The Fascinating Weekend in Auvergne Rhône Alpes

by pascal iakovou 28 July 2021 0 comments

A few weeks ago, we headed off to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to preview the region’s vineyards as part of the Fascinating Weekend.

The region’s “Vignobles & Découvertes“ destinations are mobilizing all over the country from October 14th to 17th, for the 8th edition of the “Fascinating Weekend”, offering over 200 activities.

Here’s the list of the 11 regions in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region participating in this event: Bugey, Destination Beaujolais, Forez Roannais aux racines de la Loire, Condrieu – Côte Rôtie, D’Hermitage en St Joseph, De Cornas en Saint-Péray, Vignoble Sud Ardèche, Clairette Drôme Vallée, Drôme Provençale, Cœur de Savoie, Vignoble de Savoie Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes.

In the heart of our regional landscapes, sports enthusiasts, gourmets, music lovers and others seeking new and original experiences can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the vineyards, by finding an activity to suit their desires: guided tours, winegrower encounters, discovery workshops, concerts with eclectic repertoires, exhibitions, sporting and unusual activities…

Information available on : www.fascinant-weekend.fr

For our part, we were able to preview some of these events and vineyards.

We begin our discovery of the region with the Domaine Walbaum, a boutique hotel that has just opened.

Family-owned since the 19th century, Domaine Walbaum is located in the heart of the southern Ardèche, just a few kilometers from the Pont d’Arc, the Ardèche Gorges (Grand Site de France) and the Grotte Chauvet (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The estate extends over almost 70 hectares in a single block, along the banks of the River Ardèche. Domaine Walbaum is a family heritage and a passion for wine, handed down from generation to generation, with respect for the terroir. A place steeped in history and a certain magic…

Domaine Walbaum is also a vineyard. The vineyard is a unique site at the gateway to the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. The vines are cultivated with respect for the environment and biodiversity: traditional ploughing, organic treatments… The vineyard plots are surrounded by preserved woods and hedgerows; true refuges for wildlife and especially birds, which are predators of vine pests. The vineyards are located in the Ardèche Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) zone. Some of our vines, planted by previous generations, are now over 50 years old, producing few grapes but of excellent quality, giving complex wines of great finesse. We produce the Fleur de vigne rosé, a cuvée Hommage in red, a Syrah Merlot in red, and a Viognier Blanc.

The next day, we head to Tain l’Hermitage for a visit to the cellar of Maison Delas Frères in Tain l’Hermitage: the cellar with its singular architecture, the Winery and the tasting area dedicated to epicureans. Spectacular!

House DELAS FRÈRES

40 Avenue Jules Nadi – 26600 Tain-l’Hermitage

Tel. +33 (0)4 75 08 92 97

www.delas.com

We later discover theHotel de la Villeon 4****. Refinement and discretion characterize this charming hotel in the heart of Tournon. Since its opening in April 2015, the historic mansion has attracted guests from all over the world to enjoy the gentle pace of life on the banks of the Rhône and to discover the riches of the Drôme-Ardèche region. Since then, the hotel has continued to offer meetings and stays inspired by Culture, Art, Oenotourism.

We continue with a stroll through the St Joseph vineyards, followed by a visit to the Tain winery. Then a magnificent piano concert/tasting on the Hermitage mountain.

Terres de Syrah – Cave de Tain

SARL Le Fief de Gambert – 22 route de Larnage – 26600 Tain l’Hermitage

www.terresdesyrah.com