div>
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Great selection of wines from the local Saumur-Puy Notre Dame appellation </div>
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If you take the chance to visit the Church of Notre Dame look out for the Misericordia a carved wooden altar stall from the 16th century featuring a monk drinking from a barrel.</div>
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This has become the symbol of the Le Puy Notre
Dame vineyards and you will see it outside many of the local wine domaines around the village.</div>
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Take a closer look at the carvings and see if you can find the headless bishop....</div>
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(apparently this is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis" target="_blank">Denis of Paris</a> you will see a similar carving on the portail of Notre Dame in Paris. Denis was the first bishop of Paris who had his head chopped off but carried on walking 10 km's preaching a sermon along the way!)</div>
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...or the disgraced angel.</div>
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The
pretty village Le Puy is well worth a visit as it is on the Route of
Santiago de Compastella a pilgrimage route that makes it's way to Spain
and you will see the many shell symbols such as the St Jacques dotted
around the houses of the village.</div>
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Making our way home through the vineyards after lunch (or dinner) is an ideal way to work off those extra calories.</div>
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If
you are visiting any of the Loire wine salons during February such as
the <a href="http://diveb.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Dive Bouteille</a> then make sure you take the timeout to dine at Le Puy
à Vins and sample the great selection of natural, organic or biodynamic
wines.</div>
<br />
Santé !!Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-71458751490996503172013-10-09T12:01:00.000+01:002013-10-09T12:06:10.171+01:00Harvest Wine Tours and the 2013 Loire Vendanges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the vineyard with Olivier Lecomte of Chateau de Passavant</div>
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Francois David checking the wine press at Chateau de Passavant</div>
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In the tasting room with Jimmy Champigny of Vignoble Fouet</div>
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Tasting the grapes at Langlois Chateau</div>
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Machine harvesting at Chateau de Passavant</div>
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Machine harvesting around Saumur - Le Puy Notre Dame</div>
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Discovering how Methode Traditionelle is made at Langlois Chateau </div>
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Checking out Guillaume's lastest piece of kit the Cosmophere at Chateau de Fosse Seche</div>
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More machine harvesting in action</div>
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An Old Moulin makes a great barrel room</div>
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Beautiful picnic spots and ideal autumn weather</div>
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Sue checking the sugars using the refractometre</div>
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Hand picking and harvest action in Les Caves with Domaine de la Reniere</div>
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Picking buckets ready at Domaine de la Paleine</div>
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Getting ready outside the winery at Domaine de la Paleine</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">René Hughes-Gaye discusses the complications of the 2013 harvest with Micaela</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1714941029"></span><span id="goog_1714941030"></span><br />Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-3149313082246293482013-05-07T17:33:00.000+01:002013-05-08T09:25:04.898+01:00Images from Les Rencontres de Loire <h2 style="text-align: center;">
Port de la La Possonnière</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Boat Festival </h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
3rd to 5th May 2013</h2>
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<h3>
The Mariners </h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniyKyB6YvRYT4LQWzRk95wn0-2_-Vdk_ETWDxkvwO3G-xfNh78MX7LRVDZkprepJ6APqpRx3uNYDOSp2Xd14ie8BzLQmx18cbAuXloQsC0MAGNdimSDdAZ4Db5-pjExWdXUXB-wenD0sB/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniyKyB6YvRYT4LQWzRk95wn0-2_-Vdk_ETWDxkvwO3G-xfNh78MX7LRVDZkprepJ6APqpRx3uNYDOSp2Xd14ie8BzLQmx18cbAuXloQsC0MAGNdimSDdAZ4Db5-pjExWdXUXB-wenD0sB/s320/DSC_0225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like Father</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHYblga6xHWE0ZAeYMuvs7g7BzowjG684USHdbWkcUxOzatlzHK9GqKAKMX1x7T_1Pah1ONI06Q9VlkyNwOQ_5dgBWwKk_n7y9rQdo1onIBJ1F6GPkLiAJvs1rKH_EuuPm7BotNXxK0u0/s1600/DSC_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHYblga6xHWE0ZAeYMuvs7g7BzowjG684USHdbWkcUxOzatlzHK9GqKAKMX1x7T_1Pah1ONI06Q9VlkyNwOQ_5dgBWwKk_n7y9rQdo1onIBJ1F6GPkLiAJvs1rKH_EuuPm7BotNXxK0u0/s320/DSC_0223.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like Son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h1>
</h1>
<h3>
The Animals Afloat</h3>
<h1>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hpdch70c4Cozte3Kz8k2n0KAy1rq7zbnnZzQ5V728ZrSelVXbEWtWX-kQvfjebmfjtDV74ncyVg5khB5xCh5bgmKNAryU6Ytd2ZzIj0miA3okr5GWIXG6E1NrQydmp5RdE5k9uJdKuIr/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hpdch70c4Cozte3Kz8k2n0KAy1rq7zbnnZzQ5V728ZrSelVXbEWtWX-kQvfjebmfjtDV74ncyVg5khB5xCh5bgmKNAryU6Ytd2ZzIj0miA3okr5GWIXG6E1NrQydmp5RdE5k9uJdKuIr/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Humble aboard the Dame Jeanne</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h1>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5kQsBVSY7bIwEVeQsTdeLxOZFxW8EzDTgoLqeQMMoPWQBNpix714th5Z_EierZIq_ZpiCSlo7bKB1Mm0kVq-t3YfyKv_t9LKGy7AA4GD_171asik-eBHxiehx9-9mQbvumnjcIe5MkxN/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5kQsBVSY7bIwEVeQsTdeLxOZFxW8EzDTgoLqeQMMoPWQBNpix714th5Z_EierZIq_ZpiCSlo7bKB1Mm0kVq-t3YfyKv_t9LKGy7AA4GD_171asik-eBHxiehx9-9mQbvumnjcIe5MkxN/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Met Harry on the Ritournelle</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xQfyVBMH8Fkp0nyCGI8jZxad9tIyfJba_iGrV06DKWUmj2YZq4IES3NQdina2rxc3luQAEsoBw7ZDd8H0l8zEeIHNgYsmivEvojfzbTRp4lTJwY7qy-XSf5fBA_b3VCNHBir5teV0QVw/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xQfyVBMH8Fkp0nyCGI8jZxad9tIyfJba_iGrV06DKWUmj2YZq4IES3NQdina2rxc3luQAEsoBw7ZDd8H0l8zEeIHNgYsmivEvojfzbTRp4lTJwY7qy-XSf5fBA_b3VCNHBir5teV0QVw/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Passe-Cheval</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIDDfu_AqpGG6Ow9VOLnK4rLUMLa9tlG8xfsqtFuvLj0L5LZwRirvTg0ZKTWkGXaqIxb_uY6lBMPaFMQXR5rre8talXW4OFchOsGRLEw9V9Bgp-Uwcyb-0OFUY1xdjhZpUr9fK7wGdf9V/s1600/DSC_0041+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIDDfu_AqpGG6Ow9VOLnK4rLUMLa9tlG8xfsqtFuvLj0L5LZwRirvTg0ZKTWkGXaqIxb_uY6lBMPaFMQXR5rre8talXW4OFchOsGRLEw9V9Bgp-Uwcyb-0OFUY1xdjhZpUr9fK7wGdf9V/s320/DSC_0041+2.jpg" width="212" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Passe-Cheval</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Artisans</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNEIJ71UfEumSRnrmRW7ChGuYS_fb3Za7ReLz-bpHANwZFWCc8SRIq4ljqP8BGBxj70k5BgzsmnrP-2J6VC2CjPUqDHmsV7UAsvimkSeus7nielwO857UL1xesboAnh9IFUzc1Vq-QJ1_/s1600/DSC_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNEIJ71UfEumSRnrmRW7ChGuYS_fb3Za7ReLz-bpHANwZFWCc8SRIq4ljqP8BGBxj70k5BgzsmnrP-2J6VC2CjPUqDHmsV7UAsvimkSeus7nielwO857UL1xesboAnh9IFUzc1Vq-QJ1_/s320/DSC_0204.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blacksmith</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ17vamA4qMRY18I6YZgYGY0AQ1e5xKmEnBAxrE26F8YAkmaQVJ_eQn-Jbeu17S1X0qLX1MyonbKQmu1y8Qy01_5PFdexfhADmId4wlIySQ0zDA0qvr2sAE5HbHkKXG-10zeMNaIlU7UZY/s1600/DSC_0043+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ17vamA4qMRY18I6YZgYGY0AQ1e5xKmEnBAxrE26F8YAkmaQVJ_eQn-Jbeu17S1X0qLX1MyonbKQmu1y8Qy01_5PFdexfhADmId4wlIySQ0zDA0qvr2sAE5HbHkKXG-10zeMNaIlU7UZY/s320/DSC_0043+2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket Maker</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyFMeevxFIySh-2uykJZlisqvOt3aWiXqNA6KsByoCv3eB1eAbYEVyWSBpWrU3FnK3n9Akf3kN0qo0O5Ptw-_VoI1TV270BfF8_7j1MREKbuOwuRw4ropL_GHTW7-avPQRwzscLE5KEUa/s1600/DSC_0196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyFMeevxFIySh-2uykJZlisqvOt3aWiXqNA6KsByoCv3eB1eAbYEVyWSBpWrU3FnK3n9Akf3kN0qo0O5Ptw-_VoI1TV270BfF8_7j1MREKbuOwuRw4ropL_GHTW7-avPQRwzscLE5KEUa/s320/DSC_0196.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket Maker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Boats</h3>
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<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Knowing The Ropes </h3>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mending Nets</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-72211433866614623992013-02-22T17:03:00.001+01:002013-02-22T17:03:53.828+01:00Faces behind the #Loire Labels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here is a unique opportunity to meet some of our Loire winemakers. These photos were taken at a range of six different Loire wine salons at the beginning of February 2013. We think the photos reflect the personalities of the winemaker behind their labels. Friendly, enthusiastic, passionate, inspired, hard-working and committed are just some of the words that sum up their spirit. We hope you enjoy meeting them all here or better still come and meet them in person on one of our Loire Wine Tours. </div>
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Photos Micaela Frow and Sue Hunt <b>©</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_aJbamiUD6Qi9SnE2UpAtw1m5AzWDQ_a8prDIqeaOcex-yuG4MVnthGKlZp67huSm3oA-TyRSehM-Wex4IC1YZ4r_GV9r0HZMhAkPpTfoe_PktplbVtWzrQdsi4XIeDOFxboFDj23ODW/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_aJbamiUD6Qi9SnE2UpAtw1m5AzWDQ_a8prDIqeaOcex-yuG4MVnthGKlZp67huSm3oA-TyRSehM-Wex4IC1YZ4r_GV9r0HZMhAkPpTfoe_PktplbVtWzrQdsi4XIeDOFxboFDj23ODW/s320/DSC_0012.jpg" width="211" /></a><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Laurent Herlin Vigneron </b></div>
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Bourgeuil </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire </div>
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Angers<b></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOUFWStjy3ZQAkw521PglREihc5_78cJfNxSssFjBUU9alemtq4F57yZNYbbJLPmDi8XkWXjMZ0RJhmzY0wm33zeouVLtBfc19BrYlov5_BODeeLKkAP7qkoQuO6Qfm3sUhqkjUbrqW3t/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOUFWStjy3ZQAkw521PglREihc5_78cJfNxSssFjBUU9alemtq4F57yZNYbbJLPmDi8XkWXjMZ0RJhmzY0wm33zeouVLtBfc19BrYlov5_BODeeLKkAP7qkoQuO6Qfm3sUhqkjUbrqW3t/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b> Phillipe Elliau</b></div>
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Domaine de la Fuye </div>
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Saumur Le Puy Notre Dame </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire</div>
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Angers </div>
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<b> Bernard Jousset</b><br />
Domaine Lise et Bernard Jousset<br />
Montlouis</div>
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@ Dive Bouteille Bréze</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GbLfIjExWPL9Th0ulyzJ2pTvDegAHKEvJki9-cDoHkFyfcTXpuihe54G3tiHA-JPLNKQhIMTPaIEduoN5NFYfvo21e_RU_hD5nFFR-iyx6QSubi2KIFkSTCq6NYwtgc6tnue3Auh0bog/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GbLfIjExWPL9Th0ulyzJ2pTvDegAHKEvJki9-cDoHkFyfcTXpuihe54G3tiHA-JPLNKQhIMTPaIEduoN5NFYfvo21e_RU_hD5nFFR-iyx6QSubi2KIFkSTCq6NYwtgc6tnue3Auh0bog/s320/DSC_0007.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Loic Terquem </b></div>
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Domaine Folie Lucé</div>
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Saumur Champigny</div>
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@ Levée de la Loire</div>
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Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZszms2D-AlveGR4Dn0x8Dy-SgqKezItvuKdEkI0C7YrNxPl1ezRBI2RF_X61VSrr9NreYZ0VFMKhAtOEnZ0o8TVrMMPkY5UoA4cOM81jZU2U_W7pDWROyoPhVwZLhgnNGVoKf-Z7qg_9c/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZszms2D-AlveGR4Dn0x8Dy-SgqKezItvuKdEkI0C7YrNxPl1ezRBI2RF_X61VSrr9NreYZ0VFMKhAtOEnZ0o8TVrMMPkY5UoA4cOM81jZU2U_W7pDWROyoPhVwZLhgnNGVoKf-Z7qg_9c/s320/DSC_0003.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Laurent Charrier</b></div>
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Domaine Pas St Martin </div>
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Saumur </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire </div>
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Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF1TWL9mp8CK2AWL2MDD6F1xPBMQUu8l2xQJGu_qXgMV1B4XKTn8ugQgLSB2JUqD986kgAH41otfnc1XtbhM-KLKZPFNf4ndMcrBPkANmEAHET3867HQk84DqLBT40XJlhg6-dTlcEZYV/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF1TWL9mp8CK2AWL2MDD6F1xPBMQUu8l2xQJGu_qXgMV1B4XKTn8ugQgLSB2JUqD986kgAH41otfnc1XtbhM-KLKZPFNf4ndMcrBPkANmEAHET3867HQk84DqLBT40XJlhg6-dTlcEZYV/s320/DSC_0009.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Tessa Laroche </b></div>
