So many people pass through this giant wine region (the Languedoc) and never bother to stop. The approach here is to introduce a small region of the Languedoc and to highlight a number of wine domaines that are achieving great results in this warm southern wineland. Whatever your taste, be it light Rose wines or heavier Reds, this small triangle (anchored by the beautiful village of Pezenas) has them all. Where to go and what to expect is discussed. This podcast includes an interview with Bruno Lafon (of La Famille Lafon) who makes his wine in Magalas but sources his grapes from this region as well as further afield (eg Limoux). He sets out his winemaking approach as well as his feelings about Cellar Door sales to the general public.

Pezenas has a large Saturday morning market that is well worth visiting.

Pezenas has a Monday wine tasting event throughout July and August. Many local domaines exhibit their wines and there's food available: there's even local icecream on sale.

Have Hugh Johnson's Yearly Wine Guide Available: a small book with a large amount of wine information.

Domaine de l'Arjolle details: https://arjolle.com/en/

Le Mas Gabriel details: https://en.mas-gabriel.com/

Domaine Monplezy details: https://www.domainemonplezy.fr/fr/accueil/

La Famille Lafon/Domaine Magellan website: https://boutique.famillebrunolafon.com/

Most consistent restaurant in this region, Le Pre Sain Jean: https://restaurant-leprestjean.fr/

Many other good restauants in Pezenas

This pretty village, in the North of Burgundy, and its famous wines are discussed. The batting order of Petit Chablis, Chablis (village wine), Premier Cru to Grand Cru Chablis is explained: equating these wine levels to the vineyards their grapes are grown in and on to the relative quality (and price) of the ensuing wines. It may be (just) Chardonnay to you but when you taste it you realise what a unique wine it is, and it's revealed just why.

Take Hugh Johnson's Yearly 'Pocket Wine Guide' with you. A small book that contains a mountain of useful information.

French Road Atlas: the AA atlas is excellent

The easiest place to visit is the outstanding co-operative La Chablisieene: https://chablisienne.com/

For the widest range of the top Chablis wines look no further that William Fevere: https://www.williamfevre.fr/accueil/

Easy to visit shop of top producer J M Brocard: https://brocard.fr/en/

Easy to visit domaine and easy to like winesof Denis Race: https://www.chablisrace.com/le-vin/

For any questions or comments pleace contact The Wine Stopper:thewinestopper@hotmail.com

A review of the wines of the Beaujolais, with an explanation of why many people often don't consider the wines of this beautiful wine region. There follows a series of suggestions for visiting some of the ten Cru Beaujolais villages, in the best region of Beaujolais. This takes in Fleurie, Chiroubles and Chenas and introduces the places to visit in those Crus and the wines to sample.

Take a copy of the Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book: a yearly wine guide filled with loads of information on wines of the World. Especially strong on France: indespensible.

Fleurie Maison du Cru: https://fleurie-vin.com/

Chiroubles, Maison du Cru: https://chiroubles-lecru.com/maison-du-cru-chiroubles/

Cave de Chateau du Chenas: https://www.cavedechenas.com/

Domaine Thillardon; one of the pacesetters in Chenas (and beyond): https://domainethillardon.com/

Wines of Beaujolais, especially Domaine Gardot: https://www.vins-du-beaujolais.com/boutique/domaine-gardot-4/

Dependable and good value restaurant in Belleville, Le Buffet de Gare: https://www.lebuffetdelagare-restaurant.com/

Any questions or comments then please contact The Wine Stopper thewinestopper@hotmail.com

There are many places to stay in the Cru Beaujolais region, often with winemakers.