The sun shining again we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace before heading off for todays wine experience. We had an individual tasting with one of the Domaines of Condrieu - that of Remi Niero. Condrieu as a wine almost was lost during the 1960s when post war and with the development of industry on the Rhone there was found to be only 10 hectares of Vineyards growing Viognier left. When Remi's grandfather bought the businness in the 1970s he helped to develop the area and there are now 160 hectares. The Niero's business is only 6 hectares in 6 parcels (ie fields) of vines all growing just on the edge of Condrieu. The wine is so delicate because of the Terroir - which is made of granite soil and has the requisite minerals in it to develop the distinct taste. Enough of the history now to the tasting! - We tasted 3 different Condrieu's each from 2012. The first was a blending of grapes from 5 different parcels of land. The second wine from one parcel (only 4,000 bottles a year produced) - it was called Le Chery and was beautiful. There are now only 3999 to be sold as we did buy one! The third The Heritage was a special one (only 600 bottles) a blend of the best of all the wine from both the other two. The bottle we tasted wasn't even labelled it is so rare!

Jean Francois who spoke to us was so charming and we learnt so much from him. We loved to hear him talk with such passion about the wine and the skill of the winemaker - who, in his words, can work magic. We were excited to hear that the wine society are going to see him next week for a tasting - so you never know we may be able to buy it occasionally - though it will be for very special occasions i think.

We stopped for lunch in the village at the end of the market. The plat du jour was a beautiful fish dish and of course it was washed down with a very nice Viognier followed by a delicious Chocolate tart - the french do definately know how to lunch properly!

A trip up the hills to find a restaurant for this evening was an intersting drive and although there were fab views we decided not to risk doing this at night. We went on then to the town of Vienne for a little wonder and something to eat. Not quite the romantic market town we had expected but we are a bit off the tourist trail here- so we can expect to find some dead ends i guess!