Guy Cousin in his vineyard at Concise © ADNV – Zoé Jobin
In the vineyards of Mathod © ADNV – Zoé Jobin
The Nord vaudois region boasts two wine appellations.
The AOC Côtes de l’Orbe and the AOC Bonvillars are real treasures in the Vaud winegrowing landscape.
If in the past, wine produced in these regions was sometimes disparaged, it’s worth noting the rise of the new generation, as evidenced by the various competitions where wines from the region have finished on the top steps of the podium.
With production sometimes confidential, and estates regularly varying in size from 5 to 8 hectares, the region is full of nuggets to discover, particularly through wine tourism activities, or even just a visit to the cellar on a Saturday morning.
A moment for yourself in a convivial setting © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
Alice Perdriolle and Lucie Theurillat offer you an exceptional experience in the heart of the AOC Bonvillars vineyards. Attached to their respective terroirs and professions, these two young women have combined their universes to create an unusual gourmet tour.
Intrigued? We explain the concept:
Meet at 10:00 am at Domaine de Gourmandaz in Corcelles-près-Concise. After meeting Alice and Lucie and the other participants, Lucie will explain the various basic sketching techniques.
After this short theoretical introduction, you’ll set off to discover the most beautiful spots in the Bonvillars wine region. At the various stops, you’ll draw your sketches with Lucie’s expert advice on how to achieve the best possible lines.
To accompany your learning experience, Alice will introduce you to different wines from the Domaine and the specific characteristics of the Bonvillars terroir. And to add a gourmet touch, an aperitif dinner featuring local produce will accompany your sketches and the tasting.
Finally, you’ll return to the Domaine de Gourmandaz around 2:00 pm, where the activity will come to an end.
Useful information :
So, what do you say to a bite to eat in an exceptional setting?
Book your unusual gourmet tour here.
On the last Sunday in September, the Bloesch family from Domaine La Boulaz welcomes you for an exclusive day in the heart of the vineyard. Arnaud and Léonard, who are about to take over the reins of the Domaine from their father Jacques, open the doors of their world to you in this, the Domaine’s 100th anniversary year.
So, on September 29, meet us at 10:00 am in Bonvillars for a day of hands-on experience of the grape harvest. After arriving on site, you’ll go straight into the vineyards to harvest the grapes for about an hour, while the Bloesch family explains the winemaking profession and the local terroir. During this escapade in the heart of the vineyard, you’ll taste the Domaine’s wines and enjoy an aperitif in an exceptional setting overlooking Lake Neuchâtel.
Finally, you’ll head to the cellar for a tour and explanations of the history of the estate, the processes involved and the job of the wine-maker.
Practical information:
Would you like to discover the harvest at Domaine La Boulaz? Book now here.
The Bloesch family: Jacques, Arnaud and Léonard © La Boulaz
Bunches of grapes a few weeks before harvest © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
The Grandson and Arnex-sur-Orbe gourmet walks and the Côtes de l’Orbe Half-Marathon are must-do events at the end of summer in northern Vaud, offering visitors the chance to discover the landscape, the wines and a host of local produce.
Valérie Marendaz offers a fun, gourmet outing from her cellar in Mathod.
From April to August, set off on a gourmet walk through the vineyards of Mathod.
The concept is simple, but devilishly effective:
At least 12 hours before your walk, you book a kit (2 options to choose from) with Valérie Marendaz for your gourmet break.
At the time agreed with the Cave, you arrive on site to collect your kit and pay.
Afterwards, you’ll set off on an hour-long stroll through the vineyard, where a trail of panels explaining the history of the Cave will enable you to learn more about this family estate.
During your walk, you’ll pass by Capite à Pierrot, where you can enjoy a picnic with a magnificent view of the vineyards and the Alps.
Finally, you’ll head back down to the village of Mathod to pick up your kit and conclude this gourmet activity.
Practical information:
More information on www.cave-combe.ch/vino-rando.
In Valeyres-sous-Rances, the historic and imposing Domaine du Manoir was bought by the Sother family a few years ago.
As well as taking over the winery, the Sother family have set up their own cooperage.
Using the expertise of cooper Rémi Merlier, 100% Swiss oak barrels are made in the heart of the Côtes de l’Orbe.
During a tour of the premises, you’ll discover all the subtleties to be taken into account when creating a barrel at different stages, such as splitting, maturation or toasting and its impact on the wine’s aromas.
Practical information:
For more information: www.tonnellerie.ch.
The region’s winemakers generally open their tasting rooms on Saturday mornings.
You’ll be able to enjoy a convivial moment while chatting directly with the producers, discussing their philosophy of wine and vineyard work.
The sheer size of the wineries and estates in the region makes it easy to get to know each other, and leaves plenty of room for interesting exchanges and discoveries of local culture.
Guy Cousin, winemaker in Concise © ADNV – Zoé Jobin
The tasting rooms are open on Saturday mornings © ADNV – Zoé Jobin
Agence ADNV / Office du tourisme du Nord vaudois
Avenue de la Gare 2
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
T +41 24 423 03 13
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