Volnay
It was getting late in the afternoon and it was time to call it a day. It was a quiet afternoon when I was passing through Volnay. I slowed down to see an old laundry house. I checked inside and it looked like an indoor swimming pool and the surroundings were clean. I thought this would be the right place to spend the night. I could hear a dog barking next door; perhaps he noticed my movements and not to get a lot of attention, I walked my bike quietly inside and settled in. I took my time to get my stuff set. I still had leftover of food with me. I still had water left to brush my teeth. I got everything I needed and throughout the night nobody bothered me and slept uninterrupted. I slowly got myself ready in the morning and pedaled my way though the vineyards. What a beautiful sight!
It turned out that throughout my trip, I didn’t have to make reservations, only in certain cases like entering a big city, but if I do have time, I try to get out the city and find a campground. Most of the time, I just pedaled and stopped as I pleased and I always ended up finding a place and at times, a campground. Being flexible and spontaneous is a good thing to have an enjoyable ride. Just enjoying the present moment and pretty everything opens up and that makes it exciting and adventuresome. If only we could do this in life, not worrying what’s ahead of us.
Volnay (vohl-nay) is a charming commune in the Côte-d'Or department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. Renowned for its wine production, Volnay is located in the heart of Burgundy, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. Here are some key points about Volnay:
Wine Production:
Pinot Noir: Volnay is particularly famous for its red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape. These wines are known for their elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity. They are often described as having floral and red fruit notes with a silky texture and fine tannins.
Terroir: The vineyards of Volnay benefit from a unique terroir, with limestone-rich soils that contribute to the distinctive character of the wines. The village has a variety of Premier Cru vineyards, which are considered some of the best in Burgundy.
Classification: There are no Grand Cru vineyards in Volnay, but the village boasts numerous Premier Cru sites, such as Les Caillerets, Clos des Chênes, and Champans, which produce some of the finest wines in the region.
History:
Ancient Roots: Volnay has a long history of viticulture, with wine production dating back to Roman times. The village has been associated with high-quality wine for centuries.
Historical Sites: The commune itself is picturesque, with historical buildings, narrow streets, and traditional Burgundian architecture.
Geography:
Location: Volnay is situated on the slopes of the Côte de Beaune, just south of the town of Beaune and neighboring the famous wine villages of Pommard and Meursault.
Scenic Beauty: The area is known for its scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and charming countryside, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists.
Cultural and Wine Tourism:
Wine Tasting: Visitors to Volnay can enjoy wine tastings at local domaines and wineries, many of which are family-owned and have been producing wine for generations.
Wine Tours: The region offers various wine tours that allow visitors to explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and experience the unique terroir of Volnay.
Local Festivals: Volnay, like many villages in Burgundy, celebrates its wine heritage with local festivals and events, particularly during the harvest season.
Gastronomy:
Local Cuisine: The region is known for its excellent cuisine, with many local restaurants offering traditional Burgundian dishes that pair perfectly with the local wines. Specialties include coq au vin, escargot, and boeuf bourguignon.
Community and Lifestyle:
Small Village Charm: Volnay is a small, close-knit community that maintains a traditional, rural lifestyle. The village's economy is largely centered around viticulture and agriculture.
Hospitality: The residents of Volnay are known for their hospitality, welcoming visitors who come to experience the wines and the beauty of the region.
Volnay represents a quintessential part of Burgundy's wine heritage, offering a unique blend of historical significance, scenic beauty, and exceptional wines. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and traditions of Burgundy.