Pinot Noir has been described as the “Heartbreak Grape” with good reason. Originating from the Burgundy region of France, this fragile grape has proved to be one of the most difficult grape varietals to make wine from. It is fragile, temperamental, and tests the skill of the winemaker to the limit. The winemaker will often fail to produce a good wine from Pinot Noir, hence leading to much “heartbreak”.
France is probably still reeling from the onslaught of 24 enthusiastic South Africans who literally barged in for a week of wine tasting in the upper Loire valley. Not convinced? Well consider this – take a bunch of wine lovers on a week long barging trip on four barges, in a beautiful region of France, and add a brilliant French wine-tour guide that knows her stuff and have all the right connections, and you have the recipe for terrific fun!
May in the Western Cape is quite special to us. While some bemoan the onset of winter, we celebrate it, and the month of May is truly nothing short of magnificent in the Fairest Cape !
You may wonder where’s the chaos, dirt, and dust in wine tasting – but trust me, there is a connection if you’ll let me explain…
