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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