BURGUNDY

The 'most French part of France' is how Burgundy has been described. It is a rich tapestry of green and gold landscapes, gentle and severe by turns, studded with forests, vineyards, rivers and streams. The rolling countryside produces some of France's finest wines, and is home to exquisite Romanesque art.

CUISINE

This region boasts some of the best food in the country thanks to its temperate climate. Burgundy is home to cuisine classique, with much of the cooking centred on wine-based sauces known as meurettes. Burgundy produces some world renowned dishes such as boeuf bourgignon, escargots and coq au vin. Mustard features regularly, and the local Moutarde de Dijon is made with white wine and not vinegar. A superb goats cheese is the crottin de chavignol which is perfect with a glass of wine.

WINE

The most famous are from the east facing slopes of the Cotes de Beaune, producing full bodied reds with an aromatic bouquet. Cotes du Nuits is another well known wine of this region, which produces classic reds with a deep colour. It is one of the few places in France where wines served by carafe are of good quality. Near Auxerre, Chablis is famed for its flinty, dry white wine.

BURGUNDY WINE HARVEST

Over the years we have been fortunate enough to develop a relationship with the Borgnats who own a vineyard in Burgundy. Theirs is a family owned and operated vineyard. And by family we mean a significant percentage of the village of Escolives is on hand with advice and a strong back to give assistance. Benjamin and Eglantine are a young couple who have come to the family operation with fresh eyes and have developed a multi- faceted approach to cultivation combining modern technology and ancient methods. They have found new markets for their wines both locally and world wide.
This past September we were able to join with them in the harvest of a grape that has its roots in ancient Rome. The Cesar grape was first brought to this region by Julius Caesar! (There are some fascinating roman artifacts nearby that were discovered by a family member in the 1960's.) Armed with a tool reminiscent of Roman times, we cycled up a farm track to the top of a field with rows of grape vines spread out before us. The early morning mist shrouded each row and hid the surrounding villages from sight.
We were instructed in the fine art of separating the grape from the vine without losing any of the juice. Much easier said than done. Armed with our buckets and cutters we set off to prove our worth. By the time the mist had burned off we had accomplished our mission – the grapes were picked and all our fingers were intact.

As we rode back down to the 15th century farmyard which houses the cellar, the village rose out of the remains of the mist. Upon our return they had already crushed the grapes and produced the soon to be "nectar of the gods". Spread out in the dining room was a magnificent lunch and taking pride of place was the fruits of our labours. This coming September another group of cyclists will be introduced to this most ancient activity.

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AUXERRE

Day 2: Early this morning we will set out to the vineyard to harvest the grapes. There is a special knack to cutting the grapes without losing all their juice. Upon our return to the Domaine we will see the grapes being processed and sample the juice at lunch. After lunch, we will set out along the canal to Auxerre.

ASQUINS

Day 3: Heading off in the opposite direction we cycle along the canal to the small town of Mailly la Ville and a picnic on the banks of the Nivernais. After lunch, it’s off to the village of Asquins, our home base for the rest of the tour. The gite is situated on the route of the pilgrims, Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

BAZOCHES

Day 4: After a quick “bread run” into the village for fresh croissants, we will follow a good valley route today! We start with the village of Bazoches, the home of Vauban. Vauban, a military strategist, redesigned France’s defences for Louis XIV. On our return, we will visit some Gallo-Roman baths. These saline springs were originally used during the Iron Age. Next is St Pere, on the banks of the river Cure. This small village is home to a beautiful Gothic church that is well worth a visit.

AVALLON

Day 7: Our destination is the medieval centre of Avallon, set high on a granite spur. The climb is worth it! Tour the ramparts, be sure to step into the peace and calm of its many churches and enjoy the shops and photo opportunities. The Tour de l’Horloge is a wonderful 15th century gate complete with clock.

VEZELAY

Day 6: Today we will visit the basilica of Ste Madeleine at Vezelay. We are now ready to make our own pilgrimage. The village is set on a high point overlooking the Morvan, providing excellent views of the landscape below.

TOUR DATE: September 3 – 11, 2009