L'Huis Perreau, Le Chemin, 58800 Anthien, Bourgogne
France tél. (0033) 386 22 02 85
Nederland tel. (0031) 317 616 404


The Vineyards

We will make three excursions of a day each to developing vineyards, each in a different area: Tannay, Vézelay and Coulange la Vineuse (south-east of Auxerre). In each area we will visit some vineyards and have wine-tastings. Karel Musch, one of the owners of l’Huis Perreau, will accompany the excursions and give explanations and translations. In each area we will visit at least one vigneron who is working organically.

In Tannay a group of young wine-growers is rejuvenating the old local tradition. Their wines, especially the white ones, are rather good. Their Chardonnay won silver medal in a global competition in 2002. In Tannay some hectares have been replanted with Melon; the only major Melon-growers in Burgundy so far. One of the members of the cooperative is helping us with our own small vineyard.

Vézelay is officially part of the Burgundy wine-region. It is an inspiring area, with the famous basilique which will be visited also. We will also visit nearby Asquins and if possible its ancient pilgrim church. The wines of the Vézelay region are a bit less tanic than  those of Tannay.

South-east of Auxerre lies a small wine growing area around Coulange la Vineuse. Auxerre used to be a famous area; there even is a grape called the Auxerrois. In the meantime Auxerrois Blanc is the fourth most planted variety in Alsace. It is curious that there is even a red grape (Malbec) in Cahors called Auxerrois. Experts however dispute the fact that these grape varieties are named after the town Auxerre. However that may be, the wine growers of Coulange la Vineuse are artisans.

The wine from these three regions is hardly exported and it will be an adventure to find some of the more exclusive and elusive caves.

A bit further away lie some interesting wine-growing areas: the Loire (Pouilly), Chablis, and Côte d'Or. They all lie within 1,5 hours drive. Participants in the programme will be given information about these areas as well as introductions to some vineyards.