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Domaine Roche Aux Moines </div>
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Savennières </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire<br />
Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6PbFC4Atl1BJfcxKIyJptEEFtyUPMCtMsIvK2BNBtUEH5zJZmdQC0_75oU8QtCNiEFH0SOfbGTsKB6I2XiU129suslj_XcEptQPOSZzp27PCe4cV3QJXD_2TVFvswiPpjvMAT8HyVpAR/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6PbFC4Atl1BJfcxKIyJptEEFtyUPMCtMsIvK2BNBtUEH5zJZmdQC0_75oU8QtCNiEFH0SOfbGTsKB6I2XiU129suslj_XcEptQPOSZzp27PCe4cV3QJXD_2TVFvswiPpjvMAT8HyVpAR/s320/DSC_0008.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Joel Menard </b></div>
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Domaine de Sablonettes </div>
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Vins d'Anjou nature </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire</div>
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Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld05qO_y_yazK12P72A-jWiQY7wPhjrjA91Q1gDnwKwvMYAhV4rph-SqCeJQBOO2YvWHbOAft-pEeztdr1R6EHZl3JeLSzGRjFsiRDUZgN6oIrzarWtL_uYsUQqKa4K5iuIV50GN1eiT6/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld05qO_y_yazK12P72A-jWiQY7wPhjrjA91Q1gDnwKwvMYAhV4rph-SqCeJQBOO2YvWHbOAft-pEeztdr1R6EHZl3JeLSzGRjFsiRDUZgN6oIrzarWtL_uYsUQqKa4K5iuIV50GN1eiT6/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Caroline and Antoine Foucault</b></div>
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Saumur Champigny </div>
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@ Dive Bouteille Bréze</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6ZFESUYvk5W_JeZhyphenhyphenCBofA3uS9i7GHxhBW7xCc3lGaQ5_dFpwoVM-B-O9YKlZPDlE4IbBvMfrsvw8tMYmngYY1Y8C0JJFkmRibC7oyWGoAuhz1qaLeVNqZZBO8BQuZmxcTGIS3_uvD4q/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6ZFESUYvk5W_JeZhyphenhyphenCBofA3uS9i7GHxhBW7xCc3lGaQ5_dFpwoVM-B-O9YKlZPDlE4IbBvMfrsvw8tMYmngYY1Y8C0JJFkmRibC7oyWGoAuhz1qaLeVNqZZBO8BQuZmxcTGIS3_uvD4q/s320/DSC_0010.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Didier Hauret </b></div>
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Domaine Hauret-Baleine<br />
Anjou </div>
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@ Levée de la Loire<br />
Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJtzpgDjiNjEU8oOlytkgtg1ReQPHZD4ujYOCSvuoIWoJIwHReay2uUElH1iw9c359SSEbY8h7gomBXFOIPkqHuNo-_yvpvnnIJ0Y2x8B1xrROlabaoEGXKlN7qVrm6ztqbDaO_AYiub2/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJtzpgDjiNjEU8oOlytkgtg1ReQPHZD4ujYOCSvuoIWoJIwHReay2uUElH1iw9c359SSEbY8h7gomBXFOIPkqHuNo-_yvpvnnIJ0Y2x8B1xrROlabaoEGXKlN7qVrm6ztqbDaO_AYiub2/s320/DSC_0015.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Nicolas Grosbois</b></div>
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Domaine Grosbois</div>
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Chinon</div>
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@ Levée de la Loire</div>
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Angers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZZQanJy8XMCovTbU1B66oLRFIiKs2KvcvAeN3LjR1T8xTgtsR6Sm22khIIN9ZYEJjlsmz0FjEpNjEKvXvE0YcXEsAZh019fwT0jUxy1xSTmINT-ByqpVq1sH1Apusgq5eFjy26jGNtoa/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZZQanJy8XMCovTbU1B66oLRFIiKs2KvcvAeN3LjR1T8xTgtsR6Sm22khIIN9ZYEJjlsmz0FjEpNjEKvXvE0YcXEsAZh019fwT0jUxy1xSTmINT-ByqpVq1sH1Apusgq5eFjy26jGNtoa/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> Thierry Puzelat </b><br />
Clos du Tue Boeuf<br />
Cheverny / Touraine </div>
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@ Les Penitents </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaG5vQ2AGCu9tzC7Y2YnjpekvbuXWd8rOtSp5Z0ZdMz4qu73ri48envOtXDJYvzWjwxk406db_GH7pVXAKCObS2kO25ifj4r34eEZ1PuI-M9UoMqek2ML7SWZ3c5Bc5uDAOECj22UrAh-/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaG5vQ2AGCu9tzC7Y2YnjpekvbuXWd8rOtSp5Z0ZdMz4qu73ri48envOtXDJYvzWjwxk406db_GH7pVXAKCObS2kO25ifj4r34eEZ1PuI-M9UoMqek2ML7SWZ3c5Bc5uDAOECj22UrAh-/s320/DSC_0023.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Xavier Courant</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Domaine de L'Oubliée<br />
Bourgeuil </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@Vins Anonymes Angers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Michel and Sebastian Dupetit Thouars</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chateau du Petit Thouars AOC Touraine </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Salon des Vins de Loire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pkIihSuN55mWXfIz35H2qxst32VSjJlOlcvHLNm6i7Od2VIB0kkDmxd6Z_aAUVP5ofVbxxjtSkfsQVbGsDiF4rHJPjwO1vdE1jTcIDKjaNIqUqu56ORSuWwNOHeKyhoJhHYaASXAbqC_/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pkIihSuN55mWXfIz35H2qxst32VSjJlOlcvHLNm6i7Od2VIB0kkDmxd6Z_aAUVP5ofVbxxjtSkfsQVbGsDiF4rHJPjwO1vdE1jTcIDKjaNIqUqu56ORSuWwNOHeKyhoJhHYaASXAbqC_/s320/DSC_0029.jpg" width="211" /> </a></div>
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<b>Jacky Blot </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Domaine de la Butte et Taille aux Loups </div>
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Bourgeuil Vouvray Montlouis </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
@ Salon des Vins de Loire</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi993xP7ks1Cwmdl-ZSBHy75K1ECks12PzDxTC4g3DPQCGbm6sT8zz7YXeH66nvK0JmHz2M3Z4YBAZ18blpVTPYlfMlQku2zA3Lx4gybIbSPmmFG4lk6RQJrnRHNyA10tWwglTT7OBCUgRd/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi993xP7ks1Cwmdl-ZSBHy75K1ECks12PzDxTC4g3DPQCGbm6sT8zz7YXeH66nvK0JmHz2M3Z4YBAZ18blpVTPYlfMlQku2zA3Lx4gybIbSPmmFG4lk6RQJrnRHNyA10tWwglTT7OBCUgRd/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Melanie Hillaire </b><br />
<b> </b>Melaric<br />
Saumur </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Levée de la Loire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angers<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Agnes Mosse </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Domaine Mosse<br />
Vins d'Anjou nature </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Les Pénitents </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TPbFnV66eDy-aevyrHTzzrFfR2LuiuD-mMixbHk6-qHwClUXz313aocezU4CHuI0ke6wPVzE6xGbr7eI3xZzX9kfWrxYP_yQxxnDW1vCva961dzo2LMUfwCxelGED5GZLHRJedcMPyI/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TPbFnV66eDy-aevyrHTzzrFfR2LuiuD-mMixbHk6-qHwClUXz313aocezU4CHuI0ke6wPVzE6xGbr7eI3xZzX9kfWrxYP_yQxxnDW1vCva961dzo2LMUfwCxelGED5GZLHRJedcMPyI/s320/DSC_0032.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Patrick <span class="st">Nivelleau</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Domaine de la Paleine </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saumur Le Puy Notre Dame</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
@ Salon des Vins de Loire </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Kathleen Van den Berghe</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chateau de Miniere<br />
Bourgueil </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Salon des Vins de Loire<br />
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGCENX_lGWYKt0YzkaUl_LEydXTcoFwtdC-Fo7jkwxZ8wHUEy0XdUcLMIdtfBvXj7DhepmbJkkIpmn5bLcpy2CK1cmH4_d5x83Af7Fg5rWEPmPBoBS0ib1KHx5OF71lQdfPHrcmjEk_EI/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGCENX_lGWYKt0YzkaUl_LEydXTcoFwtdC-Fo7jkwxZ8wHUEy0XdUcLMIdtfBvXj7DhepmbJkkIpmn5bLcpy2CK1cmH4_d5x83Af7Fg5rWEPmPBoBS0ib1KHx5OF71lQdfPHrcmjEk_EI/s320/DSC_0034.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jacky Ripoche</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Les Noades<br />
Saumur </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Vins Anonymes Angers</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tWAA9letLpxL0UdiP7GSffcOl-yZo6es1kDvH_5g6UGEAPVulEjPWJ26EWbloET2lD_qnwA5n2HVKaKqsOEKA11lU5cJL-1Du7j6oLQ5la51pR4a3-Nza97V30Dvs782hOsJc7rsKnSH/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tWAA9letLpxL0UdiP7GSffcOl-yZo6es1kDvH_5g6UGEAPVulEjPWJ26EWbloET2lD_qnwA5n2HVKaKqsOEKA11lU5cJL-1Du7j6oLQ5la51pR4a3-Nza97V30Dvs782hOsJc7rsKnSH/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Eddie Oosterlink </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Domaine de Juchepie<br />
Faye d'Anjou </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Salon des Vins de Loire </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWAiw3Dl4XRu4-YRMOtjvRX1vldq5g0Rin8rNwqurVDhqMNko8kpwioiSor-kd6BR4ymfQ8YpxnkPGC3XCL2UC-RerFDHpLzIj4UutsoUb62Dkpb-YhqN46fill-7M2yyx5G1gjHFmSOI/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWAiw3Dl4XRu4-YRMOtjvRX1vldq5g0Rin8rNwqurVDhqMNko8kpwioiSor-kd6BR4ymfQ8YpxnkPGC3XCL2UC-RerFDHpLzIj4UutsoUb62Dkpb-YhqN46fill-7M2yyx5G1gjHFmSOI/s320/DSC_0040.jpg" width="211" /> </a><b><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"></span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"></span></b><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"></span></div>
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<span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"></span><span id="texte_description_fiche_produit" style="display: block; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<b>Cyril Boisard</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Domaine Du Mortier </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
St Nicolas de Bourgeuil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
@ Vins Anonymes Angers </div>
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<b></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rX2S-TJcRcDSjvp6ATfeMhPEJBLJGoMlI_NhjVLT0yHY26yncxQIoGZrWHkyL112IjrbT9bePNv3C6Ow9ksK40aA2MU5Z7BF1jLV0dXqiXY5PqOz6HXVNKcGKlfzkwZSDHD4xBiOHXJS/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rX2S-TJcRcDSjvp6ATfeMhPEJBLJGoMlI_NhjVLT0yHY26yncxQIoGZrWHkyL112IjrbT9bePNv3C6Ow9ksK40aA2MU5Z7BF1jLV0dXqiXY5PqOz6HXVNKcGKlfzkwZSDHD4xBiOHXJS/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Thierry Michon </b><br />
Domaine St Nicolas <br />
Fief Vendéens<br />
@ Les Renaissance des Appellations<br />
<br />
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Jo Landron</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Domaine Landron </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muscadet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Les Renaissance des Appellations</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b> Nicolas Jol</b>y </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coulée de Serrant </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AOC Savennières </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Les Renaissance des Appellations<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1qaQQBXQvlbFjdjrK0CjlBFrhD66pYt-dWMnyeuhyphenhyphenf8i1abT-FA-b87WylBh1p_Zm7r98Vq6WVHcJM2P15LmbF-yWOVYSf_3E8NeiA2bM9S0leHPbD2Zr0t6mN3uzTzSiuyYpopaA5ar/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1qaQQBXQvlbFjdjrK0CjlBFrhD66pYt-dWMnyeuhyphenhyphenf8i1abT-FA-b87WylBh1p_Zm7r98Vq6WVHcJM2P15LmbF-yWOVYSf_3E8NeiA2bM9S0leHPbD2Zr0t6mN3uzTzSiuyYpopaA5ar/s320/DSC_0063.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b>Jean-Bernard Berthomé </b><br />
Domaine Huet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vouvray </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Les Renaissance des Appellations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angers </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Guillaume Pire</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chateau de Fosse Seche</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saumur </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(seen here with Alice Feiring wine writer)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@ Les Renaissance des Appellations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Cousin Jnr </b></div>
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Cousin and Cow</div>
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Vins d'Anjou nature </div>
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@ Vins Anonymes Angers</div>
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<b>Antoine Sanzay</b> (right) </div>
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Saumur Champigny</div>
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@ Dive Bouteille Bréze</div>
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Photos Micaela Frow and Sue Hunt <b>©</b></div>
Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-34421858413311006032013-01-21T12:33:00.000+01:002015-01-27T12:36:09.415+01:00Loire Wine Salons February 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
The big week has nearly arrived and it's time to descend on the various Wine Salons held in the Anjou region of the Loire. Gone are the days of visiting one major salon (Salon des Vins de Loire) as 'Offs' or off-shoot salons have grown year by year. This year we have the challenge of visiting all SIX - yes six different shows within the space of 3 days (although the elapsed time is over 5 days). So here is the unofficial list of what is going on, when and where. Salons are reserved for professionals in the wine trade and usually by invitation although some allow a supplementary entrance to be paid on the door in return for a glass and an extraordinary range of tastings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5bi1r3N_WQKJX5FExf7pA6eYntzvgch2GWe558ByPpMw1IWnC23-xhvSzzPNeyWrllkc3e3LgmjEmVph1i3SQkhWagMurQEbfel9IYW-Neg4dQ5QKHMaUl3wTi9Gwkr3xGFMTX32vhO/s1600/renaissanceloire2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt5bi1r3N_WQKJX5FExf7pA6eYntzvgch2GWe558ByPpMw1IWnC23-xhvSzzPNeyWrllkc3e3LgmjEmVph1i3SQkhWagMurQEbfel9IYW-Neg4dQ5QKHMaUl3wTi9Gwkr3xGFMTX32vhO/s1600/renaissanceloire2015.png" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
