It Started With a Monk

As I have already reported, we are now sitting amongst the rolling hills and vineyards of the beautiful Champagne region of France.  But the production of this drink of Kings didn't start here.  No, champagne was originally created by monks in the Languedoc region in Southern France and of course the most famous of these was Dom Perignon.

They brought it to this area because the chalky soil and climate provided ideal growing conditions and it remains this way today although now, only three types of grape are used in its production, Pinot Noir, Pinot Menier and Chardonnay.  Other grape types are used around the world but the industry here is very strictly regulated, even down to the amount of grapes the producers  can harvest per acre and the controlling body also sets the date when the harvesting can commence.  In the case of 2014 it was the 8th September and so here we are watching a massive amount of activity as the grapes are hand picked by thousands of workiers spread across the undulating terrain.

It is an amazing site and it would appear that very many of the workers are either from the travelling community or Eastern Europe.  We say the travelling community because as you drive around the region, there are a huge number of temporary caravan sites set up in farmers fields and many of these are accommodating some of those amazing caravans you sometimes see in the UK.  We have also seen buses transporting workers around the many vineyards.

Being here at this time has worked a little to our detriment because we tried to take a tour of one of the champagne houses but were told that nobody did them at this time because of La Vendanges.  They said that it would be too dangerous because of the amount of activity. La Vendanges incidentally is the term given in the locality to the harvesting which is now underway.

It really is a beautiful place and is viewed as one of the quieter tourist areas as most people pass straight through it on their way further South.  We can vouch for the peacefulness and are thoroughly enjoying our time here.  A couple of photos attached today showing the rolling hills and vineyards.