"Pique-Nique Vigneron" - Now that does sound a great idea! Whilst it was once quite interesting to view and admire a vigneron's wine cellar with its shiny stainless steel vats or older cement "cuves" it can get a little tiresome. For me the main reason for visiting "backstage" is to get an impression of the tidiness, cleanliness and organisation of the wine-making area - and even that is not always a reliable indicator. I have tasted some really excellent wines made in old, chaotic cellars, whilst gleaming stainless steel ("inox") and ploshed floors do not guarantee that the wine in the bottle will be faultless.
Wine is for drinking and enjoying, so the idea of tasting wine in the winemaker's garden sounds just perfect, as suggested by John Scallan at who runs a B&B in the Jura region at www.bandb-burgundy.com/ - so get to know these lesser-known wines whilst having a great family day out!
Each year several of the wine makers on the "Route des Vins du Jura" have their version of an "Open day". As most of them are tiny producers this can't really take the form of visits around the wineries as that would take about three minutes flat but what they do is host picnics!
Sunday 10th June this year. Over 40 wine makers are taking part, and they provide the tables, chairs, some of them provide "animations", most provide visit to the cellars, some of them provide tours around the vineyards and all provide tastings of the Jura's highly individualistic wines. All you provide is yourself and the picnic! You can telephone each wine maker that you wish to attend (or we can for you) and the world is your oyster.
From here it is about 18 kms to the nearest wine maker in the "Route", Jean Bourdy at the stunningly picturesque village of Arlay. His family have been making wine here for nearly 500 years and they have plans for a small museum and other attractions. They will also give you a booklet detailing several small walks around the village (if the picnic was rather large!). We recently treid his Macvin, a local speciality, which has had about 15 herbs and spices added to it to an ancient family recipe. Wow!!
There are other areas that have a couple of wine makers close to each other and some that can arrange pick ups from a nearby point. The fun usually starts at about 1000 and goes on to 1800 ish (later if the weather is really good and there is some wine left.
For more info see www.laroutedesvinsdujura.com
www.bandb-burgundy.com/
Recommended Reading:-
IGN Jura Wines Map
Michelin Green Guide to Burgundy and Jura