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Starting on Saturday is the <b>Renaissance des Appellations 2015</b> at Greniers Saint Jean - Angers Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 9h30-19h. One of our favourite salons for the quality of wines represented and showing organic and biodynamic wines with a great selection from the Loire Valley. Including :<br />
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LOIRE</h4>
- Didier Chaffardon<br />
– Christophe Daviau<br />
– Yves et Anne Guégniard<br />
– Clément Baraut<br />
– Toby Bainbridge<br />
– Eddy Oosterlinck<br />
– Benoit Blet<br />
– Didier Hauret<br />
– Olivier Lecomte<br />
– Patrick Baudouin<br />
– Xavier Cailleau<br />
– Damien et Didier Richou<br />
– Stéphane Rocher<br />
– Th. Ducleux, JM Brousset et J. Delrieu<br />
– Jean-François Vaillant<br />
– Thomas Carsin<br />
– Jo Pithon<br />
– Nathalie et Vincent Betis<br />
– Thierry Michon<br />
– Joseph Landron<br />
– Frédéric Niger Van Herck et Guy Bossard<br />
– Sébastien Riffault<br />
– Philippe Gilbert<br />
– Michel Gendrier<br />
– Michel Quenioux<br />
– Laura Semeria<br />
– Bruno Allion<br />
– Louis-Jean Sylvos<br />
– Olivier Bellanger<br />
– Paul Gillet<br />
– François Plouzeau<br />
– François Chidaine<br />
– Vincent Carème<br />
– Hélène Fillette<br />
– Eric Nicolas<br />
– Philippe Delesvaux<br />
– Maï et Kenji Hodgson<br />
– Stéphanie et Vincent Deboutbertin<br />
– Joël Ménard<br />
– Thomas Batardière<br />
– Liv Vincendeau<br />
– Bruno Rochard<br />
– Richard Leroy<br />
– Rémi Bonnet<br />
– Bernard et Benoit Landron<br />
– Jacques Carroget<br />
– Tessa Laroche<br />
– Loïc Mahé<br />
– Virginie Joly<br />
– Yannick Amirault<br />
– Sébastien David<br />
– Pascal Lambert<br />
– Etienne de Bonnaventure<br />
– Bernard Baudry<br />
– Guillaume Pire<br />
– Guillaume Reynouard<br />
– Jean-François Regnier<br />
– Jean-Noël Million<br />
– Mathieu Vallée<br />
– Anne-Claude Leflaive<br />
– Xavier Caillard<br />
– Aymeric Hilaire<br />
– Philippe Gourdon<br />
– Mark Angeli
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Also on the Saturday and Sunday 31st Jan - 1st February 10h - 18h is an off-shoot from Les Salons des Amis - <b>Les Pénitentes @ Hotel de Penitents Angers. </b>Bonhomme, Chaussard, Mosse, Puzelat and Villemade have invited a range of producers listed below with empasis on organic and natural wines.</div>
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In it's third year now but this time a new location on Sunday 1st February at the Salon Curnonsky, rue st martin, 49700 Angers (in front of the old location of the collegiale saint Martin) from 10h00 - 19h00 is the <b>Vins Anonymes 2015</b>. The idea of this salon is to allow a collective of young and perhaps relatively unknown vignerons show their wines that are either alternative, close to natural and authentic. Some of the vignerons represented include our neighbour Jacky RIPOCHE of LES NOADES SAUMUR along with
– LA COULEE D’Ambrosia johana et jf Chene ANJOU – LAMBERT Jérôme ANJOU – CAVE BECLAIR ANJOU – GARREAU cédric ANJOU – SAURIGNY jérôme ANJOU – BOUTIN Thomas ANJOU – LES VIGNES DE BABASS ANJOU – BOREL Pierre BOURGUEIL – DOMAINE DU MORTIER maison Boisard BOURGUEIL - – COURANT XAVIER BOURGUEIL – COURTAULT Joel TOURAINE – LA LUNOTTE Foucher TOURAINE</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXfWA1gnv8NzCo8nMa3TH6B11pME5ue5kWrSfc68pjTMWgrpjCnDgrWIJg3-8t5Q2T5m12fA8xLy5oruY2UvAQx7P9opwyYQv4kwwqp2rPJq-JieDCADnktAsdPY8NJyaiMslDU8Z8zD/s1600/Les-anonymes-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXfWA1gnv8NzCo8nMa3TH6B11pME5ue5kWrSfc68pjTMWgrpjCnDgrWIJg3-8t5Q2T5m12fA8xLy5oruY2UvAQx7P9opwyYQv4kwwqp2rPJq-JieDCADnktAsdPY8NJyaiMslDU8Z8zD/s1600/Les-anonymes-2015.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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Let's not forget another of our favourite events of the year the <b>Dive Bouteille </b>this time on the 1-2 February Sunday and Monday in the sous terrain setting of the caves of Ackerman. Organised by Sylvie Augereau this salon features natural wines from all over France, but also some wines from Italy and producers from the USA. This is the 15th Dive and we are sure it is going to be a popular as ever with a diverse and electic range of natural wines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb65dcESSWwehEPeG7Ze9t6zLF-gr2P6wPyUxzTJj4JH-PYDQhYVcGkZ74BbTpX7sIkvTWOAqmUcAvYslGVXGUhCxhrsJkN5V63xKH4UlTOaX_OqpsBjcjHw6gHPWVCayxKmXw8muNae5E/s1600/La-Dive-Bouteille2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb65dcESSWwehEPeG7Ze9t6zLF-gr2P6wPyUxzTJj4JH-PYDQhYVcGkZ74BbTpX7sIkvTWOAqmUcAvYslGVXGUhCxhrsJkN5V63xKH4UlTOaX_OqpsBjcjHw6gHPWVCayxKmXw8muNae5E/s1600/La-Dive-Bouteille2015.png" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Many of the Loire regulars including<br />
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– Marion Pescheux et Manuel Landron, Complémen’terre (Muscadet)<br />
– Jérôme Bretaudeau, Bellevue (Muscadet)<br />
– Marc Pesnot, la Sénéchalière (Muscadet)<br />
– J Bresteau et M Houtin, Grange aux Belles (Anjou)<br />
– Philippe Delmée (Anjou)<br />
– Geneviève et Nicolas Bertin-Delatte,Echalier (Anjou)<br />
– Clément Baraut (Anjou-Savennières)<br />
– Sylvain Martinez (Anjou)<br />
– François Saint-Lô (Anjou)<br />
– Stéphane Erissé (Anjou)<br />
– Nicolas Reau (Anjou)<br />
– Eric Dubois, Clos Cristal (S-Champigny)<br />
– Antoine Sanzay (S-Champigny)<br />
– Bruno Dubois (S-Champigny)<br />
– Matthieu Bouchet, Gaillard (Saumur)<br />
– Thierry Germain, Roches Neuves (S-Champigny)<br />
– Sylvain Dittière, Porte Saint-Jean (S-Champigny)<br />
– Caroline et Antoine Foucault, le Collier (Saumur)<br />
– Arnaud Lambert, Brézé (Saumur)<br />
– Emeline et Sébastien Bobinet (S-Champigny)<br />
– Romain Guiberteau (Saumur)<br />
– Patrick Corbineau (Touraine-Chinon)<br />
– Fred Sigonneau, de l’R (Chinon)<br />
– Jérôme Lenoir, cave des Roches (Chinon)<br />
– François Blanchard, le Grand Cléré (Touraine)<br />
– Gérard Marula (Touraine-Chinon)<br />
– Lise et Bertrand Jousset (Montlouis)<br />
– Sébastien Brunet (Vouvray)<br />
– Mathieu Cosme, Beaumont (Vouvray)<br />
– C. et D. Delecheneau, Grange Tiphaine (Mtlouis)<br />
– Grégory Leclerc, Chahut et Prodiges (Touraine)<br />
– Noella Morantin (Touraine)<br />
– Laurent Saillard (Touraine)<br />
– Brendan Tracey (Touraine)<br />
– Olivier Lemasson, les Vins Contés (Touraine)</div>
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Returning again this year is another newish salon <b>La Levée de la Loire</b> scheduled for Monday 2/3/4th February 2015 this time at the Parc des Expositions d’Angers from 9h - 19h. This is the Association interprofessional of the Organic Wines of the Loire (Vin Bio de Loire) organised in partnership with the Renaissance, the Dive and le Salon du Logis du Gouverneur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrYyeIYyJ3l_exJwF5oFcSSOkCthuQHwBjEZ3XyBx5J1pIMOkdcOqKhmZB0Q6Iha5IwYz9lGh2UzZjF4aPt0mpBIGLCfrZNjscHFViLTry_pB4KH1aqZ5LxPCK-G9Ph1B7rI_ecSzcrj/s1600/la-levee-de-la-loire-2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrYyeIYyJ3l_exJwF5oFcSSOkCthuQHwBjEZ3XyBx5J1pIMOkdcOqKhmZB0Q6Iha5IwYz9lGh2UzZjF4aPt0mpBIGLCfrZNjscHFViLTry_pB4KH1aqZ5LxPCK-G9Ph1B7rI_ecSzcrj/s1600/la-levee-de-la-loire-2015.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a><br />
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Represented from the Loire we have -<br />
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– AMIRAULT Xavier, Thierry et Agnès<br />
– AUPETITGENDRE Claude et GOZARD Jacques<br />
– BILLARD Jérôme<br />
– BOISARD Fabien et Cyril<br />
– BOURSE Quentin<br />
– BRETON Pierre<br />
– CAREME Vincent<br />
– CASLOT Claudia, Franck et Bertrand<br />
– CASLOT Stéphanie et Emmanuel<br />
– CHANSON Ludovic<br />
– COURANT Xavier<br />
– COURTEMANCHE Frédéric<br />
– DAVID Sébastien- DANSAULT Gabrièle et Régis<br />
– DESCHAMPS Sandrine et Christophe<br />
– DE BONNAVENTURE Pascale et Etienne<br />
– GALBRUN Bertrand- GASNIER Fabrice<br />
– GAUTHIER Pierre et Rodolphe<br />
– GENDROT Fabrice<br />
– GERARD Philippe et DETECHEVERRY Arnaud<br />
– GROSBOIS Nicolas<br />
– GUION Stéphane<br />
– HERIVAULT Arnaud<br />
– HERLIN Laurent<br />
– JOURDAN Francis<br />
– KLOECKE Jean-Daniel<br />
– LAMBERT Pascal et Béatrice<br />
– LAMBERT Patrick<br />
– LANDRY Thierry<br />
– MABILEAU Frédéric<br />
– MANCEAU Jean-Max<br />
– MERIAS Benoît<br />
– MUREAU Stéphane<br />
– PELLETIER Jean-Christophe<br />
– PICHET Thomas<br />
– PINON François<br />
– PLAISANTIN Yves<br />
– PLOUZEAU Marc<br />
– RIMBAULT Sophie et ROUXELIN Anne<br />
– ROUSSE Wilfrid<br />
– SIGONNEAU Frédéric<br />
– SPELTY Johann<br />
– SYLVOS Louis-Jean<br />
– THIBAULT Marie<br />
– VALLEE Gérald<br />
– VAN DEN BERGHE Kathleen<br />
– VALLEE Gérald
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Last but never least the BIG one that starts on 2nd February and runs for 3 days to the 4th February inclusive the <b>Salon des Vins de Loire </b>at the Parc des Expositions in Angers from 9h - 19h each day except Wednesday to 18h as everyone will want to go home as let's face it they will be exhausted by this time! It is here that the Medal Winners (Palais de Ligers) are announced along with the winners of the blog trophy, the best student sommelier and many other master classes on terroir and chenin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB4e1P_-joPCcjysd0pAC0CHuD5wYKmMoTkldtiBO8B5h1-jAsUDTV2AZPC4COclWsJ66p7V1q6PdjsLqOZxZdpqetfVby-rfrtxceHHOU9wXM7vTgIEzrxXbCvBkbelZ_9i6ZDoU1_gw/s1600/salons-des-vins-de-loire-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB4e1P_-joPCcjysd0pAC0CHuD5wYKmMoTkldtiBO8B5h1-jAsUDTV2AZPC4COclWsJ66p7V1q6PdjsLqOZxZdpqetfVby-rfrtxceHHOU9wXM7vTgIEzrxXbCvBkbelZ_9i6ZDoU1_gw/s1600/salons-des-vins-de-loire-2015.jpg" /></a></div>
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Within the Salon des Vins de Loire is also the
<b>Salons des Vins de Loire Stand Collectif Vins Bio</b> a stand for the collective of organic producers. </div>
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So you see the wine world is going to be a buzz in this area of the Loire Valley over the next week. The logistics of getting from one show to the other are going to be fun but at the least the weather is on our side at the moment but we know how precocious February can be in the region - so fingers crossed !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXZhxizQHnrOV38E_rTBDfcI3yv-lutHSuK5vLsmePwEpSTd9blgQJlRt8Oqrc4NcLJ5yKPQSy35eJfMMyBzyQg_7_q1LaJh-MqICvS0K3sePy48Ov79AYAOsjQ6Syp89jvPGWPYXaOqq/s1600/SSL21709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXZhxizQHnrOV38E_rTBDfcI3yv-lutHSuK5vLsmePwEpSTd9blgQJlRt8Oqrc4NcLJ5yKPQSy35eJfMMyBzyQg_7_q1LaJh-MqICvS0K3sePy48Ov79AYAOsjQ6Syp89jvPGWPYXaOqq/s320/SSL21709.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Previous years we had heavy snow - this years forecast is looking ok!! </div>
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Dive Bouteille - Nul n'est censé ignorer la Loire </div>
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© Sylvie Augereau</div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-61566889016668987942013-01-18T13:34:00.000+01:002013-01-18T17:32:25.227+01:00Happy New Vineyard Year 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did you know that during the Napoleonic wars most of Europe used the Gregorian calendar. However between 1792 and 1805 France used what was known as the Republican or Napoleonic Calendar. In this all the months were renamed and years began with the foundation of the Republic at An I or Year 1. All months had 30 days except the 12th month, which had 35 or 36 on a leap year. The Republican year ran from September to August with each month named according to the season.</div>
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I've been fascinated with this calendar ever since I saw the paintings of it in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris. So I thought it would be fun to re-produce my own 21st Century version using the colours of the vineyard year.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"VENDEMIARE</span>"<br />
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September to October was referred to as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vendemiare</span> meaning Vintage and the month of the wine harvest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOqkLvoKbLGC4gZRyA8BdcyFG7i9lk1YKIiH-_UPDSVv3dQPTWnwycD_j1CHQW8N9akxkJaIKpN3kSR6iQQgyQpByQMIB0eTfBlTfaf7Z3_mEVdP0D63x6djMbsd0l1OoVcp_EiH48W3/s1600/GOLD.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682626526245629826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lOqkLvoKbLGC4gZRyA8BdcyFG7i9lk1YKIiH-_UPDSVv3dQPTWnwycD_j1CHQW8N9akxkJaIKpN3kSR6iQQgyQpByQMIB0eTfBlTfaf7Z3_mEVdP0D63x6djMbsd0l1OoVcp_EiH48W3/s320/GOLD.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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GOLDEN VENDEMIARE</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"BRUMIARE"</span></div>
