Archive for October 2009

Oppressively lovely weather in the vineyards of MarangesI had the luxury of being picked up from my hotel at 08h30 yesterday morning. Emma's family have for years represented some of Burgundy's finest domaines in the UK and she was to lead me through a day of tasting. We drove five minutes down the …

Meursault in the mistWhat a way to start the afternoon! A visit to the cellars of the Domaine Lafarge in Volnay is always a treat. My appointment was at two and I rang the bell as the church clock chimed the hour.I descended with Frederic Lafarge into the cellar and tasted an utterly faultless range…

The starlings' share. Clouds of the birds circle over the vineyards at this time of year knowing that a fruity meal is on the cardsI turned off the light shortly after 10pm last evening and did some serious catching up, sleep-wise. I had dined in the hotel. I am glad that I won't have to again. I me…

Chassagne and yet more sunshineLast night I wandered into town - mercifully close - to seek out a venue for dinner. I was hungry, having had a roll and a yoghurt for breakfast and a meagre filling station sandwich for lunch. The closest opportunity was presented by Bisoh, one of Beaune's two Japanes…

Vosne in the morning sunI drove to Bristol airport yesterday afternoon in a haze of tiredness. For various reasons - largely child related - I had accumulated three partially sleepless nights and I had car windows open as I drove along the A420 towards Bristol. The road cuts high over the valley in …