The grapes in Champagne are almost ripe and the weather, at least was I was there last week, is still warm and sunny. If you've ever wanted to have a go a grape-picking, this year could be the chance you've been waiting for.
Harvest time is the highlight of the year in any wine-making region. It's a hive of activity: tractors and lorries are busy shuttling back and forth between the vineyards and the press houses, whilst in the vineyards, thousands of people are working to get the grapes in as fast as possible. All around is the heady scent of fermentation and alcohol in the making.
Most champagne houses, particularly the bigger ones such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Laurent Perrier for example, are too busy to welcome any visitors who want to try their hand at the harvest, but an increasing number of the smaller champagne makers welcome small parties to take part in the famous ritual of the harvest.
The harvest is not due to start for a few more weeks yet, so if you want to have a go, there's still time to organise a visit, if you hurry. Do contact me on jiles@madaboutbubbly.com and I can put you in touch with a champagne maker that will be happy to see you.
There are various options, some of which don't involve the actual grape cutting, but all of them take you out into the vineyards to see what's going on, then back to the press house to taste the newly-pressed juice and to watch this important first stage of the champagne-making process. Then, to round things off, there's a traditional lunch.
Don't forget that the weather may not be good, so you need to take a waterproof and a good,sturdy pair of boots. Also don't forget that there's a lot of bending involved; although the vines are not tall, you still have to bend to cut the grapes.
For those of you in the U.K. it's really not far to Champagne - just 3 hours drive south of Calais - so this is something you can easily fit in and it's an experience to try at least once in your lifetime. For those of you overseas, a little more planning will be needed, but it's still just as much fun.
For accommodation, don't forget that my beautiful home in champagne, is available for rent
Click here for details
http://www.debateabubble.com/your-place-in-champagne.html
Let me know how I can help you
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