Fine Wine and a Good Time in France

When in France, you drink wine, and lots of it. It’s a staple at every meal (after breakfast, of course), and there are plenty of “do’s” and “don’t’ s” when enjoying a glass.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a "wine-o”, (or would prefer beer instead), when in French wine country, you drink the wine. It can even be taken as impolite if you refuse a glass of the local stuff.

For example, I’ve never been much of a wine drinker. I’ve tasted a few reds and whites that my wife would bring home, but I just preferred the smooth taste of beer.

Until I spent time traveling through the heart of wine country.

On a recent European excursion, I had the opportunity to travel to Fuissé and Burgundy, France. We toured the surrounding areas, visited castles, drove down country lanes with vineyards stretching on either side as far as the eye can see and talked to people who were passionate about wine. 

The trip was for my brother in law’s wedding in Mâcon, France. Two nations of families were coming together as one, and new friends would be made as wine would be shared into the early hours of the morning.

But before that, it was time for me to truly learn about and appreciate wine.

We stayed in Fuissé, a small village that is home to just over 300 inhabitants as well as the Pouilly-Fuissé grapes which make spectacular white wine, most commonly Chardonnay. The entire village was easily walkable and exceptionally peaceful. 

Hats off to my mother in law for arranging everything with such ease for us and a special shoutout goes to our gracious hosts. There were 29 of us that traveled to France from the USA, and we were split amongst three bed and breakfasts in Fuissé. 

La Source des Fees is the large vineyard owned by Philippe Greffet and the late St. Bernard, Gus. (May he rest in peace.)

La Maison du Herisson is owned by Sébastien Chambru, an award-winning chef who also is the owner of L’O des Vignes, which is just down the street and where the rehearsal dinner was held. The food here is beyond incredible. 

La Bergerie Fuisse, owned by Monique Rusch and Theo Heuft, is the charming home I stayed at and would recommend to anyone. But plan accordingly, because this couple closes shop and spends part of the year living in Amsterdam.

Our tour through wine country with ProxyMobil VTC and the lovely guide Perrine Guyot began in Fuissé, leading us past the Rock of Solutré with stops for wine tasting and a tour through the Forteresse de Berzé, as well as multiple wine tastings and a tour through Château de Pierreclos.

The Forteresse de Berzé has a rich history. It was built in the thirteenth century and considered to be impregnable. The fortress has seen several battles, the most recent occurring during the French revolution. Damage can be seen in certain areas, but overall the castle has remained intact and in great condition.

The castle has been in the same family for over 200 years, and the Countess that currently resides full-time here is wonderful to meet. She is very proud of the wine that is produced in her vineyard, and we were able to have a tasting with our group.

The culmination of history, beautiful landscape, and pride that was taken to make the wine made for a special experience.

The grounds are a hotspot for tours and school visits, especially during the spring and summer, so you may not be the only ones visiting. But if there is a school group visiting, then it will be more likely to see the knights and their re-enactments!

READ MORE Say Bonjour to the Back-Roads of France  

Our next wine tasting was at Château de Pierreclos, which began the process of becoming a fully organic vineyard in 2013. Here we were able to walk around the grounds and through a medieval kitchen to the old wine cellar. Surrounded by the wine barrels that are no longer in use (now the wine making is done off-site), it provided the perfect classroom environment to learn about the different varieties in the area.

The most surprising experience was the difference in taste.

Two bottles were from the same winemaker, using the same grapes, but were grown in different areas. The change was noticeable (and this was before we were told the difference). Our last tasting was a Pinot Noir, which is a bit uncommon in this region, but the Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay seemed to be the crowd favorite.

The power of traveling and discovering something new is a beautiful thing. I’m a lover of wine now thanks to my travels, who knew?

What did you come to love after traveling? Leave us your Comments below!

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