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October to November was renamed <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brumiare</span> meaning Fog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3iGasc0DzpU4ZwIE6OS9x2omPFbOjkj9iPiKtiPn2rk46wmqgJxL51To0XRcW_4C3xRjShyphenhyphenYpkaYfyLfQ1QWEKWziGZSYXWz2VE5CRzXMABWWSImfxXSDiQ00-LUz1n9O2NYNdATEkBi/s1600/GREY.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682633191076634418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3iGasc0DzpU4ZwIE6OS9x2omPFbOjkj9iPiKtiPn2rk46wmqgJxL51To0XRcW_4C3xRjShyphenhyphenYpkaYfyLfQ1QWEKWziGZSYXWz2VE5CRzXMABWWSImfxXSDiQ00-LUz1n9O2NYNdATEkBi/s320/GREY.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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GREY BRUMIARE<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"FRIMAIRE"</span></div>
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November to December was called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Frimaire</span> meaning Frost. Brrhh...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJzFrzLxGXEK9gjwfJno7X1JiMiBKq8k1_UpNBOXt78MIsncvBZrkL6PTqpebwt5Cww20X5e8igllJ1YQJjI3D66I63Iggse8A-nEIRBPtgHvNjQgcRR4T9WC6z-bKc3mGoDbXL2VvmTC/s1600/SILVER.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682636108145388930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJzFrzLxGXEK9gjwfJno7X1JiMiBKq8k1_UpNBOXt78MIsncvBZrkL6PTqpebwt5Cww20X5e8igllJ1YQJjI3D66I63Iggse8A-nEIRBPtgHvNjQgcRR4T9WC6z-bKc3mGoDbXL2VvmTC/s320/SILVER.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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SILVER FRIMAIRE</div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />"NIVOSE"</span><br />
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December to January became known as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nivose</span> meaning Snow. Brrhhhhh...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJI7e27J9ILEV16J2J_IYqrXLRA9R7x0niLYxYw82T0uGujumgVMIYyJ4lSQOywoHLr-doqZis6fC-sdlnn_8W12-cNxiy4WBOgAs2oPFbAxdF8B7zplSyXuTFch3E5JtsH7DycEfVfba/s1600/WHITE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682637195030411346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJI7e27J9ILEV16J2J_IYqrXLRA9R7x0niLYxYw82T0uGujumgVMIYyJ4lSQOywoHLr-doqZis6fC-sdlnn_8W12-cNxiy4WBOgAs2oPFbAxdF8B7zplSyXuTFch3E5JtsH7DycEfVfba/s320/WHITE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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WHITE NIVOSE</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"PLUVIOSE"</span><br />
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January to February was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pluviose</span> meaning Rain. Sums up a dreary cold month...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgLQnoVaYo7j52QN97UZQDvZSfwm0sXLqfFpDmiT3EaRd6jRyAayRlcuBxPsCNDTrLzO6X4Xs0rsYTCQ5DIdVk5_ecOGGd71KyPYbI3QcJA_AkpMAyfn6DIX6KmRaReEIqAMco4Vexu2o/s1600/BROWN.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682637980220187986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgLQnoVaYo7j52QN97UZQDvZSfwm0sXLqfFpDmiT3EaRd6jRyAayRlcuBxPsCNDTrLzO6X4Xs0rsYTCQ5DIdVk5_ecOGGd71KyPYbI3QcJA_AkpMAyfn6DIX6KmRaReEIqAMco4Vexu2o/s320/BROWN.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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BROWN PLUVIOSE<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"VENTOSE"</span></div>
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February to March became <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ventose</span> meaning Wind. My least favourite month and difficult to reproduce as a colour so I have called it opaque as by the end of March the sap should be rising on the pruned vines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCetP6uKwQfrErHnwOvsv0AZLzoq2M9n0AzPA_JLIJdoq1F9XYAIWUOAJjnQGtx1MsmyC3AjTbPmZwHzsfspTnYV4z46qXBU1M6N3vvZRvGaTldXwBg9no8U4QohKq0AdlCg2t_eoWrybR/s1600/OPAQUE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682639419164827586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCetP6uKwQfrErHnwOvsv0AZLzoq2M9n0AzPA_JLIJdoq1F9XYAIWUOAJjnQGtx1MsmyC3AjTbPmZwHzsfspTnYV4z46qXBU1M6N3vvZRvGaTldXwBg9no8U4QohKq0AdlCg2t_eoWrybR/s320/OPAQUE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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OPAQUE VENTOSE</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"GERMINAL"</span></div>
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March to April was declared <span style="font-weight: bold;">Germinal</span> meaning Budding. Surprisingly in this month the little buds start to appear on the vines. From now on the vineyards start to come out of their winter dormancy and gradually more colour will start to appear in the vineyards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSLfZCbRGczxgqbzVMdgNvnEL91Oh8nLSsSEmfmQ2Z5fdLCdJECIKyrdjhmxb964ygf2YGl2MwxrhiGANfHkvUL_C5uHIpE02CPSh3AZ_nh0GN7B2s7SdjIvwEcc91yxPWIqOGupFnbgi/s1600/GRIS.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682666300928488226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSLfZCbRGczxgqbzVMdgNvnEL91Oh8nLSsSEmfmQ2Z5fdLCdJECIKyrdjhmxb964ygf2YGl2MwxrhiGANfHkvUL_C5uHIpE02CPSh3AZ_nh0GN7B2s7SdjIvwEcc91yxPWIqOGupFnbgi/s320/GRIS.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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GRIS GERMINAL<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"FLOREAL"</span></div>
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April to May was considered as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Floreal</span> meaning FLOWERING. The month the little flowers start to appear on the vines. A period call floraison.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiQNGoHTkcHQLNhWkMuQuCDq6us3FX0NjQ-rjVqJy5CskW5AskuZXIGBXXO4LEiFKu4o8VU4M9XaGRvUJF2FePvySUyGhpTMgjLVJ4c8M37AfQcgR8kUMEh6ud-yGOqwlIAN5fqxGp7Tm/s1600/GREEN.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682666021284928562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiQNGoHTkcHQLNhWkMuQuCDq6us3FX0NjQ-rjVqJy5CskW5AskuZXIGBXXO4LEiFKu4o8VU4M9XaGRvUJF2FePvySUyGhpTMgjLVJ4c8M37AfQcgR8kUMEh6ud-yGOqwlIAN5fqxGp7Tm/s320/GREEN.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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GREEN FLORIAL</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"PRAIRIAL"</span></div>
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May to June was considered as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Prairial</span> meaning Meadows. The fields around the vineyards are starting to fill with colour now especially the rose fields.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiEKVx8VlDGaWLgI0JU0kt5qlAQywzv2o5M6rHbnyhP-lOWIieZgozmblm5jOKJQ9l1zBI3AoQP2nrRHrOJbdnp4uos02S29QSseFwMseCYt7mbYp_fGXYNt4FQJ8flFHqdVHqNC1J80H/s1600/RAINBOW.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682669390920448690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiEKVx8VlDGaWLgI0JU0kt5qlAQywzv2o5M6rHbnyhP-lOWIieZgozmblm5jOKJQ9l1zBI3AoQP2nrRHrOJbdnp4uos02S29QSseFwMseCYt7mbYp_fGXYNt4FQJ8flFHqdVHqNC1J80H/s320/RAINBOW.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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RAINBOW PRAIRIAL</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"MESSIDOR"</span><br />
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June to July was described as <span style="font-weight: bold;">Messidor</span> meaning Harvest. The cereal fields are starting to be harvested. Sue even went up in a microlite to catch this shot!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3MUTVEI0rdaAupGrWoTswkO4a0eXapGHvqqZmeyozB5PSFmqDoI7EmXB4HBdY8QT93q8y5FLq_phE7C4GAhfx1kqRXiNoLuLt8N5_olZKhc_Dag60UIQM-zb2Mcb23oT6R3-qclvWPoc/s1600/BEIGE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682670606503118290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3MUTVEI0rdaAupGrWoTswkO4a0eXapGHvqqZmeyozB5PSFmqDoI7EmXB4HBdY8QT93q8y5FLq_phE7C4GAhfx1kqRXiNoLuLt8N5_olZKhc_Dag60UIQM-zb2Mcb23oT6R3-qclvWPoc/s320/BEIGE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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BEIGE MESSIDOR</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"THERMIDOR"</span><br />
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July to August was designated <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thermidor</span> meaning Heat. Orange like a lobster thermidor?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoAAH_VzfaRmzqbR3MN9r5dMFaiic_7ZewvdW7jVJ7qMAL5aKqgFKL1YeR6ytni1-ROLx4qQ1CXisreYpNHdCi2k_6jSZu7jevASh0lPJtpVc0j7nyi_b55upH9o_2DJs_pCjQ25jqz1K/s1600/ORANGE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682671532119501362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoAAH_VzfaRmzqbR3MN9r5dMFaiic_7ZewvdW7jVJ7qMAL5aKqgFKL1YeR6ytni1-ROLx4qQ1CXisreYpNHdCi2k_6jSZu7jevASh0lPJtpVc0j7nyi_b55upH9o_2DJs_pCjQ25jqz1K/s320/ORANGE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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ORANGE THERMIDOR<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">"FRUCTIDOR"</span></div>
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August to September was named <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fructidor </span>meaning Fruit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2MNhePqBSvVcFibSfaP3uFXpKCCsoZ7poMIlN0-GWc1rMTCQ87lb2GjjUjoabz5EcKTYZ56ydGdcLLgHXmHa3eLcbQ0pGjNLrq8zwY2X8aYXUZ3jh5aKhJXC5ru4ZqEDGTLnGcwSXKaP/s1600/PURPLE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682672892537737330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2MNhePqBSvVcFibSfaP3uFXpKCCsoZ7poMIlN0-GWc1rMTCQ87lb2GjjUjoabz5EcKTYZ56ydGdcLLgHXmHa3eLcbQ0pGjNLrq8zwY2X8aYXUZ3jh5aKhJXC5ru4ZqEDGTLnGcwSXKaP/s320/PURPLE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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PURPLE FRUCTIDOR<br />
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OTHER COLOURS OF THE VINEYARDS</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGysvZEmRwvq1xo69G6OmyguAquMp6kOVooxttCqDedQkW_UJOkiCUwDop6KaVeLUb3dmy27Ddho-8nfbkwJELjcDzeUjSezgFcWtU563QrK9FUF0VW5BGmIrXgxbI6eByiSchdq4iA_G/s1600/BRIGHTGREEN.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682673232381788386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGysvZEmRwvq1xo69G6OmyguAquMp6kOVooxttCqDedQkW_UJOkiCUwDop6KaVeLUb3dmy27Ddho-8nfbkwJELjcDzeUjSezgFcWtU563QrK9FUF0VW5BGmIrXgxbI6eByiSchdq4iA_G/s320/BRIGHTGREEN.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a></div>
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BRIGHT GREEN<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbZyf_mVoOof_FV2-JVArv2bVZpo84WF6aCaWwL5em39tsMCnx8G0gs5o-p8VRPiUWBHQIWOoum3d0o9EssAd1fK6gGqw05ClGSaRurM0Cuc3RsUS6jw5Ak2NkyvjWnmpLxfYbChj46uz/s1600/BRIGHTYELLOW.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682634210955161074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbZyf_mVoOof_FV2-JVArv2bVZpo84WF6aCaWwL5em39tsMCnx8G0gs5o-p8VRPiUWBHQIWOoum3d0o9EssAd1fK6gGqw05ClGSaRurM0Cuc3RsUS6jw5Ak2NkyvjWnmpLxfYbChj46uz/s320/BRIGHTYELLOW.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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BRIGHT YELLOW</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy-QEa8aruQLwQ1s6nhE0At76JVDIRRH4m8kz8dhG-Vi8pj56Sy5iC-xv5AT6zmDqHkKGm8Rz_qzEonTI6o5_UMtH5n_Ru96BhtUmZpYSyEXpKtoGUONtwee07CUC-ZmyX0m63koz6x_m/s1600/RED.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682633626393019346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy-QEa8aruQLwQ1s6nhE0At76JVDIRRH4m8kz8dhG-Vi8pj56Sy5iC-xv5AT6zmDqHkKGm8Rz_qzEonTI6o5_UMtH5n_Ru96BhtUmZpYSyEXpKtoGUONtwee07CUC-ZmyX0m63koz6x_m/s320/RED.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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BRIGHT RED</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy27eyfr-ES1OtI4pCoh4deaAUOaGRdDqR1QubtqYNPEDO1E3dVgVrBA6Mh35KBVSsLMOrv10A_Zd8O2AO0rccN8Xmjd1DMJXgxpDc9YXnRj3aumwFISPKIy5DBRBy7tSp5rfmjJ9bssy/s1600/RUSSET.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682635000459369250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy27eyfr-ES1OtI4pCoh4deaAUOaGRdDqR1QubtqYNPEDO1E3dVgVrBA6Mh35KBVSsLMOrv10A_Zd8O2AO0rccN8Xmjd1DMJXgxpDc9YXnRj3aumwFISPKIy5DBRBy7tSp5rfmjJ9bssy/s320/RUSSET.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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RUSSET<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_o78XAe1kWGqRf8kfObNwjh5acbko-XOcOiH9nEc9zC9WaBv-yCkvo-77PrIeU4l2RNOCS7f3NHV7AoZ4_Bgh0sFJ5CBMotVM3ALvyv-qRFcrSOI1rZbfTAqAfrvJ-QyvcWDzk8iDzlf/s1600/BLUE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682712878869555346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_o78XAe1kWGqRf8kfObNwjh5acbko-XOcOiH9nEc9zC9WaBv-yCkvo-77PrIeU4l2RNOCS7f3NHV7AoZ4_Bgh0sFJ5CBMotVM3ALvyv-qRFcrSOI1rZbfTAqAfrvJ-QyvcWDzk8iDzlf/s320/BLUE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>BLUE<br />
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The calendar lasted for 13 years before being returned to the Gregorian Calender in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte.</div>
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Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-895622468825543052012-11-15T17:29:00.000+01:002012-11-15T18:59:51.702+01:00Le Puy à Vins - Bienvenue Romain, Marie et David<div style="text-align: justify;">
With items on the menu such as : Cuisse de canard confit maison, pommes de terre sautées, ail et persil, Parmentier de boeuf avec chips de céleri, ou Financier vanille, cuit minute, sauce chocolate et glace noix, one would be forgiven for thinking we were dining in a swanky Parisian bistro. So how lucky we are to welcome chef David Beaufreton to our local village of Le Puy Notre Dame.<br />
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Under the new ownership of Romain and Marie Amblard Le Puy à Vins has had a facelift, created a menu to die for (lunch and dinner) and revamped the wine list to include many of our local favourite producers. </div>
