Sniff. Sip. Swish. Spit.

After a couple of weeks in Languedoc, it was imperative that I go for a little dégustation de vins (wine-tasting). So far, I have counted three wineries in town, but there may be more. I don't walk about much as it's so very hot during the day.

Anyhow, with guests at the house, it seemed the perfect afternoon's diversion. Trish, Jeff, and I traipsed about 3 or 4 blocks (hard to tell, as they don't really have "blocks" in the country) to Domaine St. Georges-d'Ibry.


Jeff got into the spirit of our adventure by displaying grapes growing on our neighbor's fence:


He put his shirt back on before we got to the winery. He's kooky, but well-mannered.

We learned the "Four S's" of wine tasting.

Sniff. Inhale the "bouquet," or the aroma of the wine. Floral notes, like lavender? Fruity? Freshly poured asphalt? What do you smell?






Sip. Take a taste. Or, like Trish, take a big fat slug.








Swish. Not a jab at anyone light in the loafers (!) — one should "swirl" the wine in the mouth then gently breathe in through clenched teeth. Why does Alec look tipsy when taking his first swishy sip? We worry about him.








Spit. Into the silver bucket. Pretty.











Anyhow, that's the drill. Trish and Jeff fell in love with a couple of reds, and got those — along with a bottle of super-yummy white for Vince and Alec. Such thoughtful guests. Alec bought a bottle of rose (when in the Languedoc...), and a nice light red. We had a lovely afternoon.

Who wouldn't? How nice is the tasting room?


How nice is the guy who runs it? His English is better than Alec's French (although we spoke a smattering of both).


And how cool is the winery's collection of machines, vats, tack and bric-a-brac?





A great way to spend the day — pleasant, easy good times with great friends. Vince and I will return throughout the summer. (And, yes, that means we're taking you, Ted, Susan, and Bill! Are you packed and ready yet?)