WINE EXPERIENCE at our gites near St Jean d'Angely

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Chris has made his living in the wine industry buying, selling and teaching the wine and spirit education trust certificate  to employees within the hospitality industry. It is also a passionate hobby and he enjoys sharing his knowledge to all who are interested and dispelling some of the mystery which surrounds wine.

We are ideally situated here in the Charente Maritime, the cottages are in fact in the heart of the Fin Bois region of Cognac and vines can be found in any direction. The ancient town of Cognac itself is just a 25 min drive and the world famous vineyards of Bordeaux are only an 1 hrs drive.  We are also surrounded by many small local producers of Pineau, Cognac and wine and even a local micro brewery that does FREE tastings !!

Six fine wines from around the world will be selected to give a well rounded and enjoyable tasting. The evening is intended to be an informal and friendly chat about wine where you feel at ease and able to ask any questions you wish.  It is not an attempt to sell any particular producers produce unlike other so called wine tastings.  It is an evening of wine appreciation rather than drunkeness !!  Wines are different each week.  We have regular guests who come every year and each week !

An introduction to wine tasting

Chris will go through in detail how to taste a wine including appearance, nose and taste. You will have the chance to make notes and discuss what you see, smell, think about each wine. No one will be put on the spot and you can say as much or as little as you wish.

After the tasting Chris will talk a bit about his top tips for wine buying. In all it lasts about 3 hours, usually from 7pm to 10pm. Book your place in advance. 8 per group, no children.15 euros per person. Parents please note that the tasting is held on our terrace on site at La Grange du Moulin,(2km from Les Vallaies) we can arrange a babysitter if needed for guests at Les Vallaies or their children can play in the communal play area.

'Wine Tasting - Chris certainly knows his stuff and its left us such that we'll never drink wine again without checking for legs, nose and bite ! ' Thorne family

GUIDED CHAI VISITS click here

FAMILY VINE WALKS click here

'Went to Erics chai with Chris. Sampled many different wines, Pineau and cognac. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and left feeling very merry !'

'Family Vine Walk - Do it !! Really interesting. Paul (3) loved it too ! Another highlight. Chris has a genuine interest in it - ask loads of questions.' Kernick family,

Contact Chris and Wendy Blakeman on oo 33 546330902 or email us at wendyblakeman@googlemail.com