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An amazing 'Menu de Jour' at lunchtime from 13 euros Entrée/Plat or Plat/Dessert or 16 euros for the whole shabang features imaginative dishes such as Lamb Tagine with couscous. </div>
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Or how about a Tartine Fromage for starters... </div>
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....and a delcious Tarte de Banane for dessert </div>
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An even more sophisticated evening menu is offered with à la carte dining and the restaurant is open lunchtime and dinner except for Sunday when it is closed so that David and his team can have a well earned rest.</div>
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Wines feature many of the local Le Puy Notre Dame producers including many of our friends from Chateau de Fosse Seche, Les Noades, Melaric, Domaine de la Paleine and L'Echantoir to name but a few. You'll be sure to find something to suit your taste either by the glass or bottle.</div>
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David brings a kitchen full of new flavours to Le Puy having trained at The Box Tree in Ilkley and working as a chef in Rabat and Marrakech. We keep having to go back every week to see what is new on the menu! </div>
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Le Puy à Vins is only 5 minutes from La Grande Maison by car and a great location to walk to across the vineyards during the summer months. Cheese plates and charcuterie are also available with a glass of wine if you don't have time for the whole menu - but I am sure you will! </div>
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<br />Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-28000998034162122062012-09-05T15:34:00.012+01:002012-09-05T15:54:57.480+01:00On the Loire...<h2 class="title" itemprop="itemreviewed">Where Go the Boats?</h2> <div style="min-height:570px;margin-top:20px;"> <div class="KonaBody"> <p> Dark brown is the river,<br />Golden is the sand.<br />It flows along for ever,<br />With trees on either hand.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT9YnAnlmjD9YqlemEYKiT3MRDJN48IkB9QOGk4MvBJ9TG-ns_NE2-ZwJeN94dzQCRAwV5LriwPKo-XdhtXCN5adBOWtxyKjBBvyDtnHJybzNBx8IYmqBdH4YTN1X5rEnY87Wds1JwQV7/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT9YnAnlmjD9YqlemEYKiT3MRDJN48IkB9QOGk4MvBJ9TG-ns_NE2-ZwJeN94dzQCRAwV5LriwPKo-XdhtXCN5adBOWtxyKjBBvyDtnHJybzNBx8IYmqBdH4YTN1X5rEnY87Wds1JwQV7/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784702041046978418" border="0" /></a></p><p>Green leaves a-floating,<br />Castles of the foam,<br />Boats of mine a-boating -<br />Where will all come home?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_3kwPAMbAIVJDoVpKX68qpSwL9-PsojB62m9-YCyp0as0UPh-5AkAKhdRahnuaxQie308_5XFXoWoAji2y7KHCZkyKBVRk98AH7FLdVbnmLE6hySFna0_KzLjeoPlRvcOqKr9LQ-LnlJ/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_3kwPAMbAIVJDoVpKX68qpSwL9-PsojB62m9-YCyp0as0UPh-5AkAKhdRahnuaxQie308_5XFXoWoAji2y7KHCZkyKBVRk98AH7FLdVbnmLE6hySFna0_KzLjeoPlRvcOqKr9LQ-LnlJ/s320/DSC_0531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784703614727992914" border="0" /></a></p><p>On goes the river<br />And out past the mill,<br />Away down the valley,<br />Away down the hill.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8senkFztG_bm28mmcD7q-eohJlF2-_2XqwiLOR_FqDssOcLdRnr5gyk1771-9qs9Kwo4G77Sm8GJDPDMVLxwhaeWpIST2tmFU4_xJepz9h0p0491P-ucxxGY8xCNhmWcHmKay5DOi34oE/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8senkFztG_bm28mmcD7q-eohJlF2-_2XqwiLOR_FqDssOcLdRnr5gyk1771-9qs9Kwo4G77Sm8GJDPDMVLxwhaeWpIST2tmFU4_xJepz9h0p0491P-ucxxGY8xCNhmWcHmKay5DOi34oE/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784704338608314706" border="0" /></a>Away down the river,<br />A hundred miles or more,<br />Other little children<br />Shall bring my boats ashore. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjCflIRPKGm6EtWoNWqN6LSQDFqb1MYePV61SOyqMK1t2D5d6hLPpThq1lbtQBHJN8Av7Z3QAytE83iEy-eJ9Xm1-P3mGcwTvrD4j8shAVQc52Ra-PINJUnvmOg6M0gF387OAQ7CPK82d/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjCflIRPKGm6EtWoNWqN6LSQDFqb1MYePV61SOyqMK1t2D5d6hLPpThq1lbtQBHJN8Av7Z3QAytE83iEy-eJ9Xm1-P3mGcwTvrD4j8shAVQc52Ra-PINJUnvmOg6M0gF387OAQ7CPK82d/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784702845973245634" border="0" /></a> </p> </div> <div class="poet">Robert Louis Stevenson 13 November 1850 – 3 December 1894</div></div>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-33615407764652909442012-09-03T16:41:00.002+01:002012-09-03T16:45:25.862+01:00Dine like Kings or Queens in the Loire Valley, FranceRead our blog for September on <a href="http://www.furtherafield.com/loire-valley-travel-gay-guest-house-france">Furtherafield</a><p>Now is a great time to think about travel to the Loire Valley because from late September to the end of October the grape harvest will be in full swing. In this guest blog, wine experts, Sue and Micaela, of the La Grande Maison gay friendly guest house share their Loire Valley highlights with us, and if you visit who knows you might even get the chance to pick up a pair of secateurs and join in with the ‘vendange’.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzWEuQsHNdPr0X2ea4gNB32LKgYAcm_T79hIFGEbRMPWS_SX_ajGXngbdYMCHBUXUJ3WbGfCgOZtnM65HsVu1GNpqJNytYt8zMo5J35Dw7Gs3aSUzou4YWagOaslUPSBxDJQ21aENJrbF/s1600/DSC06015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzWEuQsHNdPr0X2ea4gNB32LKgYAcm_T79hIFGEbRMPWS_SX_ajGXngbdYMCHBUXUJ3WbGfCgOZtnM65HsVu1GNpqJNytYt8zMo5J35Dw7Gs3aSUzou4YWagOaslUPSBxDJQ21aENJrbF/s320/DSC06015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5783977032450231282" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-11624956083569999722012-02-02T16:43:00.048+01:002012-02-04T17:07:51.143+01:00In Deep Water ! (but obviously not deep enough....)<div style="text-align: justify;">La Loire, longest river in France and probably the most capricious. Winding it's way north over 1000 km's from the Massif Central to Orleans where it then cuts west and heads out to the Atlantic Ocean. Shallow in summer and often in full flood during the winter she is tricky to navigate in any season.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf_pn-E6Cq52K69UJdOHs5Y__piV_NkQa3ggjkHu2VZypqWPvuNfKWL3IbR7Vsbk7ViqAEL7-49uVYAcK6KCoc06oRsCvXSqn8sVblj46VDHb7eYGG9dhPkyvzhKldN2eYKgOTLAGkwDA/s1600/SSL21438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf_pn-E6Cq52K69UJdOHs5Y__piV_NkQa3ggjkHu2VZypqWPvuNfKWL3IbR7Vsbk7ViqAEL7-49uVYAcK6KCoc06oRsCvXSqn8sVblj46VDHb7eYGG9dhPkyvzhKldN2eYKgOTLAGkwDA/s320/SSL21438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704569826889303970" border="0" /></a>So the first challenge was to get La Sterne off her winter mooring in the Port of Le Thoureil. A bit of a tight squeeze but with a few reverse thrusts of the engine we edged our way slowly out into the current.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_o7_HaKI_hbfdn1gT0aVaWM6XnQSADJmTTi4jcfKVrTZqHFHarc8Y0ekUItX4iD_dNiDXmuPFg5rks_UVtms-GHMIig6BVk73wVBMIHmgE-ZeJLy3tsqMKOWjZZ0AOxiWBQgdIFfgp_5/s1600/SSL21559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_o7_HaKI_hbfdn1gT0aVaWM6XnQSADJmTTi4jcfKVrTZqHFHarc8Y0ekUItX4iD_dNiDXmuPFg5rks_UVtms-GHMIig6BVk73wVBMIHmgE-ZeJLy3tsqMKOWjZZ0AOxiWBQgdIFfgp_5/s320/SSL21559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704569475809216530" border="0" /></a></div>We left the port of Le Thoureil in sun but although the forecast looked good there were ominous clouds on the horizon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8W99dzbhiFLnzpzBL8s8VPsnnH0XUZ1SJ9nI1aBRU_bNkOrY3O6TOKWR9EzyGZkB3x75DzF95YkjLr7WD0yMO9vs9_aNjj80EJIrTyXYpH91NjGbPKenHQaYzN9sXaVlGyzRbRV1HyVi/s1600/SSL21560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8W99dzbhiFLnzpzBL8s8VPsnnH0XUZ1SJ9nI1aBRU_bNkOrY3O6TOKWR9EzyGZkB3x75DzF95YkjLr7WD0yMO9vs9_aNjj80EJIrTyXYpH91NjGbPKenHQaYzN9sXaVlGyzRbRV1HyVi/s320/SSL21560.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704569324930187074" border="0" /></a></div>The river was beautiful, calm and as smooth as ice as we made our way past St Maur's and the little port of La Menitré.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTVZOh0pPdUsEZ9PehcOf49lQk2PmjByGbyZ3qv2qjv1-R9sgcS2LVSMm4qqCNshkl-DOre4e_x6CwX8BUaEFEPKM3WN9x-_wlLK4Tlm4ZayMSNd3NlmQAFscYgVkkiuSht2NFs-0d4OC/s1600/SSL21562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTVZOh0pPdUsEZ9PehcOf49lQk2PmjByGbyZ3qv2qjv1-R9sgcS2LVSMm4qqCNshkl-DOre4e_x6CwX8BUaEFEPKM3WN9x-_wlLK4Tlm4ZayMSNd3NlmQAFscYgVkkiuSht2NFs-0d4OC/s320/SSL21562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704569170691178226" border="0" /></a>"There is plenty of water at the moment" - everyone had advised us before our trip. But still we felt safe knowing we had taken copies of the flow of the river and it's sandbanks on google maps. Cunningly storing them on the iPad we had devised a sort of marine offline GPS!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-f9FBMpdl_2vBp1fe-xeD3__9woq-YfoldKwN501EuRHYWm85xsbdITgY4Lk1Rnay6hnjfMDK6iHuQ2BCKS2lKmp76peesiqdnuqkQfon4LvdBQsXVNlf_K2N8sQ4ZGk2zcppM-1KSND/s1600/SSL21565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-f9FBMpdl_2vBp1fe-xeD3__9woq-YfoldKwN501EuRHYWm85xsbdITgY4Lk1Rnay6hnjfMDK6iHuQ2BCKS2lKmp76peesiqdnuqkQfon4LvdBQsXVNlf_K2N8sQ4ZGk2zcppM-1KSND/s320/SSL21565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704569032223534738" border="0" /></a>Safely navigating the waters under the bridge at St Mathurin, always a challenge as the current speeds up here and spits you out the otherside!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIev5Db0RWIMwpUWUZs8B2LytESZCnC3NM4iAesNULef3h_zgW4GXYegcKf27Tx1XV0Dm7DH_qwqDHwScMl9Cfep_0fBeznTHh_bXdTt2Kr8WfadrfjXo7lHlNpZ7eCZVJetjeEJSt1U-y/s1600/SSL21567.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIev5Db0RWIMwpUWUZs8B2LytESZCnC3NM4iAesNULef3h_zgW4GXYegcKf27Tx1XV0Dm7DH_qwqDHwScMl9Cfep_0fBeznTHh_bXdTt2Kr8WfadrfjXo7lHlNpZ7eCZVJetjeEJSt1U-y/s320/SSL21567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704568794862792306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Direction La Bohale and pretty clear sailing so far with lowest reading of 1.1 metres on the depth sounder at the shallowest points. We need a minimum draft of 0.60m to clear the sands. So at this point we are still feeling pretty chipper. That was until we hit the sandbank. The 'sonder' had been reading 1.2m ish but it was already too late (And, no, we weren't waving to friends on the shore) as we grounded 6 tons of 'toue cabanée' into the sand at a depth of only 0.20m of water. No amount of pushing with poles and gaffes was going to free her. We were well and truly stuck.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-GBwuByvsN2mu20gG9imX0UBbK9SUB599AG_CqECBhRq0sL_ytRws5rAV8S_IqZTlprfb-MEut-NsAot_TCVD9TtdvxgNflVm5yZQhxyKEYR7ZurIBdOKhlQexbAwTD2m8P-DGho2EAA/s1600/SSL21569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-GBwuByvsN2mu20gG9imX0UBbK9SUB599AG_CqECBhRq0sL_ytRws5rAV8S_IqZTlprfb-MEut-NsAot_TCVD9TtdvxgNflVm5yZQhxyKEYR7ZurIBdOKhlQexbAwTD2m8P-DGho2EAA/s320/SSL21569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704568611463156402" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There aren't many boats out on the Loire at this time of year. Usually none...so how lucky were we to find the gabare, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a href="http://www.gabare-loire.com/art401-nos-bateaux.php">La Nonchalante</a>,</span> making her way up stream to her winter mooring in St Hilaire-St Florent. Somehow their noble crew managed to miraculously navigate the shallows and after several attempts holding her off against the current managed to throw us a line. Within seconds we were pulled off the sandbank and floating free. The crew of La Nochalante are probably still waiting in the bar for the drink we owe them but we never made it back that evening.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwyqtCS-NVlqPAsoIVJSWRiGoKu5r5C0BJJWve7vmWfsjHjE2t4Lw2KOV1MhVbECLveIfGaA82qXfK-9uPT2nyps4sxBzDjDwSYpbnv26GNHtUGjE_HgvbLh2X6CIFZuOV9BvsQj3A9Ri/s1600/SSL21575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwyqtCS-NVlqPAsoIVJSWRiGoKu5r5C0BJJWve7vmWfsjHjE2t4Lw2KOV1MhVbECLveIfGaA82qXfK-9uPT2nyps4sxBzDjDwSYpbnv26GNHtUGjE_HgvbLh2X6CIFZuOV9BvsQj3A9Ri/s320/SSL21575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704568447475965298" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hail and dark clouds descend as La Nochalante follows us back up stream. La Sterne was struggling against the current with a blocked filter full of sand and soon an alarm was going off in the cabin signaling engine problems.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqVzGr35guCUDVmtUoBYwM1QHz_KWeWoTaJnM8SvU2oK2bapzpamdjx6BK4FoA_bugHHCtUoJa62WnPGrwYtdTOlJWgjsK9JonRWte17i53t8VJjV2vtMR60xL-1oRsA00umpVu3j57Q7/s1600/SSL21572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqVzGr35guCUDVmtUoBYwM1QHz_KWeWoTaJnM8SvU2oK2bapzpamdjx6BK4FoA_bugHHCtUoJa62WnPGrwYtdTOlJWgjsK9JonRWte17i53t8VJjV2vtMR60xL-1oRsA00umpVu3j57Q7/s320/SSL21572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704567738429940962" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't panic we'll just take a few photos of rainbows and hope the alarm stops ;) - no seriously it was time to moor up and sort out the problem before the engine completely exploded.