In the heart of the Languedoc, in style
We didn’t know what to expect. Or rather we knew it would be a high quality, interesting, friendly, well-informed week in our favourite part of France. But we have never been wine-tasting, were wary of wine snobbery, reluctant to spit out a good mouthful of a stunning wine but can’t imagine good food without good wine. And then, what would our companions be like? We weren’t worried - just conscious we were entering a week of novelty.
So we threw ourselves into Jean-Michel’s life and it was wonderful. He is a delightful host, chauffeur, steeped in this territory (we met his mother in the market) and clearly an expert recognised by the domains we visited. He had found a beautiful house for us to stay in – with a pool (for the next trip perhaps). Huge variety – one day a barbecue Huge variety – one day a barbecue tasting the wine made by one man working on his own; he had bottled his annual 8,000 bottles the day before. Next, a smart, international, but still hand-made, domain, bottling 9 million bottles a year with a very elegant restaurant. Lunch overlooking the blue Mediterranean; then in the St Chinian mountains. Stunning food, from foie gras lollipops to a picnic amongst the vines, with hampers, tables, and wine tasting. And so it went on.
It was the best holiday we have ever had – and we are thinking we might go again. Our companions were great, knowledgeable and ready to make the whole trip fun.
Jean-Michel is a star – a man of energy, style and determined that we would enjoy the food and wine of his beloved Languedoc.
So we threw ourselves into Jean-Michel’s life and it was wonderful. He is a delightful host, chauffeur, steeped in this territory (we met his mother in the market) and clearly an expert recognised by the domains we visited. He had found a beautiful house for us to stay in – with a pool (for the next trip perhaps). Huge variety – one day a barbecue Huge variety – one day a barbecue tasting the wine made by one man working on his own; he had bottled his annual 8,000 bottles the day before. Next, a smart, international, but still hand-made, domain, bottling 9 million bottles a year with a very elegant restaurant. Lunch overlooking the blue Mediterranean; then in the St Chinian mountains. Stunning food, from foie gras lollipops to a picnic amongst the vines, with hampers, tables, and wine tasting. And so it went on.
It was the best holiday we have ever had – and we are thinking we might go again. Our companions were great, knowledgeable and ready to make the whole trip fun.
Jean-Michel is a star – a man of energy, style and determined that we would enjoy the food and wine of his beloved Languedoc.
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14 May 2016
Geoff Pearson Edinburgh gspearson@btopenworld.com |
Joie De Vivre
Jean-Michel's Languedoc Wine Tours really work as food/wine and holiday package. They offer the chance to sample the food and wine of the region with a range and a connection that would be difficult to achieve in any other way. The learning and the living is easy, but one really gets a real feel for the culture of the local cuisines and viticulture from local producers and restaurants. Throw in the varied and beautiful towns and countryside, Jean-Michel’s knowledge of his home patch and some relaxed company, and it is hard to think of a better way to spend a few days really raising the spirits. A real joie de vivre experience.
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18 Jan 2016
Peter Williamson Edinburgh annafreuch@btinterent.com |
Could Not Have Been Bettered.
As a bespoke wine and food tour, this could not have been bettered. The range of experiences showed the Languedoc at its autumnal best (September 2014). The food and wine varied between very good and excellent! Jean-Michel even managed to arrange a very memorable sheet lightning storm above his home village of Combret sur Rance.
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14 Jan 2016
Eddie Dick Edinburgh eddie@makarprod.com |
Just Brilliant.
Where else can you be chauffeured around the country and all you have to worry about is "Do I want red wine or white" and "OMG not another course. That must be six now". Seriously, a superb one week break made all the more enjoyable by the fact that you didn't need to think about anything. The organisation is excellent and the variation in eating and drinking gives a real flavour of Languedoc living. One warning. Unless you have an unbelievable constitution don't go for longer than a week or be prepared to do a serious diet!
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13 Jan 2016
Robin Boog Edinburgh robinboog@aol.com |
The Best Holiday I Have Ever Had!
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Jean Michel's tour of the Languedoc was the most wonderful experience.
From the beautiful accommodation to the delicious food and wine, I was consistently blown away. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to travel, discover new wine or taste incredible food. The best holiday I have ever had! |
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03 Dec 2015
Jonathan Shihor Edinburgh jonathanshihor@gmail.com |
