Shaking hands in Burgundy

Update 8.8.2012(9.3.2009)Ray Walker

Well, here we are. Burgundy, in the dead of winter. People are busy working in the vineyards, mainly burning clippings. Things are a bit more chilly than they seemed looking at Bill’s photos from my home in California. Suprisingly, our daughter has adjusted quite well to Burgundy at the ripe age of 7 months. Many of the people that I have read about, domaines which I have dreamed about are just a short stroll away from Puligny-Montrachet where we have been centered most of our time in Burgundy.

Everyone has been extremely helpful here. We have met with a great deal of established winemakers and courtiers and the possibility of working with quality grapes this year from the Cote de Nuits seem quite high…thank goodness!

Also, while we have spent some time with Olivier Leflaive, he has taken it upon himself to present our project to a few of his friends, which one in particular in Pommard might have a facility for us to use for the project.

Another note, speaking some French is better than speaking none at all. I can’t get close to counting the possitive comments I have heard from people in Burgundy for trying to speak the language. I beleive it has made a difference in how I have been recieived.

While I wish we could stay until harvest to go forward with the project right now, the trip has already paid for itself with the great experiences and contacts we have made. We have just over a week more in France and I intend to make the most of this opportunity in Burgundy.

Cheers!

Leave a Reply to Ray WalkerCancel reply

There are 3 responses to “Shaking hands in Burgundy”

  1. Mark Gough10th March 2009 at 10:41 pmPermalinkReply

    Ray,

    As a previous (vendange) contributor to Bill’s site superbe very best wishes for your project. I agree efforts to use what French one possesses are a must. Your great enthusiasm comes thro from your post – wonderful.

    Wish I was in Burgundy right now, particularly Puligny, Meursault or Chassagne Think I almost prefer late autumn & winter to any other time !!

    I have been musing on possible 2009 vendange options for myself in recent days why is my back twingeing I wonder 🙂 Maybe see you on the Cote in due course.

    All the best for your dreams

  2. Ray Walker11th March 2009 at 12:27 amPermalinkReply

    Thanks for the replies Brooke and Mark! The weather had been a bit warm for a moment in the Beaune region, and seeing the vines and vineyards during this time is really interesting. You see the core of what brings the grapes to life with the soil and vines. really cool.

    Mark, let me know if you will be in the area. And, be careful with those musings, they tend to take themselves seriously and wish to make something of it. 😉 As for the French, I am back to studying…

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