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHWcj8dX4W6ZSMc14Dq_bN8I1K061gqfsDzk6EeDjk69teEpVH9TQH7oRgocFpuG5Gt0VSYVQcvt60UXX36bOTxnijy0HZJ6ScBsCD-5g9dxorXq-9FJba_S_4SRAWi-lPyN4QhrGfSGy/s1600/SSL21578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHWcj8dX4W6ZSMc14Dq_bN8I1K061gqfsDzk6EeDjk69teEpVH9TQH7oRgocFpuG5Gt0VSYVQcvt60UXX36bOTxnijy0HZJ6ScBsCD-5g9dxorXq-9FJba_S_4SRAWi-lPyN4QhrGfSGy/s320/SSL21578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704567582538192690" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We managed to come alongside the quay in St Mathurin and moor up. Time to take stock and let the adrenalin levels subside for a moment. In fact let's stop here the night and sort the engine out in the morning in a calm manner. We like this idea as there are a couple of good restaurants in St Mathurin and we were ready for a glass of wine!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_NR7kybUh7k2vi1QRA2Obwvnj0ky1_JqnUwHoX3zl77CfVvfROzGXREhQQ-z-lzwYIWL_bizndPBR_CAlRBMPf12K1oN-crvdaL2WCs8pBnm8e0-nCQLtn1jG0xkAmVPiCdeya5ZQ5EU/s1600/SSL21621.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_NR7kybUh7k2vi1QRA2Obwvnj0ky1_JqnUwHoX3zl77CfVvfROzGXREhQQ-z-lzwYIWL_bizndPBR_CAlRBMPf12K1oN-crvdaL2WCs8pBnm8e0-nCQLtn1jG0xkAmVPiCdeya5ZQ5EU/s320/SSL21621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704567333706984178" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Took some amazing riverside strolls and watched the sunset over 'La Loire.'<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG8k5hBJbkC55NpRlqL8hcCnJoq9Ef5Ptnd6SN1EgalNfZ9JnB1eI-vpaBjMV7Z-dswyduSc87hCuwS1Jhofq2bQyNOD9UHyzzgvNv30FTLFAmRLb0IeshKAjkWvXM1do3ZOzautUT9_K/s1600/SSL21623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG8k5hBJbkC55NpRlqL8hcCnJoq9Ef5Ptnd6SN1EgalNfZ9JnB1eI-vpaBjMV7Z-dswyduSc87hCuwS1Jhofq2bQyNOD9UHyzzgvNv30FTLFAmRLb0IeshKAjkWvXM1do3ZOzautUT9_K/s320/SSL21623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704567195267043106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Idyllic place to stop for the night with the boat well protected out of the current.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvYU7glPRp9HE3GP2PjDB4Ms7jrftH_8UcjXJ_JrIf3TcUqYeBYkugVgFALFPPmBx337fXPw4R2Viv-dly73g8yJ5UCqBufoO09t9IbFvL_FWDJbhJoFvdew5Z_Gd1LI0Z5dO66XEOmvR/s1600/SSL21641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvYU7glPRp9HE3GP2PjDB4Ms7jrftH_8UcjXJ_JrIf3TcUqYeBYkugVgFALFPPmBx337fXPw4R2Viv-dly73g8yJ5UCqBufoO09t9IbFvL_FWDJbhJoFvdew5Z_Gd1LI0Z5dO66XEOmvR/s320/SSL21641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704566572327727618" border="0" /></a>We were greeted by the most amazing sunrise the next morning over the bow of the boat.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEPdCqQ5ld2-VsjjriV18QrNGLTI2Dqos33vUr-rH7NC0cYdEmw59ItiSUilZUNE-WoXhnfclkPIeSe2j9FhciI0fB9Cr26w5I-tvZz_WMozoi-v6o123Vrl6LLDaJQnpgwkLb2LF76rR/s1600/SSL21642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEPdCqQ5ld2-VsjjriV18QrNGLTI2Dqos33vUr-rH7NC0cYdEmw59ItiSUilZUNE-WoXhnfclkPIeSe2j9FhciI0fB9Cr26w5I-tvZz_WMozoi-v6o123Vrl6LLDaJQnpgwkLb2LF76rR/s320/SSL21642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704566949742617138" border="0" /></a>Whilst Sue enjoyed a cup of tea all warm and cosy in the bunk.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn655EQbmf1uPRiWxm1VEinYE3z0a6oXyRGwP5cB7YtJLoVvvv8MayW_ydorar2IXWDPD-h8_lYvbZVhspVQ3rOT7d7QxLUsGsiOUA2Bt48R4H14wFTg7aSTCFImEN3N9eIiLfmGwLsSHo/s1600/SSL21583.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn655EQbmf1uPRiWxm1VEinYE3z0a6oXyRGwP5cB7YtJLoVvvv8MayW_ydorar2IXWDPD-h8_lYvbZVhspVQ3rOT7d7QxLUsGsiOUA2Bt48R4H14wFTg7aSTCFImEN3N9eIiLfmGwLsSHo/s320/SSL21583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704566770616004226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">....I pretended to know what I was doing to fix a Yamaha 50cv engine!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolMO6HEemO2BcZ6k8BkOMZ6euDpTl6JST7Cuo0jBU8bi-LEDeQNmJG8l9LAeCUKYZVyiTEYsLI6y4xZ_z_aQ-zQugZ-_5zXWIui0YJo715j17JieK149wYmSFVbigtjiVQ2PO6N-voJ0d/s1600/SSL21645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolMO6HEemO2BcZ6k8BkOMZ6euDpTl6JST7Cuo0jBU8bi-LEDeQNmJG8l9LAeCUKYZVyiTEYsLI6y4xZ_z_aQ-zQugZ-_5zXWIui0YJo715j17JieK149wYmSFVbigtjiVQ2PO6N-voJ0d/s320/SSL21645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704566080954125906" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clear blue skies but the wind is getting very cold.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVluTORp_nNY0e4NBOBjpGvAR_ebarr0KezjoPahLMOQ3u_wGe97IbE0X_iRgEnMyPKWvb_-kDMfN8xcRqH7UZ8u7qNwN-mI4NzOL1rPDsX3GHrGgj-ThRuHl76QOqHzJrjOlQSznL1DNR/s1600/SSL21646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVluTORp_nNY0e4NBOBjpGvAR_ebarr0KezjoPahLMOQ3u_wGe97IbE0X_iRgEnMyPKWvb_-kDMfN8xcRqH7UZ8u7qNwN-mI4NzOL1rPDsX3GHrGgj-ThRuHl76QOqHzJrjOlQSznL1DNR/s320/SSL21646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704565854729304690" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having effected the engine repairs by un-blocking the filter and adding more oil to the engine (just in case this might help) we decided we would head back to port at Le Thoureil. The forecast was about to turn nasty and we didn't want to risk getting stuck so we started to head for home.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwW02d3JSN5DFnyd_yGQnn_lCuhEPbsaPETRR83TS84lMx5j_er53jer5Zibl9NdR08EB0g-Vzm72nPMV_DU3f7HYeIIVb-BATsXEYa2pNo6MhdqJBs4u8PqMRS3Ya4aHOzR1GF9ir5sp/s1600/SSL21655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwW02d3JSN5DFnyd_yGQnn_lCuhEPbsaPETRR83TS84lMx5j_er53jer5Zibl9NdR08EB0g-Vzm72nPMV_DU3f7HYeIIVb-BATsXEYa2pNo6MhdqJBs4u8PqMRS3Ya4aHOzR1GF9ir5sp/s320/SSL21655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704565669969331938" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back in home waters and sailing round the Ile de Baure<span class="st"></span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fxi4sKoxIahyJTU-hPXs6BWT1EhjAvGLBob1ZdSfq7lv64u0w30P5KKAWbmDqBcuwhDlroWiGo_YYS17xdB5ywxqaorcNgaI35J5Dxe12zcW3-7rW-nzLUkgRuVDYI-92-KHAluUY_8T/s1600/SSL21657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fxi4sKoxIahyJTU-hPXs6BWT1EhjAvGLBob1ZdSfq7lv64u0w30P5KKAWbmDqBcuwhDlroWiGo_YYS17xdB5ywxqaorcNgaI35J5Dxe12zcW3-7rW-nzLUkgRuVDYI-92-KHAluUY_8T/s320/SSL21657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704565451252270866" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Returning back to the Port waters starting to get a little choppy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiSG57QdmZjhe1nqqRzYNoEmcP_r8K6XpbxcOkADwuXORukN6jYZ5ax0No0V01yY7F0h6pp9ADs9WdREdPtzvGP-w2Vib10Py_X7c0-BZ5YRljRZXFq8icM2u3PNIwBIGHqsrxZNEh2pl/s1600/SSL21668.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiSG57QdmZjhe1nqqRzYNoEmcP_r8K6XpbxcOkADwuXORukN6jYZ5ax0No0V01yY7F0h6pp9ADs9WdREdPtzvGP-w2Vib10Py_X7c0-BZ5YRljRZXFq8icM2u3PNIwBIGHqsrxZNEh2pl/s320/SSL21668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704565204855087250" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pheeew just got La Sterne back on her mooring in time for the snow to start falling.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUAAc_dMN7ThKNkuEIo86m4aPhlDD4AJp9lGR9zxaXKjXz1XrPeVy9XUOfd-6Rd-7EJRFVu4KuMxhIgbTY3dbUlO-T9wASCc2FsK85mZlMBJVDzPGZny4RTnsj3keRgFdHEr_PQrsRWSf/s1600/SSL21664.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUAAc_dMN7ThKNkuEIo86m4aPhlDD4AJp9lGR9zxaXKjXz1XrPeVy9XUOfd-6Rd-7EJRFVu4KuMxhIgbTY3dbUlO-T9wASCc2FsK85mZlMBJVDzPGZny4RTnsj3keRgFdHEr_PQrsRWSf/s320/SSL21664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704565059336754914" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting chilly!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBKCXQOzVHiIqSdGpQe0-PJqAOryuWnl-rm9LYSTqQq-y7HKYuIaOHRac4zfVE3QSGRQFW688GtqsvsE1zckNZ-UaHmLWUfWSpg-ZR7XWMd9GFuhSxc1ZUZ09NGSgn3d1tTkI53MeOPt6/s1600/SSL21674.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBKCXQOzVHiIqSdGpQe0-PJqAOryuWnl-rm9LYSTqQq-y7HKYuIaOHRac4zfVE3QSGRQFW688GtqsvsE1zckNZ-UaHmLWUfWSpg-ZR7XWMd9GFuhSxc1ZUZ09NGSgn3d1tTkI53MeOPt6/s320/SSL21674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705311738949245362" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We managed to track down La Nochalante in the snow a fews days later and left a case of wine on board. Our thanks go out to the crew for helping us out of what could have been a long cold wait in the middle of the Loire had they not been passing by and willing to help us out.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />If you want to experience life on the Loire in warmer conditions then why not join us on one of our Boat & Wine Tours. More details can be found on the <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.blogspot.com/2010/05/sparkling-wine-houses-of-saumur-by.html">link here</a>. Happy Sailing!!<br /></div>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-49029254793279440012012-01-07T12:00:00.012+01:002012-01-18T19:12:51.386+01:00Wine & Boat Tour 1 Day - Weekend Break from Paris to the Loire Valley<div style="text-align: center;">New from April 2012 we are offering an exclusive Private Wine & Boat Tour<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 day Tour - 2 night stay package<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Experience the romance of the majestic Loire River with our 1 day Wine & Boat Tour on a Traditional Loire Barque. We spend the morning wine tasting at the sparkling wine houses in St Hilaire St Florent (<b>Ackermans</b>, <b>Veuve Amiot</b>, <b>Langlois Chateau</b> or <b>Bouvet Ladubay</b>) before taking a delicious picnic along the river banks of the Loire.<br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHXb5_rIJ3I_sK5-X_pXj3rWO0MyKag_ma_30Y81ZpY8UAV2v5dw2PYhZ8FxiaJ8eHZHF_4yJrCgSuSegeuwPOrCKc_SW1XWU21mmsZDfn6stObt4AyioY_8DwPJuxAnZNFSSZMX4yrdo/s1600/P1040318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHXb5_rIJ3I_sK5-X_pXj3rWO0MyKag_ma_30Y81ZpY8UAV2v5dw2PYhZ8FxiaJ8eHZHF_4yJrCgSuSegeuwPOrCKc_SW1XWU21mmsZDfn6stObt4AyioY_8DwPJuxAnZNFSSZMX4yrdo/s320/P1040318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694941262601805010" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;">In the afternoon we sail from the pretty port of Le Thoureil on an authentic <span style="font-weight: bold;">Loire Wooden Boat</span>. Enjoy an aperitif as we glide past the riverside villages spotting bird & wildlife along the way. Relax on board & watch the river flow by.<br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPZrl9t5FK6tPUCqkZYljeiSFR-j_bWodIUBpgw4Yys7u_7mrRGbdr4APZEl7i7thSOa-vXH0SscOLzmPLdjgmt47xNIlNHtEb0XUib94Cp2eWLscqxn5De-idZFwVVKYk4ru81LiSPDU/s1600/P1040315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPZrl9t5FK6tPUCqkZYljeiSFR-j_bWodIUBpgw4Yys7u_7mrRGbdr4APZEl7i7thSOa-vXH0SscOLzmPLdjgmt47xNIlNHtEb0XUib94Cp2eWLscqxn5De-idZFwVVKYk4ru81LiSPDU/s320/P1040315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694940656937725554" border="0" /></a></p><script>if (typeof(theTemplate) != 'undefined' && theTemplate.hasFlashNavigation == "true") { if (window == window.top || parent.document.location.href.indexOf("main.html") == -1) { document.body.style.backgroundColor='#' +theTemplate.contentBGColor ; document.location.replace( __path_prefix__ + "/main.html?src=" + jencode(document.location.pathname + document.location.search)); } else { document.body.style.backgroundColor='#' +theTemplate.contentBGColor ; } } </script><p style="text-align: justify;">Our 1 day Traditional Loire Barque & Wine Tour is an exclusively private 1 day Tour for you and your friends and offers you the opportunity of a quick weekend break away in the Loire Valley. An ideal way to take a short break out of the city whilst visiting Paris. Why not combine visiting the wineries and experiencing the beauty of the river at the same time. You will get to see hidden corners of the Loire not usually accessible by road.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hEK6aBxqbbyKEZMjcup9jEzvd0OiDeMsiItPfPXw-C-x9BxL3s_teexfN3O__DOOwOfcSeKgOQZ__6nEKGArSPky16HxwX390cdFqtdYJAEJxoRaLVZJG_z7wWEG_DWwT_uLQM8yTCQg/s1600/P1040332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hEK6aBxqbbyKEZMjcup9jEzvd0OiDeMsiItPfPXw-C-x9BxL3s_teexfN3O__DOOwOfcSeKgOQZ__6nEKGArSPky16HxwX390cdFqtdYJAEJxoRaLVZJG_z7wWEG_DWwT_uLQM8yTCQg/s320/P1040332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694943101555126498" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> All you need do is arrive - we’ll take care of the rest!</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekend and Weekday Tours run with dates available on request.**</span><br /></div><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The 2 night stay includes the following :
</b><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">You will be met at your chosen airport/station and whisked away to La Grande Maison in the heart of the vineyards.
Or come by car so you can transport your wine home! Drive to La Grande Maison or fly to Tours Airport in the Loire Valley from Stansted and we’ll be there to collect you. Or take the train from London/Paris to Angers (Eurostar/TGV) or to Saumur.*
</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqUbWUkgqusJopKpjFY2ntasER3f7Fj7dNGfY2k6t012YDec6eoFomGRW7xI8532AoLEAYZecAbQvsOxfiC9_mttfe05NPRhuNEhDKP0CS2FOAO9IWCjn3x2SoOwZvtbRvWqssUItoe6w/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqUbWUkgqusJopKpjFY2ntasER3f7Fj7dNGfY2k6t012YDec6eoFomGRW7xI8532AoLEAYZecAbQvsOxfiC9_mttfe05NPRhuNEhDKP0CS2FOAO9IWCjn3x2SoOwZvtbRvWqssUItoe6w/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694944059594303362" border="0" /></a>
On arrival you have the chance to sample your first local wine as our welcome drink whilst we lead you through the next days itinerary and explain a little about the local region and it’s grape varieties.
Once you have settled in you will have chance to go walking in the vines or even go for a bike ride before dinner.
