Summer 2010 Adventures

Our sixth and final video finds us in the lovely Loire. Dan and I had a wonderful time visiting Domaine Marc Bredif and Clos de Nouys as well as some of the fabulous chateaux that can be found in the region. You’ll also notice some of the delicious foods of the Loire highlighted in this video – food and wine go hand in hand in this region, which is nicknamed the “Garden of France.” This video also features one of the most amusing moments of our trip – when I discover that sparkling wines and high altitudes don’t always mix. Take a look and enjoy, and celebrate with us! Cheers!

In this, our fifth video, Dan the Francelator and I journey thru the glorious Languedoc-Roussillon. As a lover of Medieval and Renaissance history, this vlog was a true joy to film. This area is full of beautiful buildings dating back centuries and each one was awe-inspiring. Join us as we visit the amazing town of Carcassone (which has a medieval fortress so stunning that I had to take my family back there months later to see it for themselves), the Abbaye de Fontfroide, Valmagne Abbey and Perpignan’s famous Palais des Rois de Majorque. We also enjoyed visits to Domaine Lafage and Domaine Cazes – two wonderful wineries in the region. And while you won’t see it in the video, I have to say that the caramel ice cream from the restaurant at Domaine Cazes was, hands down, the best ice cream I have ever eaten in my life!

In our fourth video, Dan the Francelator and I journey through the Southwest of France. It was so thrilling to visit the home of Malbec, Cahors, as well as to discover the beautiful town of Gaillac. My favorite part of the video, and one I can’t wait for you to see, is when we visit Cordes sur Ciel, which means “Hilltop above the clouds.” Cordes sur Ciel is one of the most breathtakingly scenic towns I have ever been to – but don’t take my word for it – just see for yourself! Enjoy!

In our third video, Dan the Francelator and I explore the amazingly beautiful region of the Jura. This is the smallest wine region in France, but the wines are definitely big on flavor. Be careful about watching this video if you are hungry – in addition to learning about the different wine styles of the Jura we also explore some of the culinary specialties of the region such as Comte cheese and coq au vin jaune and they are sure to make your mouth water! Enjoy!

In this second video, watch as Dan (the Francelator) teaches me a little about the art of living life a la provencale and I teach him about the wonderful wines of Provence. You’ll also see one of the highlights of our time in Provence when we pay a visit to Domaine Houchart, a terrific winery that makes one of the rosés featured on my Top 50 Wines of France!

Many of you might recall that this past summer I spent some time in France shooting some videos for the website in conjunction with the Lost in Francelation team. I’m thrilled to say that the VLOGs are now finished and the first one is being launched today!

Find out all about my adventure with Dan in Alsace, a place that has always reminded me of a medieval fairy tale. You’ll get a chance to see us taste at Pierre Sparr (whose Riesling Selection is one of my Top 50 French wine picks) as well as see us pay a visit to Domaine Klur, an organic producer in Katzenthal.

Check it out and be sure to let me know what you think!

(P.S. – when Dan meets me by the canal, I’m sitting at a restaurant that is right across from the famous Hostellerie Le Marachel – which is where I stayed the first time I visited Alsace back in 1999.)

Previous Adventures

What’s the big deal about bubbly?
What makes Champagne the very special, and very chic beverage it has become?
There is truly no better way to celebrate — but our Francelator wants to know why!
Join Dan as Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine and Wines of France spokesperson, sends him through the beautiful land of Champagne in northern France, home to this most superb of sparkling wines…

In France, every day is like Thanksgiving! The French know how to celebrate everyday life with friends, family, and, of course, lots of perfectly paired food and wine. Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine and Wines of France Spokesperson, sends Dan the Francelator to the Rhône-Alpes region, where he discovers the diverse culture and cuisine of the city of Lyon, and develops a taste for the area’s delicious Beaujolais wines. As Sheri agrees, they’re the perfect complement to everything from a traditional Lyonnaise meal to — you guessed it — your own Thanksgiving turkey!

In this episode, Wines of France spokesperson Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine, sends Dan the Francelator to Burgundy to discover the process of making wine. He is taken around the region by Brendan Moore: in a vineyard in St-Bris-le-Vineux, and in the neighboring towns of Chablis and Beaune. It is a very busy time in the vineyards, because this is the time of Vendange, or Harvest…

Master of Wine and Wines of France spokesperson, Sheri Sauter Morano sends Dan the Francelator to the terraced vineyards and hillsides of the Rhone Valley in a 2-Chevaux (an old Renault car) in search of refreshing summer wines. While savoring the great summer wines, Dan discovers the great Palace of the Popes in Avignon and meanders through the many small and picturesque villages of the Rhone Valley.

Between the Tour de France, Bastille Day (the Fête Nationale – France’s Independence Day), and the numerous summertime activities awaiting you, it’s no wonder Francehas such a festive air each July. In this episode, Sheri Sauter Morano, Master of Wine and Wines of France spokesperson, sends Dan the Francelator on a bicycle trip through Bordeaux in search of wine, parties, relaxation, and of course the world’s most famous bike race!