Postcards From Far Away: September 2013

Although it was way back at the beginning of April (how can it already be September?), I wanted to share some postcards of our long weekend getaway to the Champagne region in France. We went with some good friends for a long weekend in the countryside infamous for, of course, it's amazing bubbly.

We wound our way by car through small French villages worn by time and dotted amongst miles and miles of vineyards to the cozy old farmhouse we had rented. Definitely out in the middle of nowhere but a quick drive to Epernay, where there are more champagneries it seemed than people. We found ourselves literally knocking on doors hoping that someone would answer and let us in for a tasting. Someone was smiling on us as we had pretty good luck, but learned that for even better success it's good to make a few reservations in advance!

The tour of Moet was impressive as we descended deep underground into their cellars to learn how the champagne is carefully crafted and stored. Evidently Napoleon himself visited on numerous occasions (he often bought cases to give as gifts). But the highlight of the trip was the smaller, more intimate places where families and generations have developed award winning and affordable champagnes.

My favourite was Roland Boulard, a family owned champagnerie we stumbled upon. I rang the bell not knowing if anyone would appear, but just as I started to walk away someone opened the rustic door and ushered us inside. He made a phone call and the owner appeared to give us a full tour. Although he spoke through broken English, we learned that his father-in-law, Roland, had acquired the place and painstakingly learned the art of champagne making. As we sat down for a sampling (all of his cuvees are named after his daughters), in walks a suspender and boot wearing Roland to greet us! What a great way to end our tour of this beautiful part of the world.

Check out their website here: http://www.champagne-rolandboulard-barizet.fr/

Ryan and William, although Cloudette and I did a fine job chopping vegetables and setting the table, crafted some first-rate French inspired cuisine - beef bourguignon and ratatouille - served with fresh baguettes and gratuitous amounts of red wine. Each evening we enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace playing numerous rounds of card games, listening to music and laughing uncontrollably! Boy did we have fun. Thanks guys, you were such fab traveling buddies.

We've since opened two bottles we purchased for important guests - my mom during her visit in May and with my father-in-law when he came to Holland this past month.There is always something to celebrate in life. And what better way to toast than with a lovely glass of real champagne?

Here are those postcards I promised. Cheers!