<br /><br />The kitchens at La Grande Maison provide deliciously creative menus using fresh produce direct from our own organic potager. You have the opportunity to sample the local wines with the Wine Sampling Supper on your first evening at La Grande Maison.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg709Ll9rumppynhauICpk60-zVl2nDHvBTHdUXDclzHwe-dJ65aZGoVbwyuNYrWEx12GX9T3DLHv4hp0d18CePcmmRpI8hy9DCl4-50JVrcI7RxyRR674h48cGkAWbDSan_SLFNStOpvII/s1600/P1000765.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg709Ll9rumppynhauICpk60-zVl2nDHvBTHdUXDclzHwe-dJ65aZGoVbwyuNYrWEx12GX9T3DLHv4hp0d18CePcmmRpI8hy9DCl4-50JVrcI7RxyRR674h48cGkAWbDSan_SLFNStOpvII/s320/P1000765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694943603278678194" border="0" /></a><br />
After a yummy breakfast we head off down to the port of St Hilaire St Florent to our wine tasting and tour provided at one of the Sparkling Wine Houses listed above (still wines also included). There is a picnic lunch at the end of the tasting by the banks of the beautiful Loire River.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1qrfR965t4buunpmgk_0so0xLRzPmvHV7-gmbhhEAqcPODdE5401aPmNTbcEfAWVdq4Dm4Tn99lp4diHM15AMsxgU3lnL7sNUabVmqwjZi-RD-Hkc_CEl2us5qswUaJVH_tgKcM4lM79/s1600/SSL29173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1qrfR965t4buunpmgk_0so0xLRzPmvHV7-gmbhhEAqcPODdE5401aPmNTbcEfAWVdq4Dm4Tn99lp4diHM15AMsxgU3lnL7sNUabVmqwjZi-RD-Hkc_CEl2us5qswUaJVH_tgKcM4lM79/s320/SSL29173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694945207972899794" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> After lunch we make our way to Le Thoureil where our wooden boat awaits to take us on a leisurely cruise of the Loire River. If conditions are right we might even get the sail up or have chance to row over the shallows. The area is so rich in history and culture that we always throw a little sight seeing in along the way too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2aSgUddkiLZp8mYAVI00sT4WZVCkiFLHgAvE1jwrGBkw4AxgBRdF5N40UQ7RMuUpXsEEkuWCMiFNtb4d7a73BnMcA_WOCuGwwRGqHxiHlx5wHuZNzxzd9iclSs2CEI3y0J9JpYK2CieG/s1600/P1040335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2aSgUddkiLZp8mYAVI00sT4WZVCkiFLHgAvE1jwrGBkw4AxgBRdF5N40UQ7RMuUpXsEEkuWCMiFNtb4d7a73BnMcA_WOCuGwwRGqHxiHlx5wHuZNzxzd9iclSs2CEI3y0J9JpYK2CieG/s320/P1040335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694945920943523602" border="0" /></a></p><p><br />
We return you back to La Grande Maison where you will be greeted with tea/coffee and biscuits in the stunning gardens and have time to relax before being taken to a local restaurant in the evening.
A not to be missed tour of the caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison awaits you after breakfast the next day. Then time to relax in the glorious gardens before being returned to your chosen departure point. SO EASY!
<br /><br /><b>The Prices :
<br /><br />The Traditional Loire Barque & Wine Tour 1 day : </b>
<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">495 euros per person</span> (minimum 2 persons)* if you arrive in your own car
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">565 euros per person</span> (minimum 2 persons)* if you require station/airport collection (includes Saumur Station/Angers Station/Tours Station or Airport - others please ask)</p><p>Includes 2 nights stay on a Bed and Breakfast basis at La Grande Maison with a Wine Sampling Supper on the first evening of arrival. Wine tour, picnic and boat trip also included.<br /><br />
*other travel options maybe available please ask
<br />**availability subject to weather and river conditions. In cases where we are unable to take the boat out then the tour will be taken in our wine tour vehicle.<br />Additional days/nights available on request<br /></p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/4880/151657.html">READ HERE TO SEE THE ADVANTAGES OF BRINGING YOU CAR TO FRANCE TO BUY WINES!
</a><br /><br /><b>Kirsty Lang of BBC Radio 4 says about our Wine Tours</b> - “How wonderful to be able to drink 29 different wines in the space of one weekend and console yourself with the fact that it's educational as well as pleasurable - heavenly from the first to the last drop. Our hosts not only provided great food and fascinating lessons in viniculture but were excellent company too. We shall be back!”Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-61642638390551487782011-07-25T22:31:00.026+01:002011-08-06T10:26:32.031+01:00Last of the Summer Wine in the Loire Valley<div style="text-align: justify;">Our Loire Valley Wine Tours take you beyond the tasting room. We dig deep into the tuffeau and come up with some great visits. Based on an extensive knowledge of the area and personal friendships with many of the regions winemakers here are just a few of the July 2011 highlights.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Our Wine Tours are not just about tasting wine. With us you'll get to meet some great personalities, experience the character of the region and get an idea of what terroir really means. Here's a taster of our Summer 2011 Wine Tour Schedule to give you an idea of what you might expect.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZyG_xQ-drY2n8bBw-x22vX5PeIWp1rgVUlS1zhI_r4pKCn8qpfU4Fy-wa_0KNBJo5AVdBr1sw0YQ90NUhasMKOD2LRDQzM5wN3rWFbTo_NYrQKZ9SDMGujL7lEPV5yWp1a_JlvB2Ri0/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZyG_xQ-drY2n8bBw-x22vX5PeIWp1rgVUlS1zhI_r4pKCn8qpfU4Fy-wa_0KNBJo5AVdBr1sw0YQ90NUhasMKOD2LRDQzM5wN3rWFbTo_NYrQKZ9SDMGujL7lEPV5yWp1a_JlvB2Ri0/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637662452708162114" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Dined at sunny riverside restaurants or took a picnic in the vines<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMTo1Ue6uEt05e9FuBdE8tucVP07yNY89M0d6hfRNSbwNNM3dWh_keRIgPtdtLpXpJ6G5iotJ8zT6TZARcMgOfuBOK6psScXhHjCq78dU5uSNBaSiMCXrmlEd5onsbuTXc57W5hsx2mhU/s1600/P1040297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMTo1Ue6uEt05e9FuBdE8tucVP07yNY89M0d6hfRNSbwNNM3dWh_keRIgPtdtLpXpJ6G5iotJ8zT6TZARcMgOfuBOK6psScXhHjCq78dU5uSNBaSiMCXrmlEd5onsbuTXc57W5hsx2mhU/s320/P1040297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633411005081851346" border="0" /></a>Took a walk out into the vineyards with Tessa Laroche at Domaine Roche aux Moines in Savennières<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5neM5V2VvLt0Q7sc84xKGhya5bV_z8osEc5eHajhu9FJQHPB9URvvQmccISZVyPeDuvKxI9OnqK3RRQUef0ZmBALujoydlPj8exH1SqkvPcJU9aeMXlc0nwUO4gs1D16srF0ruCC8N0Mb/s1600/P1040287.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5neM5V2VvLt0Q7sc84xKGhya5bV_z8osEc5eHajhu9FJQHPB9URvvQmccISZVyPeDuvKxI9OnqK3RRQUef0ZmBALujoydlPj8exH1SqkvPcJU9aeMXlc0nwUO4gs1D16srF0ruCC8N0Mb/s320/P1040287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633411848768722818" border="0" /></a>Saw the new winery at Chateau de Tigné owned by Gerard Depardieu. The mobile bottling line was there too!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHdqVHqRY1MzBPzCcKrxlO2sbUVE4beyvwkQtV89s8Sf4kTFLJjARehYAgdZ7WSdgH34bdyqx9P-_mcRjZvMRQaxDiAaNWagzwi6M7o3ZysctqLt6lk7XK5i6w2cgMTu_Xh_N7nCJClou/s1600/P1040318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHdqVHqRY1MzBPzCcKrxlO2sbUVE4beyvwkQtV89s8Sf4kTFLJjARehYAgdZ7WSdgH34bdyqx9P-_mcRjZvMRQaxDiAaNWagzwi6M7o3ZysctqLt6lk7XK5i6w2cgMTu_Xh_N7nCJClou/s320/P1040318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633412526142127570" border="0" /></a>Toasted a 70th Birthday with a bottle of sparkling whilst sailing down the Loire River.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNXtuN1pT_OaUHhywi6ricdgI1hTbvdKk0wdEdpWtCRU2tw-Q5-sglLnLGYL5D4P2i5FHUdNnOUYlktiQJXIh6loAFhgyHsIG0lpkEcIOMDequXmXao7m7VNOjez7flM2K6Wr5Kb_CJgR/s1600/P1040388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNXtuN1pT_OaUHhywi6ricdgI1hTbvdKk0wdEdpWtCRU2tw-Q5-sglLnLGYL5D4P2i5FHUdNnOUYlktiQJXIh6loAFhgyHsIG0lpkEcIOMDequXmXao7m7VNOjez7flM2K6Wr5Kb_CJgR/s320/P1040388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637668899355158946" border="0" /></a>Gained wine knowledge from experience winemakers<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ApBaiMIVg1CHYJ9Bi3lVSCZcUgyQnQLI0MmtdbKduJqu44L0ktvIYOX8yiHKMNFG7jXgP_t5QIJfN_HgzHR2-tzNpVLv92t0q7fpMXZTUaXL7XvwJJDk6SeB4Hv1z6TeijREaOZxjyq4/s1600/P1040214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ApBaiMIVg1CHYJ9Bi3lVSCZcUgyQnQLI0MmtdbKduJqu44L0ktvIYOX8yiHKMNFG7jXgP_t5QIJfN_HgzHR2-tzNpVLv92t0q7fpMXZTUaXL7XvwJJDk6SeB4Hv1z6TeijREaOZxjyq4/s320/P1040214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633408412049742178" border="0" /></a>Listened to the wine fermenting in the barrels with Guillaume Pire<br />the winemaker at Chateau de Fosse Seche<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXie485EyjRimj-aovKWv_VGIdXSepQ67me3d0IBXlvzl75v1Wnf_na3ogdQCUndu5ChgG91Pnwoz8gLwxzAncSxrHJLJbqAmA88urFY1JpBzo6IrwP7TSOVwJ7B0GZc3waSzf5cdE9PK/s1600/P1040422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXie485EyjRimj-aovKWv_VGIdXSepQ67me3d0IBXlvzl75v1Wnf_na3ogdQCUndu5ChgG91Pnwoz8gLwxzAncSxrHJLJbqAmA88urFY1JpBzo6IrwP7TSOVwJ7B0GZc3waSzf5cdE9PK/s320/P1040422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633413675948939970" border="0" /></a>Visited the high tech wine press facility at Langlois Chateau<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXwDw54URSwu51usneymTZwOLeTuC4UVB86HK-8jOLhFr6BPNFBuwocnUbnJCUHD3OOWlmYzKTs9s5UipMB2y7xK0uD8MGwMUSCEUvjEPdeB3b-Uf3vwWjdZuCFNYFjmdJhsJMsC4Xnwf/s1600/P1040355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXwDw54URSwu51usneymTZwOLeTuC4UVB86HK-8jOLhFr6BPNFBuwocnUbnJCUHD3OOWlmYzKTs9s5UipMB2y7xK0uD8MGwMUSCEUvjEPdeB3b-Uf3vwWjdZuCFNYFjmdJhsJMsC4Xnwf/s320/P1040355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633414195436488690" border="0" /></a>Walked out into the vineyards around Le Puy Notre Dame for an explanation of viticulture<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb9geGB4kh43UCQUTLiuRgva-IWJRFNGV5-CZFaS298q1uQTn-UAaQtPSGkrd9Nvfjzy58-mc7gwAuKOnlBRKMrzxL1DR4bAobVo_MfbLPusM7Gh58_jDBEGkpW4zymbVgHhd3Xsmby24/s1600/P1040417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb9geGB4kh43UCQUTLiuRgva-IWJRFNGV5-CZFaS298q1uQTn-UAaQtPSGkrd9Nvfjzy58-mc7gwAuKOnlBRKMrzxL1DR4bAobVo_MfbLPusM7Gh58_jDBEGkpW4zymbVgHhd3Xsmby24/s320/P1040417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633416251542777538" border="0" /></a>Tasted a wide range of wines at the swanky Chateau Soucherie in the Anjou region<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZzHrf_FBYMF4yby3eaW5gh-tK68cQzjkgnpSjmHtdpaJZLxi7KsA9n-Z1bXHphyK-KHi1QeJL4SROBddDlbXxrU7R9-7p5k-kUGrVZMCVVLspFMR3TsvKESKDNBJCDu5FY-c9MwEFImk/s1600/P1040199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZzHrf_FBYMF4yby3eaW5gh-tK68cQzjkgnpSjmHtdpaJZLxi7KsA9n-Z1bXHphyK-KHi1QeJL4SROBddDlbXxrU7R9-7p5k-kUGrVZMCVVLspFMR3TsvKESKDNBJCDu5FY-c9MwEFImk/s320/P1040199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633416630941056738" border="0" /></a>Ate fabulous food with wines to match either at La Grande Maison or at local restaurants<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmxCA5RqD74Lm7z_1GKcYN1sxLIuSC5V_gb_W6p2-C5CUc9e7-JOw2ygyOs0gVpgcR6sLrhXIsNLOc6tnsjd_MJ14qln1yvp0vu7M_TcmmlbP0KtVrB1eWmrmBtdURVGzOfF_jxroUPVE/s1600/P1040338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmxCA5RqD74Lm7z_1GKcYN1sxLIuSC5V_gb_W6p2-C5CUc9e7-JOw2ygyOs0gVpgcR6sLrhXIsNLOc6tnsjd_MJ14qln1yvp0vu7M_TcmmlbP0KtVrB1eWmrmBtdURVGzOfF_jxroUPVE/s320/P1040338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633417196168454066" border="0" /></a>Arranged exclusive visits such as the unique private label collection at Bouvet Ladubay<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt-H8cWhmxjp1qJhfXG2PfjeN3RR0m_X3JXuxNht3cPIj5O7atOSO7zoxdDx3Hd-iL4mlg-uALw5xFOuir-kQn28D7EicR5cxizmPu4xr5LETkHdfDzPxgkPVOAw1CQdeN5vDjSaI0QS9/s1600/P1040269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt-H8cWhmxjp1qJhfXG2PfjeN3RR0m_X3JXuxNht3cPIj5O7atOSO7zoxdDx3Hd-iL4mlg-uALw5xFOuir-kQn28D7EicR5cxizmPu4xr5LETkHdfDzPxgkPVOAw1CQdeN5vDjSaI0QS9/s320/P1040269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633418630796655602" border="0" /></a>Tasted some great Chinon rouge at Wilfred Rousse<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh0HSiO92445jx3V7MBHtZqGlUX_ix6lEFUfLKaOnGt1WYW3cqWz6D_ARrO78k4CmvTPywXmksxmQ9MZmV-q50TE_D8g1jR_LhS6IhYjpIk8wvzF8GvDOe7_Hu5R4MjhuFTkWg-0mZ1qa/s1600/P1040345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh0HSiO92445jx3V7MBHtZqGlUX_ix6lEFUfLKaOnGt1WYW3cqWz6D_ARrO78k4CmvTPywXmksxmQ9MZmV-q50TE_D8g1jR_LhS6IhYjpIk8wvzF8GvDOe7_Hu5R4MjhuFTkWg-0mZ1qa/s320/P1040345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633419084037502290" border="0" /></a>Tasted a fabulous line up of Saumur Champigny's at Domaine Filliatreau<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw7-NF0pX7JJ1YUqPZUUuV-hqkgZn3TWP8W7pCMx-U6uep0l3oQ9F4aGJerbJS5zZmpwbOf-xbbIxLd7q2der1iJIGKw1KgpDG3zzVWObqO1eyT79t0BJyWZLjcvGO_ZCbXX6mlxplYrb/s1600/P1040372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBw7-NF0pX7JJ1YUqPZUUuV-hqkgZn3TWP8W7pCMx-U6uep0l3oQ9F4aGJerbJS5zZmpwbOf-xbbIxLd7q2der1iJIGKw1KgpDG3zzVWObqO1eyT79t0BJyWZLjcvGO_ZCbXX6mlxplYrb/s320/P1040372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633419857626668834" border="0" /></a>Saw some stunning architecture & blus skies at Chateau Dupetit Thouars<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp9BYXjcK1U9ysqGxbys85GvzBAyjKlL457GxVSmFNsYYC0rIHcRGhLcnFbyCTDwacHKrY0BY2jkOQM3Acll6_KCcdjJ4FHHxNi1VG78FwHekNZqg3SRrswJ8V3r6T2xdG4yckefIOTos/s1600/SSL28622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp9BYXjcK1U9ysqGxbys85GvzBAyjKlL457GxVSmFNsYYC0rIHcRGhLcnFbyCTDwacHKrY0BY2jkOQM3Acll6_KCcdjJ4FHHxNi1VG78FwHekNZqg3SRrswJ8V3r6T2xdG4yckefIOTos/s320/SSL28622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637666035608555346" border="0" /></a>Took a cycle tour out into the vineyards<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7TAhieKZvfu1GThEpk_dstqm5My87C2B5zBEV4r3Se02chYfaoQ572MV4WknvCB-UGDHez00HvjyElHcow88CMxZZPkjrJbvv5COnKk04qc8044DvEvWwqeUysGLPftPJMxG0CN5Pd_/s1600/P1040379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7TAhieKZvfu1GThEpk_dstqm5My87C2B5zBEV4r3Se02chYfaoQ572MV4WknvCB-UGDHez00HvjyElHcow88CMxZZPkjrJbvv5COnKk04qc8044DvEvWwqeUysGLPftPJMxG0CN5Pd_/s320/P1040379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633418109889803794" border="0" /></a>Brought home the purchases!