Spent the morning in the playpark. Cost a fortune to get in. Still don’t understand why adults have to pay to watch their children play. By 2pm Andy and I had had enough. We stamped our feet and demanded to have our playtime. The boys nobly complied and allowed us to visit the hills.
Eleven years ago and in a time before children (B.C.) we had visited Reims and purchased a champagne which had knocked the socks off the taste and price of Vintage Veuve Clicquot. Our purchase of six bottles had lasted long enough to welcome the arrival of our first child. But then, alas, it was gone (A.D. “after Daniel” or “all drunk”) and we could not find anywhere that sold the same champagne. On an interim visit to Reims we realised the shop had gone too. We were desolate. Even our visit to the caves in Reims this week had proved fruitless.
Luckily we still had a cork/capsule with details of the town name and the maker’s name. We headed straight for Verzenay :
a tight, twisted cluster of red tiled houses clinging to the hillside surrounded by acres of regimented vines, that line up as far as the eye can see.
Spent an entertaining couple of hours at the Verzenay lighthouse which has been developed as a museum dedicated to the life and culture of the vineyards. Fantastic for both adults and children alike. We were kitted out with audio guides and swanned around the exhibit at our own individual speeds. The boys seemed to love it, took it all in and were able to remember it too! They enjoyed the climb up the lighthouse and the views were breathtaking.
But still no sign of our favourite champagne!
However, back in the museum foyer we found a leaflet for our favourite champagne house. It was just minutes away. We raced. We parked. The place looked closed. I rang the doorbell and pleaded. No pleading necessary. The garage door raised and an Aladdin’s cave was revealed, complete with tasting table. Andy danced for joy. The kind lady smiled and opened a few bottles.
A little while later we loaded the Volvo.
Some time later, out on deck, we sat with chamagne glasses in hand and watched the sun set over the vines (our backs to the play park!)
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