Grape Picking during Harvest A 'must do' we've all considered at one time.... Grape picking promotes a romantic image of France and a 'must do' we've all considered. With a warm autumnal sun on your back, participating in the banter of fellow pickers and being part of a working vineyard truly is a 'French Experience'!  Although please do take into consideration it can be hard on the back!  Starting in September harvest will continue into October.  During this period the Domaine is at its busiest working within the tight time schedule of nature.  Pickers will hand pick grapes from the vineyards 32 hectars of land.

The 'Harvest Experience' Happy Harvesting! First things first, a good breakfast!  After which, you will be driven to the Domaine where waiting to welcome you will be the vigneron, wine-maker.  If your French is a little rusty there's no cause for alarm, the vigneron speaks fluent English.  Before the morning gets underway there'll be time for a quick coffee/tea in la salle de dégustation, over which the requirements of harvest will be explained to you and most importantly which grapes are to be picked.  It's then off to the vines and the mornings fun begins! The vigneron will be close to hand if you need any guidance, but after the first few cuts of the grapes you will be in the full swing of things.

What to Expect Several pauses will break up the mornings harvest and prior to lunch the vigneron will take you on an in depth tour of the Domaine, les caves and where all the magic happens, le chai, where you may be lucky enough to witness the first pressings of 2008's grapes.  Returning to la salle de dégustation for a pre-lunch aperitif a picnic lunch of mouth watering goodies will await you. The afternoon will be at the discretion of the vigneron who will take you on a surprise visit before returning to the Domaine for afternoon tea & gateaux. Drawing your exhilerating day to an end the vigneron will invite you for a dégustation, a wine tasting.  Expect a thoroughly enjoyable time as the vigneron guides you through the Domaines diverse range of wines.

The 'Harvest Break' The 'Harvest Break' is a 3 day, 2 night all inclusive break designed to allow you to immerse yourselves in the harvest experience and become part of a working Domaine for a day.  DAY 1:  Post-lunch arrival at La Bellevue will see you welcomed with afternoon tea and gâteau.  Early evening you will be invited to join us for the evenings aperitif, followed by a three course evening dinner. DAY 2:  Breakfast at 08h00, departing for the Domaine at 08h40 where in the care of the vigneron your experience of a working Domaine will begin.  Early evening you will return to La Bellevue and invited to join us for the evenings aperitif which will be followed by a three course evening dinner.   DAY 3:  A good breakfast and a mid-morning departure. Breakfast: includes freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.  A choice of 2 eggs, boiled with 'soldiers', poached, scrambled or fried accompanied with toast.  Freshly baked coissants & baguettes from the local boulangerie, delicious Brittany butter and a selection of homemade jams.   Picnic-Hamper: (an example): bottled water, fresh baguettes, charcuterie, pâtes, cheeses, olives, sesonal fruits, including a complimentary bottle of wine from the vigneron.  Evening Dinner: a three course dinner of local artisans fare & seasonal vegetables/salad, including a complimenty bottle of wine carefully selected from our caves. Harvest dates vary from year to year and are predicted 2 weeks before harvest begins.  The 'Harvest Break' is available 7 days a week throughout September and October only.

Le Prix 'Harvest Break' two persons      1.420,00€  / £500.00 per person If you wish to remain longer at La Bellevue the 'Harvest Break' or the 'Harvest Experience', the day only, can be incorporated into your stay, please contact me for arrangement details. IMPORTANT: We can not guarantee the weather during harvest.  Therefore, should heavy rainfall prevent us from going into the vines a full refund of the 'Harvest Experience', the full day at the Domaine, will be fully refundable to you.   AOC DISTRIBUTION LTD, Company No. 6329021 : Registered Office in England "Copyright 2007. AOC Distribution Ltd. All Rights Reserved."