October 4: Walking Tour Of Medieval Chalon & Wine Tasting
Walking Tour
Sometime a little after midnight we set sail southward towards Chalone-Sur-Salone, a medieval city situated right on the river banks of the Saone. This city was divided by the river during World War II with the east side being controlled by the occupying Nazi's and the west side under the control of the Vichy Government. Apparently, we were told, those feelings still run deep for families on either side vs. the other side. We spent a little less than two hours in the sunny, brisk upper 40-degree weather walking the medieval streets. Very interesting, and as I said to our pal Rene, I just can't get over any time I see a place that's as old as some of these (some 900 years old) what stories the walls could tell today! We returned to the ship for lunch and then around 2pm we set out for a wine tasting tour.
The AmaCello - our home for the next week
The original hospital (inset, white bldg) built in 1625
The yellow building at left was the hospital until 2011
Medieval street dating back to the 1000's - the buildings from the 1400's Half-Timbered homes from the Middle Ages
Note how the 2nd and 3rd floor overhangs the floor below....that's because the tax rate was based on the GROUND floor, so as you built higher you tried to make the home bigger!
The monastery built in the 17th century The "Four Seasons" House - note how each season is portrayed on the facade
The Cathedral - took FIVE centuries to build! Construction began in the 1000's and finished in the 1500's
The town square still lined with medieval half-timbered homes The cloisters of the monastery Enjoying the morning temps along the river! Wine Tasting Tour
We boarded the bus around 2pm for a short ride to the local winery.....interesting story, the owner is a woman who was told she "shouldn't" become a wine maker because she was a woman, but it was her dream and passion and she made it happen. BRAVO! We went out to the vineyards - which had just been picked ten days ago. Then we went into the wine making area - very interesting how every wine maker has their own thoughts and theories on how to make their own unique tasting wines. Next, down into the cellar where the wine is aging in the oak barrels. And finally back upstairs to taste three different wines, paired with cheeses. One of the best parts of today.....got to spend it with our great friends John & Rene!
The chateau - home of the winery
The aging wines in the oak barrels Guess who thinks they know about wine-making!
No comments:
Post a Comment