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Categories: France How To, French Food & Wine
Are you ready for Gourmet Escapades in the Rhône Valley? In this episode Jennifer and Emma Jerzyk share their incredible mother-daughter journey through one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. They traveled from Tavel to Lyon, savoring fine wines and gourmet meals along the way.
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Gourmet Escapades in the Rhône Valley
Must-Know tips for a great experience tasting wine in France:
1. Make Appointments in Advance: Many wineries in France, especially those in popular regions like the Rhône Valley, require appointments for tastings. It's advisable to email or call ahead to ensure a more personalized experience.
2. Plan Your Wine Route: Research and create a shortlist of wineries you want to visit. Consider the type of wines you enjoy and target specific appellations known for those varieties.
3. Consider Tasting Fees: Some wineries charge tasting fees, especially for high-end or rare wines. These fees are often waived if you purchase wine, but it’s good to be aware and plan accordingly.
4. Personal Attention at Smaller Wineries: Smaller, family-owned wineries often offer more personal and intimate tasting experiences, which can be more rewarding than visiting large commercial operations.
5. Côte Rôtie Wines: When tasting in regions like Côte Rôtie, be prepared for higher prices, especially for premium wines like those from E. Guigal. Tasting fees can be expensive, reflecting the quality and reputation of the wines.
6. Try Wine Vending Machines: Some wine shops in France, like those in Avignon and Dijon, offer self-serve wine tasting machines where you can sample a wide range of wines by the glass. This is a cost-effective way to taste expensive wines.
7. Limit Tastings per Day: To avoid palate fatigue, limit the number of tastings per day. Four or more tastings in one day can be overwhelming and may diminish your ability to fully appreciate each wine.
8. Local Recommendations: Always ask locals, whether at your hotel, a tasting room, or a restaurant, for recommendations on where to eat or other wineries to visit. They can provide insider tips that might lead you to hidden gems.
9. Enjoy the Full Experience: Some wineries offer more than just tastings, such as beautiful settings, history, or even culinary experiences. Take the time to enjoy the ambiance and learn about the wine-making process.
10. Balance Wine Tasting with Other Activities: Mix in other activities such as visiting a spa, exploring local landmarks, or dining at gourmet restaurants to balance your trip and avoid overwhelming your palate with too much wine.
Recommended in this episode
Wine Tasting: Le Vin Devant Soi in Avignon
Auberge de Cassagne & Spa in Le Pontet near Avignon
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Discussed in this Episode
- Here are the attractions and places mentioned in the episode: Tavel
- Lyon
- Montpellier
- Château Trenquevedel
- Avignon
- E. Guigal (Côte Rôtie)
- Maison Pic
- Auberge de Cassagne (Le Pontet)
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Perrin Family Cave
- Le Verger du Pape
- Valrhona Chocolate Museum (Tain-l'Hermitage)
- Les Épicurieux (Côte Rôtie)
- Hermitage Hill
- Café des Fédérations (Lyon).
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Let's Review
Jennifer and Emma's trip is filled with useful tips and heartwarming stories. Their emphasis on local recommendations and careful planning showcases how to make the most of a journey through the Rhône Valley. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a lover of gourmet food, or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode offers a wealth of information to fuel your own gourmet escapades in France.
Table of Contents for this Episode
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TranscriptCategories: France How To, French Food & Wine