Another bike day! Breakfast then an 8:30am start. Today our "bike boys" are Eric and Jordan. Our route takes us along small roads and through pretty villages. Mostly rolling hills and very little traffic (thank goodness!). Mid morning we stop at the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot for a tour and to watch a video on the history called " Jamais en vain, toujours en vin " (never in vain, always in wine).
The building dates from the 11th century, and the vineyard started by monks. The size of the original kitchens and the wine press was incredible!
Afterwards we went to a nearby cave for a tour and wine tasting. There were hundreds if not thousands of old bottles of wine in the cellar, all sadly turned to vinegar.
We had a tasting of 4 wines, a cremeux, a chardonnay, a regional red, then a village red. So interesting to see the differences! Then on to lunch in the same village of Vougeot. Salad bar, fish with pumpkin custard and chips, and cheese to finish, and of course water, wine and coffee. Usually I am not fond of ham, but I'm really enjoying the parsley ham terrine from this area. 21 euros for the meal.
Afterwards, back on the bike through the famous vineyards and small towns. I recognize many of the names from wine bottles (usually ones that I can't afford!!) So pretty that I give up trying to take pictures and just enjoy the moment. The ride into Dijon was easy, traffic not too bad. The Daniele is waiting for us in a mini lake in a park on the outskirts of Dijon. Quite a few other barges, including Daniele's sister ship from CroisiEurope, the Jeanne. We have time for a shower, a drink, and for some a game of petanque before dinner.
