Friends reunited...

Think this image from the end of a lovely evening last night, sums up its ambiance, it was good to be with two sets of friends we had not sat around a table with since the end of last year.  

Not part of the plan...

 On our 'plan B' walk on Monday with Chris and Gail I highlighted the odd looking tower that dominates the premises of Domaine Pierre Sourdais, what purpose did it serve? Was it a water tower, a watch tower or what?

So as we were passing I suggested we should pop in and ask. 

We did a spot of tasting,seeing as we were there,would have been rude not to and we got the answer...it is an elevator shaft down to their caves!

The domaine produce a special reserve 'Stanislas' (family name) which is aged in these impressive oak barrels. Their other wines rest in their extensive caves created over thirty years.

We  took a walk (not the lift) down the sloping entrance to the caves - very impressive. Not sure how they were made but a huge amount of work involved. Our host was a family friend who was 'standing in' and was not sure how they did it. 

Can you spot the elevator?

As we left we said that a revisit was in order which could be built around a walk,tasting and lunch at the restaurant,which looked good, for a good day out. 

Picnic with the vintner and a change of plan.

On Monday with friends Chris and Gail we headed over to the vineyards around Chinon to take part in one of the annual 'Picnic with the wine makers' events. Pauline had chosen Domaine des Rouet which sits just outside L'Ile-Bouchard on the north bank of the Vienne river and had understood from the website that it would follow the same format as last year's event with arriving as we did at 9.00 am,coffee, then a walk among the vines before a spot of wine tasting and our picnic lunch. On arrival however we were met by a rather surprised owner who went on to tell us that he did not offer the walk (or indeed a coffee) but only the venue for lunch.

Not to worry, we simply put plan 'B' into operation - Pauline and I know this area from visits with Mike and Liz so we headed over to the nearby village of Cravant-les-Coteaux where we knew there was a lovely walk. We started off with a coffee  in the village then headed up to panoramic view over the Chinon vineyards. 

On the walk you look down from the higher ground to the vineyards below. The tower of domaine 'Pierre Sourdais' has always intrigued us looking, as it does.like a watch tower.

The walk takes you over to the old village 'Le Vieux Bourg' with its ancient church...

then past the caves of some of the local wine makers (more on this later) before heading back to the village itself.

Where we stopped for a refreshment before heading back to Domaine des Rouet.

We arrived back in perfect time for lunch, which, in spite of  the presence of a rather strong wind we enjoyed with some of the owners wine.

He only had red on offer this year which was disappointing as a chilled rose would have gone down really well on what was a very warm sunny (though windy) afternoon.

Last supper...

Last night we had friends and neighbours Mike and Pat over for 'supper' as it was their last night at their holiday home here in Barrou for 2020. They have, for over 20 years, spent many a holiday working on getting their riverside house just as they wanted it and were at the stage of doing less of a 'working holiday', which most second home owners will relate to, to simply enjoying the benefits of their hard work. Sadly because of the current situation this was the first visit this year which meant they had a bit of catching up to do so it was more like 'old times' with more work than play but they were still in good spirits despite this.

Over to Chinon wine country...

A good day out today over in Chinon wine country...more to follow

Catching up in the courtyard...

We had friends over last night who have recently come over from the UK. After getting their place back in order and applying a sensible period of  self isolation it was great to be re-united with them and have a catch up.

Another lovely day...

We had a lovely day yesterday being part of friends celebrating a special day and making my own birthday more special. No sooner had we left them when other friends invited us to join them for an early evening of sparkling Vouvray and treats - as I said a lovely day!

Birthday boy...

It was good to be part of  Simon's birthday celebrations last night and share his unique birthday cake - my personal favourite.

Looking towards chateau de La Guerche

Music in uncertain times...from the outside looking in.

From the outside looking in our 'music picnic' gathering yesterday may have appeared unwise in these difficult times but as a local community of responsible people there was the confidence of knowing that the safe environment of our 'bubble' was not (we think/hope) breached. Picnic tables at a safe distance and masks worn when away from the table. It was good to be involved and for many a joy to see and hear some live performances for the first time in what seems like an age! 

  
It's getting dark... 

Warm summer evenings...

This was our courtyard last night as we awaited our dinner guests, it was a beautiful warm evening with high temperatures well into  the night - enjoying these kind of nights are part of the reason we moved here to France as in Scotland they were very rare!  

What's not to like?

A good day out with friends yesterday to buy some sparkling wine as a gift  for up and coming event. We tasted wines from the Vouvray, Montlouis-sur-Loire and Noble-Joué appelations and had a spot of lunch - what's not to like?

Masking the effect...

It was good to see so many people considering others by wearing masks at the market in Le Grand-Pressigny this morning.

A walk around Preuilly-sur-Claise

For yesterday's Monday walk Simon and Susan led us up behind their home town of Preuilly-sur-Claise in a walk that started from the site of  the 15th century 'Chapelle Tous Les Saints'.

We then headed up into the countryside where we were met by a wonderful display of sunflowers.

We were blessed with another beautiful day for walking and in such conditions our 5km distance feels just perfect.

On our decent back into town they took us passed the dry moat of the chateau that dominates the town.