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHaynB_cWFvYycFNDQqobpFZB8f542dNqAwItV0HnaY5iBt_RPclfbnzUqkxRVrXLwL_38nBCQ3QC_Gv6Ch8Hn3XnsC0B1cqppA-lNEsUlacYmym-LjMfPeuOASpPphstE_-Ub1F6u4Gh/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHaynB_cWFvYycFNDQqobpFZB8f542dNqAwItV0HnaY5iBt_RPclfbnzUqkxRVrXLwL_38nBCQ3QC_Gv6Ch8Hn3XnsC0B1cqppA-lNEsUlacYmym-LjMfPeuOASpPphstE_-Ub1F6u4Gh/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637663135528843282" border="0" /></a>Plus you get the chance to be welcomed into our home with the opportunity to stay at the beautiful La Grande Maison in the heart of the vines.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2011 Wine Tour season is pretty much full but do check for late availability just in case we have an odd slot. In the meantime we are now booking now for 2012 Wine Tours. Glasses, corkscrews & bottles at the ready we can't wait to hear from you. Sante!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-25657646651181114712011-06-21T14:22:00.010+01:002011-06-21T15:07:45.232+01:00Late Availability for Loire Wine Tours Summer Season 2011<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3iTv4sHRU5xfSXX2ba5KcCVJtYAZl0cIjXMwgfBAcfouFbK9ybboX-50IvpDh1spGT0XMXEV8fHrrnQTSOG3ANfP6CN7SRY9EdcxU_SU_6gX_UqiNNFBzUEIlpVU4rE5_9C3duNrKV9r/s1600/SSL22573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3iTv4sHRU5xfSXX2ba5KcCVJtYAZl0cIjXMwgfBAcfouFbK9ybboX-50IvpDh1spGT0XMXEV8fHrrnQTSOG3ANfP6CN7SRY9EdcxU_SU_6gX_UqiNNFBzUEIlpVU4rE5_9C3duNrKV9r/s320/SSL22573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620664161770318578" border="0" /></a>Saumur Chateau<br /><br /></div>We currently have limited availability for our 2011 Wine Tour Summer Season but if you are looking for late availability then we have a few places left for the following dates :<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">7th - 10th July - 2 places (based on 2 persons sharing a room at La Grande Maison) for a 3 day Loire Wine Tour - <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/4880/17911.html">what is included and price</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">10th - 13th July - 2 places (based on 2 persons sharing a room at La Grande Maison) for a 2 day Loire Wine Tour - <a href="http://www.lagrandemaison.net/4880/17884.html">what is included and price</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Rrbe3hiGk7-ZvnDrE0rpPNhbPkEqEI1Heh3IF7dlzGdrVFtByltzf0vNBN1bTE_V9mrmUjIeWSl3WMn79tDsPQsnXb9edWn3LiDNY3d8jctdsjTf5XixzEh4B6ghwA0OZfQvSG5rsOq/s1600/P1030942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Rrbe3hiGk7-ZvnDrE0rpPNhbPkEqEI1Heh3IF7dlzGdrVFtByltzf0vNBN1bTE_V9mrmUjIeWSl3WMn79tDsPQsnXb9edWn3LiDNY3d8jctdsjTf5XixzEh4B6ghwA0OZfQvSG5rsOq/s320/P1030942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620665070835285986" border="0" /></a>Wine Tour Picnics are riverside or in the vineyards<br /><br /></div>Our Wine Sampling Supper and Stay Packages have been very successful this year and are also almost sold out save a few dates here :<br /><br />1st - 3rd August 2 rooms for two nights (or more) on a Wine Supper & Stay Package basis<br /><br />9th - 10th August 2 rooms for two nights (or more) on a Wine Supper & Stay Package basis<br /><br />12th - 13th September 2 rooms for two nights (or more) on a Wine Supper & Stay Package basis<br /><br />Here is what is included in the Wine Supper & Stay Package @ 285 EUROS PER COUPLE<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Includes a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis with one Wine Sampling Supper available on the arrival evening of your stay as shown below. Includes a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival and a private tour of the caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Wine Sampling Supper is a delicious home cooked 4 course menu served with local AOC LOIRE wines to accompany each course. Coffee or tea and a cointreau or combier liquer are also offered at the end of the meal. The menu usually includes an entree and main course for example fresh oven baked salmon or tournados of beef in a mushroom marsala sauce, a selection of french cheeses and a dessert. All the ingredients are fresh and sourced locally at the markets. Many of the ingredients we use are organic or from our own potager when in season.<br /></div><br />There is a fantastic selection of apertif, white and red local LOIRE AOC wines served during the meal.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UfiEM3wIBBhKUn5g-Qoni-1voycp1kHcP7uhSH79EcGoAMv5zmUsv4dW7hPA9JuKc81yFp8UzaEsKpLK6KMt88zXRu6TfKYW0aK1ZjWz6Los9Or7273rQLl49A3N0ysOwo_W6cD8aFST/s1600/P1000441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UfiEM3wIBBhKUn5g-Qoni-1voycp1kHcP7uhSH79EcGoAMv5zmUsv4dW7hPA9JuKc81yFp8UzaEsKpLK6KMt88zXRu6TfKYW0aK1ZjWz6Los9Or7273rQLl49A3N0ysOwo_W6cD8aFST/s320/P1000441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620667288968233234" border="0" /></a>Dining Experience at La Grande Maison<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Other selected dates are available for Harvest Wine Tours during the months of September and October - please email to request availability.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJkTxaxucORDn1ad3_awh9gf6FVVt07VKzDsKV_q9sDhiY_KtauMj-jGJdgkereWfSsbjLO8lJIsPs9NMIPlwxEDOdEMrlTlT80_BEcYIiiTOiKR3WDVomnsTou_Ea0EKyqPcUFi0dacP/s1600/SSL24849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJkTxaxucORDn1ad3_awh9gf6FVVt07VKzDsKV_q9sDhiY_KtauMj-jGJdgkereWfSsbjLO8lJIsPs9NMIPlwxEDOdEMrlTlT80_BEcYIiiTOiKR3WDVomnsTou_Ea0EKyqPcUFi0dacP/s320/SSL24849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620665540108789538" border="0" /></a>Loire Harvest Wine Tours<br />NOW BOOKING FOR 2011 Harvest September / October<br /></div>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870299747063547440.post-36426377278568740012011-06-01T12:42:00.007+01:002011-06-01T13:10:00.726+01:00Guest Blog - Memories for a Lifetime & Education in Loire Valley Wine<div style="text-align: justify;">We have been back in Chicago for more than a week now, and still have vivid memories about our stay with you at La Grande Maison. From the minute you met us at the train and assured Andy that "yes, there's a lot of old here," we felt relaxed, welcome, and right at home. We loved so many aspects of our visit, but there are some we want to mention specifically. Our bedroom, with the fireplace, built-in sink, and giant wooden beams took us back to another era. The food, from our amazing and welcoming wine-paired dinner, to the fresh croissants, hand-squeezed orange juice and yogurt each morning, to the variety of a daily picnic spreads, and the restful, rejuvenating pleasure of afternoon tea, was all perfect for us. We enjoyed the company of each of you on our long jaunts each day, and we also appreciated the lively distraction of the dogs!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAHViq4G2m24RmeUlshvT44NtJ7LemS2YS7JYR4Pr3wx9hni7gvcPAr1VDVqtbMFc7Cjki2XKHDojCY9i-M3CdxZAQH0_Ndcxh-aI63kI1sTmnAGVbN-3tngpxjtdn8Nt345UWPZdJ6kj/s1600/dogs.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAHViq4G2m24RmeUlshvT44NtJ7LemS2YS7JYR4Pr3wx9hni7gvcPAr1VDVqtbMFc7Cjki2XKHDojCY9i-M3CdxZAQH0_Ndcxh-aI63kI1sTmnAGVbN-3tngpxjtdn8Nt345UWPZdJ6kj/s320/dogs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613218125716680834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The little touches in your décor, the thoughtful aspects of showing us the "special" places for picnics or the unique clos with the walls that the vines grew through, to showing us the "Sleeping Beauty" chateau on an extra bit of our trip, all made this a wonderful vacation for us, one that we will always remember. We had fun wandering around in the nearby vineyards and woods near your home, and also meeting your neighbor with his beautiful prairie planting.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All of this would have been enough for a refreshing and restful vacation for us, but then if you add the value of our education about wine, and the opportunity to meet your favorite local producers, and their generosity in showing us caves, vineyards, and lots of wines, we feel especially grateful. Our two favorite places were Chateau du Petit Thouars with Michel, and Franck and Catherine's Domaine de Pied Flond. All the wineries we visited were special, but these hold a special place for us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggiaQxTdkQR78sz-QNOfW4QnEPqbtKVZmiN04EuXqQ3s28qLvg4fkZhvF82zZQemJ0XP_WXpDhXTYNtY9EGHoLrnJCUC3Px_fn9DYy827VkJdLCOKFVJEqenjuId7mUOk4zeaispIXymU/s1600/2005+sparkling.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggiaQxTdkQR78sz-QNOfW4QnEPqbtKVZmiN04EuXqQ3s28qLvg4fkZhvF82zZQemJ0XP_WXpDhXTYNtY9EGHoLrnJCUC3Px_fn9DYy827VkJdLCOKFVJEqenjuId7mUOk4zeaispIXymU/s320/2005+sparkling.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613218803331993090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At Michel's, the character of his wine came through and matched his passion for the craft of wine making. The way he shared his knowledge of making wine with us really communicated his desire to have people understand what goes into making good wine. From the age of the barrels, to the different tanks he was using for fermentation, to the storage of wine in his cave, he shared his knowledge in an especially personable way. And indeed, his wines were amazing. We particularly liked that 2005 Touraine AOC Rouge. When we drank it in the pigeonerrie overlooking the vineyards surrounding La Grande Maison, with that lovely dinner that you so graciously provided, it was one of the romantic highlights of our stay. Michel's wine provided a perfect accompaniment to that lovely evening.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw8s5fWIqkRgZNCHDO2VG7cDJcI3wfD5NATr631Xt3WVPSK-TziFjh_KNyNwFchV1Ebin5n0ftT5AKW7yKCWLQUbDUPlIhMvnicfYB7XpkA_IO2GXdP1xRQ_902JxSygqZ1i5LF9um5CW/s1600/P1010857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw8s5fWIqkRgZNCHDO2VG7cDJcI3wfD5NATr631Xt3WVPSK-TziFjh_KNyNwFchV1Ebin5n0ftT5AKW7yKCWLQUbDUPlIhMvnicfYB7XpkA_IO2GXdP1xRQ_902JxSygqZ1i5LF9um5CW/s320/P1010857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613221474457897938" border="0" /></a>A rare opportunity to see the chai at Chateau du Petit Thouars<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Franck and Catherine, from Domaine de Pied Flond, were perhaps the most charming and enthusiastic winemakers that we had the opportunity to meet. Franck's candid conversation about the reason he was making wine in a different way from his father, but within the traditions of the seventh generation family business, were so interesting to hear. His passion for making excellent wine, even if in (relatively!) small quantities, could be seen both in the way he operated, and in the taste of the wine itself. After this wonderful tour, where he showed us everything about his business and took his time to explain answers to our many questions (and seemed to delight in understanding the English word "fill"), we were then in the company of Catherine, who shared his interest and his passion for their wine. She was a knowledgeable and gracious hostess in leading us through tasting their exceptional wines. She was very good at explaining what food would work well with what wine, and imagining the pairing helped Diane understand more about the subtle differences in some of the wines. Catherine even brought out a lovely plate of ham, sausage, and bread to accompany the wines.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflge3tJ9xk5VxmeRPOC5bFUHz83fLu1qzlJ-VLkwwiAtJczpEBGdSMBl8SLFd0ryjl9zH3lT_pkoy9nVlMVo6akYmOIacQvDMWHZgv_Ob6T5ylJE6o7mU6EbdIoXdNO_eeNIgRU_BTYTx/s1600/P1030637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflge3tJ9xk5VxmeRPOC5bFUHz83fLu1qzlJ-VLkwwiAtJczpEBGdSMBl8SLFd0ryjl9zH3lT_pkoy9nVlMVo6akYmOIacQvDMWHZgv_Ob6T5ylJE6o7mU6EbdIoXdNO_eeNIgRU_BTYTx/s320/P1030637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613220626542041346" border="0" /></a>Franck Gourdon of Domaine de Pied Flond<br /></div><br />On our return to Paris, we had our first opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Franck's fine work as we drank a chilled bottle of his Rose de Loire on our hotel balcony. The afternoon was hot, and the wine was a perfect accompaniment for our last afternoon in Paris, and we drank it with joy overlooking the dome of the Hotel Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. We are looking forward to drinking his other 2 bottles in the near future (or keeping them as long as we can stand it!), as we share the wine and our stories with our friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE9Lmm5vNK5yh9ejEh6UGJUtcO1fzxPzycsrqboBYdDeNQqtKz0vqBdQ46vnZZ0Y1GPdOWMJlYf0eX2MOpD2xwaHgdi1mFyWacrUMxaLsqqEN5VHQqtl2UGoSSm_rjp21QdICkwtJo5I4/s1600/relaxing+spot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE9Lmm5vNK5yh9ejEh6UGJUtcO1fzxPzycsrqboBYdDeNQqtKz0vqBdQ46vnZZ0Y1GPdOWMJlYf0eX2MOpD2xwaHgdi1mFyWacrUMxaLsqqEN5VHQqtl2UGoSSm_rjp21QdICkwtJo5I4/s320/relaxing+spot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613219707735278274" border="0" /></a>Gardens at La Grande Maison<br /><br /></div>We have been telling our friends about our trip and sharing our pictures. All are envious, and we hope some may come and enjoy your exceptional hospitality. We also would love to return to La Grande Maison ourselves; if that doesn't happen, we will have memories for a lifetime to recall our stay and our education in Loire Valley wines.<br /></div>Micaela and Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01298916797045546873noreply@blogger.com0