Wednesday: Pont d'Ouche - Veuvey sur Ouche
Today we leave the Saroche and head over the hills to Beaune. This is the
Capital of wine production in Burgundy, however it all hinges around the
Hospice du Beaune, which Jason will expertly guide you around. Famous
for its wines as much as it is for the traditional tiled roofs, this bastion of
Burgundian history was constructed in 1443, and whilst not the oldest
monument you will see this week by far and away its most impressive. It
was still a functioning hospital as late as 1973! Today is also market day
in Beaune and before lunch there is time to wander the stalls and lovely cobbled streets enjoying this very French of towns. Jason invites you to
join him for lunch at L’Ecusson, a wonderful small fine dining
establishment that puts a modern twist on classic French food. Plates
arrive more like works of art which almost make it a shame to eat them,
but eat you must and the rewards in flavours are stunning.
Beaune is really two towns; one above ground and one below, made up of
a labyrinth of cellars dating back to Roman times. With this in mind Jason
takes you on a comprehensive wine tasting at the house of Patriarche. The
largest wine house in Burgundy with 3 miles of cellars and well over 2
million bottles of wine, it goes without saying it could be a long afternoon!
You will taste sublime whites and rich complex reds from some of the
most famous Grand Cru fields in the world. As a personal friend of the
cellar master, Jason enjoys unrivalled access to the wines. We finish in a
small private cellar surrounded by rare vintages which are normally
reserved for the higher echelons of the wine world – this is a privilege
which Jason enjoys sharing with guests. As a trained sommelier, he is on
hand to guide, explain and advise.
Dinner tonight aboard Saroche is a simple rustic French affair of Dawn’s
homemade pâtés, terrines and local cheese, ensuring a relaxed evening
accompanied by a special treat of live music on our deck.
