Wobbling Winos: Day 26 Rest Day Boursault

Day 26 Boursault rest day.

We did a bit of exploring in the village and discovered the charming Chateau de Boursault. It was built by the widow Cliquot ( from Verve Cliquot) in the late 1843, in the Neo Rennaisance style and is a little gem. We arrived at 11:15 and asked if we could taste their Champagne, the young gentleman was only too happy to give us a tasting. He explained that the Champagne is made from the vineyards within the Chateau walls and that the grapes are organically grown. We tasted the Tradition Brut, Blanc de Noirs and the Millesime 2002 which was excellent. The Millesime was unusual for a vintage Champagne, as it only had Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the blend, no Pinot Meunier. It was one of the best Champagne we have ever tasted (WWS 9). The Blanc de Noir was only Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunièr which was new to us as we do not have this blend in South Africa.

Pat and Andrew picked us up at 12:15 as we had arranged to have a farewell lunch in Damery a village close to us. We met Kerry and Jane at Restuarant Au Bateau Lavoir, it was wonderful to catch up with them. It will be quite different cycling without Pat and Andrew, it was fantastic being with them for the last 10 days.

We arrived back at our Chambres de Hote to find 10 rowdy Belgians who were in Champagne for the Promenade de Champagne. This event takes place each year and people walk for 10 km through the vineyards of Champagne tasting and sampling the food from the region. This explains why we had so much trouble trying to book accommodation in Epernay.

Our land lady bought us some delicious pate and cheese for supper. We weren't t sure that she had understood when we asked her to buy us some supper, but it turned out well. We enjoyed our picnic on the terrasse outside, as it was a beautiful evening.

The Belgians were a jovial bunch and we chatted to them for quite a while before heading off to bed. They however were in a party mood and partied late into the night.