I looked forward to attending Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne 2012 (March 19-24) in Burgundy.
As the event was getting close, it seemed more and more likely that I would have to wait until 2013 to have a chance to take in all the flavors, wines and food from the Terroirs of Burgundy.
First work requires my presence in New Jersey, second I had not secured a sponsor for my flight (these 3-4 day trips get expensive).
The facial massage offered to members of the media each afternoon is a nice touch.
Structurally, the event emulates theater festivals and other cultural happenings with 'Off' and 'Fringe' tracks.
Fringe includes 4th edition of Bourgognes et Saveurs du Monde "all about taste and unexpected sensory experiences, unusual combinations of expressive Burgundy wines with international cuisine" at Chateau de Meursault on March 20.
Ladies have their moment in the sun with Exception'elles tasting on March 21.
"The Women in Burgundy Wine Association, which includes some 40 members from estates from all over Burgundy, has decided to celebrate Burgundy’s Wine-tasting Week by proposing wine-tasting focused on vintage years ending in 0."
Amongst these ladies I noticed sisters Juliette and Caroline Chenu (pictured above) of Louis Chenu Pere et Filles who take their wine seriously while having a sense of humor.
A mini interview with Juliette Chenu has her offering as funniest anecdote: "A classic : finding differences between three wines (during a blind tasting) whereas the three bottles were actually identical.."
Domaine Chenu had its first 'certified organic' crop in 2009.
I will miss seeing Alexandrine Roy again.
There's always 2013.
(* photo of Juliette and Caroline Chenu from Femmes et Vins de Bourgogne site)