The Fete de la Vigne & du Vin
Celebration of French wine & their vineyards
At this time of the year (May) the local vineyards look spruced up, the leaves green, the paths cleared of weeds, the tiny grapes ready to develop. It is just a matter of time and patience, a little rain and lots of sunshine, before the September harvest can begin. A perfect time, so a French national wine association must have decided, to celebrate what is and what is to come, by creating a day of the vineyard and the wine - La Fete de la Vigne & du Vin.
Local wine domains and cooperatives hold open days where you can taste wines, get a discount or a free fifth bottle. Some domains go further and throw a party for their customers and friends. We went to our favorite domain La Giscle where under a splendid May sun we shared long tables with 250 other guests, enjoyed the catered food and drank their Rosé and Red - and thanked our designated driver. There was even a band which got people up and dancing on the stubby grass. Quite challenging for the less than swift-footed ones, especially after the first bottle of wine.
Before the meal La Giscle offered talks in their caves about wine-making, grapes and other oenological information. All the while a musical group of flutes and drums performed, completely overwhelming the speakers and their audience. In the meanwhile, the wine tasting had begun and that was naturally the main attraction.
But you don't need to wait until next year if you want to taste the wines of Provence. Many if not most caves or domains are open to the public. You might see a sign by the road 'Vente au Cave' with times of opening. There is in general no entrance fee and they will offer you a taste-size of wine. You are invited to ask questions about the wine; most proprietors or their staff are proud of their wines and will share their knowledge.
Sometimes it can be crowded and a little patience goes a long way. Unfortunately, not for everyone. Once, at the same La Giscle of the party, we were waiting in line to buy some wine. Only the proprietress was behind the counter, busily explaining their wines to a group of tourists, letting them try a few. Another group lost patience. One of them stepped behind the counter, grabbed a number of glasses and filled them to the rim. Then he handed the glasses to his fellow travellers. The owner looked up, then looked at me and winked. "I hope they have a designated driver," she whispered.
