Into the Hills

Even though the winds continue, it was a pretty day today, deserving of a leisurely drive through the vineyards and up into the hills. The view from Chez Pigeon suggested that the Cairanne Co-op has been busy with grapes deliveries in vehicles of various sizes.

Our first stop today was at the winery Lavau, just before Violes, a winery we know of in Ontario but have never visited here. We had a very helpful young lady who gave us some useful information like, yield is down this year but quality is up - there go the prices of the '17's. She also told us of the kinship between Lavau and Chateau Maucoil - pronounced mow-quel - of Chateauneuf du Pape. After a short tasting, we walked away with both red and white Maucoils - yummy!

Next stop was the Co-op in Vacqueras. This place has the best non-wine product for sale in its shop. We typically find the wines here a little pricey, but this label did catch our eye.

Then it was on to Beaumes de Venise, a town famous for it's dessert wine Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. Many roundabouts in France have interesting art works in their centres, but this one may be one of the best. It's also a pretty town with lots of flowers.

Finally, it was time to head up into the hills. The bikers far outnumbered the cars on this route towards Suzette and eventually Mt. Ventoux. One of the most scenic places on the route is found by turning off at the Doamine de Coyeaux sign and heading up to their estate. Here, the views of the Dentelles de Montmirail from the back and the vistas over the vineyards towards Mt. Ventoux are stunning.

Although only in early stages, the vineyards are showing some proof that fall is arriving.

Descending from Coyeaux, we continued up the valley past Lafare and on to Suzette.

The vistas today were awesome - a great day for a drive!