France & Portugal August 2021

We have a full day tour today north of Lyon to the Beaujolais wine country. Off on the bus by 8.30am about 45 minutes to Belleville. A farming area of grains, vegetables and sunflowers in addition to the vineyards. They are very proud of their wine production here. Most are family businesses. The wine picking will be a little late this year due to a poor summer. Most of the area was built up in the 1800's after the French revolution. 25000 pickers will arrive about 3 weeks to pick for about 3 weeks. Stop by the windmill for panoramic view then on to Chenas for a wine tasting at 10am! Julienas. First vines brought to the area by the Roman's. Next door is the Burgundy region. A different soil and type of grape. Approx. 40 acres of vines produce 200k bottles of wine.
We tried 4 types of Beaujolais wine. 2 white and 2 red. About 1 hr. Drive to the truffle farm through South Burgundy region. The type of soil (rock) determines the type of grown. Clay,limestone, granite. When the vines get to be over 40 yrs they produce few grapes but they are valued for the flavorful grapes and quality of the wine. They can produce from 4 yrs to 100 yrs.
Maestro truffle hunting dog. 5 yrs old. Some truffles you to 2000 euro per kilo. Black truffles.
Our lunch was cooked s served by the family. We had local bread served with truffle butter and truffle oil. Then couscous with lamb stew. To finish we had chocolate Mousse with truffles and also a soft brie with thinly sliced truffles in the middle. It was all served with local Beaujolais wine, both red and white. Maestro then showed us how to truffle hunt. The owner is very passionate about his business. He has diversified over the year to include raising beef and lamb, growing truffles and grapes and has now added some olive trees.
Now 20 minute drive to the goat farm near Lys. We had 3 types of goat cheese. Some made today , some slightly aged and some aged about 3 weeks which had the most flavor and I liked best.
Now a little over an hour ba cl to the bus. It is about 4pm and we will freshen up for our last dinner and then pack as the bags are to be out in the hall by 8 tomorrow 😒En savoir plus