Staying in a small village near Amboise turned out to be one of the best choices along this visit to the Loire Valley. Fireplace, neighborhood parties and wine caves.
Arriving at our “château” after a day of castles and wine in Amboise, our host popped in to invite us to a neighborhood party–a birthday celebration. Perhaps it was because of the guest we picked up in town.
He was quite a hit with the ladies.. and a big help, too.
I guess he’s used to partying in France and I’m certain he was ready to have some fun. He really got into helping out in the kitchen, especially getting prepared for the barbecue.
Party! party!
Next day all the party-animals met at the nearby wine cave, Caves du Pigeonnier, for a tour and degustion (tasting)
My friend Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France, who has taken many tours in France with her travel customers, says this was the “best guided wine tour ever.”
Guestault Caves of the Loire Valley
With Nancy performing as interpreter the few English speakers, we all learned so much about wine production in the Loire, especially about the 300 year old cave that’s been owned by the same family for six generations.
Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France
Guestault Caves of the Loire Valley
The ancient cave has been enlarged in recent years yet wine producing techniques from its beginning are still prominent, including the “vat” in the cave wall that was used in the process before the introduction of barrels.
Guestault Caves of the Loire Valley
Bubbling juices and skins being prepared to use as “coloring”
Wooden crate contraption that rotates to turn bottled wine during the production process
Under the wine appellation (AOC) Montlouis, the production at Guestault is predominately white wines from chinon grapes, including sparkling wines.
As ancient as the caves and some of the original processing methods, the grape production at Guestault is thoroughly modern. I turned on the video recorder for this explanation, interpreted onsite by Nancy.
Next stop, Château Clos Lucé
Categories: Amboise, Around France, Blog, Loire Valley
Looks like fun is being had by all!!! Fun times and that cave looks wonderful!!
This has been a great trip. With the stuff we planned and other things that just happened along the way, it couldn’t have been better..except for the weather.