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Fete de Faugeres
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The village of Faugeres is the centre of the small appellation of the same name. Lying in the heart of the Languedoc region it comprises of 2,000 hectares of vines spreading over seven surrounding villages.
A red wine characterised by the terroir of ancient sea and schist and a blend of the grape varieties of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mouvedre. They also produce a rose wine and more recently a white Faugeres.
On Friday evening we will welcome you to Domaine de Brousson and discuss our itinerary for the weekend over dinner. |
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On Saturday we explore the area of Faugeres to appreciate the unique character of this wine appellation by visiting the vineyards, the vignerons and, of course, tasting the wines!
The itinerary includes a visit to the Caveau de Schistes for an explanation of the history and the role of the cave co-operatives, followed by a visit to a 10th century chateau for a topographical view of the region and an explanation of its geographical evolution. We will then stop for a three course lunch at a local restaurant or picnic at a selected scenic spot. After which we will walk amongst the vineyards to apreciate the uniqueness of the terroir of schist, followed by a visit to a small independent Faugeres producer for a degustation of his wines. |
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We will return to the House .... with enough time for a short rest before dinner where we will enjoy a meal specially prepared to accompany our selected samples of Faugeres. |
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Sunday is the day of the Fete itself.
On the first Sunday in July the ancient, narrow stone streets of this small sleepy wine village are prepared for a festival.
Flags, banners and balloons are hung between the alleys and pathways which are awash with wine producers, artists and artisan food producers displaying their wares whilst sheltering in shady doorways or under strategically placed parasols. |
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On entering the village a table with glasses and sunhats await our arrival and we equip ourselves for a convivial day of degustation.
It is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the special character of each wine. Vignerons will happily pour a sample from their range and explain it individually. |
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The day begins with a Mass held in the old square from a makeshift altar supported by oak barrels and adorned with flowers. Then the Chevaliers of the Confrerie de Faugeres (the brotherhood of local vignerons) dressed in their robes of red and yellow, hold their annual ceremony of initiation, whilst the vignerons put the finishing touches to their stalls; and the day officially begins.
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The car park next to the Mairie is closed for the day and converted into an alfresco restaurant with long cloth covered trestle tables prepared for lunch and sheets stretched and strewn between the trees to provide the necessary shade from the midday sun. A huge pot of moules boils and bubbles while the frites are frying and more wine flows freely at the table. After a sustaining lunch you can continue to tempt your palate as the festivities last well into the evening. |
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