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.
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