An unusual Beaujolais B&B is on offer amongst the vines of Domaine des Grandes Bruyères at Saint-Étienne-des-Oullières (69 Rhône,ARA) northwest of Villefranche-sur-Saone – the chance to stay in a refurbished wooden winemaker’s caravan (Les Roulottes Viticoles) – two private wooden caravans in the shape of a wine barrel parked within a vineyard – Each caravan has a balcony, a private bathroom with shower and toilet, and a full kitchen that includes a microwave and a refrigerator. Linen, towels and bathrobes are provided. You can enjoy pool and garden views – This is glamping in style!
The winemaker Jean-Pierre Teissèdre owns a number of domaines in the Beaujolais/Maconnais region, including the Domaine des Grandes Bruyères (Beaujolais) and the Domaine des Teppes de Chatenay (Maconnais). Beaujolais-Villages AOC is often a light red wine made from the Gamay grape, although the Domaine also produces some white and rosé Beaujolais-Villages. More recent vintages are Organic.
Located to the south of the Beaujolais wine region near Regnié-Durette.
for more info and to check availability at this Beaujolais B&B see Les Roulottes Viticoles
Alternative nearby vineyard accommodation: Domaine Gilles Coperet
airport: Lyon Saint Exupery LYS 75 km/47 miles
find cheap flights and plane tickets from Booking.com
More on France – Travel; whats on; food; wine; places to visit
The wines of Beaujolais are mainly red made from the Gamay grape – typically light-bodied, although some of the “Cru” Villages (Brouilly, Chénas, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Regnié and Saint Amour) can produce some richer and more complex wines. Wine labelled just “Beaujolais” and “Beaujolais-Villages” tend to be light and fruity and should be drunk young.
The spirited wines of Beaujolais are born of handpicked grapes that are vatted whole, using winemaking methods unique to the region.
While Beaujolais does produce a small amount of whites and rosés, the region is best known for its versatile reds. Lighter in body than most, Beaujolais reds taste great when chilled, making them as popular in the warmer months as they are during the winter.
There are 12 different Beaujolais appellations, 10 of which are known as Crus. The 10 Crus are the region’s most celebrated wines, and each is unique thanks to its terroir (combination of soil, vine and climate characteristics).
For novices in wine, the lighter Crus like Chiroubles and Fleurie are a great place to start, while fuller-bodied Beaujolais like Chénas and Moulin-à-Vent take a little more experience to appreciate fully.
The official release date for the Beaujolais Crus is March 15, with the exception of Saint-Amour, which comes out on February. It takes until the following spring for the aromas and flavors to develop completely. The producers prefer to let the wines mature until March or April before bottling. Once bottled, most Beaujolais wines need to age at least two years to achieve their full potential.
