Anyone contemplating a trip to a French wine producer will be able to identify independent producers who operate under the umbrella of "Vignerons Independant",

I have visited a few of the many producers around Beaujolais, they are fiercely independent and are rightly proud of their wines. They may not speak much English and their wine will not necessarily be cheap, but it will be different from the standard wines produced by the negociants and the experience is worth it.

Bear in mind that the producers are understandably keen to sell and your reception will depend on your perceived willingness to buy.

Also consider when you buy, if you buy in summer on the way out your wine is likely to suffer from prolonged exposure to heat.

Some villages run annual Foire aux Vins, if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of one it should be worth a visit, it is a long time since I visited Vouvray but I have very happy memories of the Foire which is held over a week-end every August, enquire at the local tourism office or perhaps the Guardian could produce a definitive calendar. I would be happy to assist with any research on the ground!

www.vigneron-independant.com/tourismeetvins/?langue=fr

Google map: tinyurl.com/37ugpng

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The Beaujolais is a French region well-known for its wines, but we were amazed by how its beautiful hilly landscapes remain largely unknown to the wider public. We hardly passed any other walkers all week on our self-guided walking holiday. We went with High Point Holidays – a new company - who have created a circuit with lots of interest with chateaux, beautiful villages, secluded valleys and breathtaking ridges. The greatest surprise was the variety of the landscapes over such a relatively short distance as we walked between guesthouses. The walking was never difficult, but included enough up and down to make you feel like you had earned your dinner (and wine.
We also got to walk through the vines and try the local wines in our small guesthouses, some of which were set on vineyards. Each guest house had its own particular character where we received an amazingly warm welcome. A special mention must go the Ferme de Planay, a lovely restored farm set deep in the hills which is full of rustic charm. Laurent and Valerie made our stay extra special with lovely home cooked dishes.
This tour was in the north of the Beaujolais which passes through the classic wine region.
We liked it so much we may do their other tour in the south of the Beaujolais. So watch this space.

www.highpointholidays.co.uk
contact@highpointholidays.co.uk
Beaujolais tour starting from Ferme de Planay. Pickup from Lyon train station

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