Ronde du Malepère

Every year the Malepère region celebrates the harvest of the wine with a 2 day fête. Each year the location changes and this time it was held in the neighbouring village of Alairac. The forecast for the day hadn’t been good but we woke up to blue skies and a gentle wind, it was beautiful.

Once we got to Alairac we paid €5 for our glass which entitled us to taste wines from all the producers that had come to the festival. We had bought some of the wines at the local caves or Supermarkets but this tasting session means that we can sample some of the more unusual wines of the region (and very nice they were too!) Our cave from the village has produced a very good Primeur this harvest. We tasted (and bought) a very good red wine that is produced by our doctor and his wife.

After speeches and the giving of prizes, they announced that the apéros were available. As usual, there was a rush for the bottles and charcuterie which had been spread on the table. There was no need to hurry as the wine and food kept coming. Whilst we were eating and drinking, we were entertained by bandas. Some people even danced to the music.

As well as les caveaux, there were stalls selling a variety of local fare. There was also a vide grenier all around the streets, vintage cars, bandas were playing around the town and the whole place was bustling. It was great.