We had a great time at each of these places and are very thankful for the restaurants, distributors, family and friends who all made this happen for us!!

Algonquin Event – St Louise, Missouri

Carters Kitchen – Charleston, South Carolina

Four Coursemen – Athens, Georgia

Dad tells me that the wines are simply amazing and ethereal…I don’t even know what that means, but it sounds good.

As always, it’s easier to show than explain, especially when trying to type with paws!

Cass approves!

Tom’s notes

Going back to France had a home familiarity that I wasn’t really expecting, but was pleasantly surprised with.  When I arrived in Paris, I knew where to go, how to get around and even what I wanted to do first – fromage, baguette, jambon sec, vin!  What I was expecting was to learn and work hard for the family that so graciously agreed to have me.  What I hoped for was to better understand the mysteries, or lack there of, of Burgundy wine making and to meet some new friends.  I got all of these plus an amazing amount of kindness, hospitality and open doors from everyone I was introduced to during my four week stay.

I could easily go on for pages and pages in detail about every experiences along the way, but in the sake of most readers attention spans to my rather boring prose and my lack of available time to write at length, I will try to break up in pieces.

Arranging work at a Burgundy winery (domaine) is not a simple task.  The domaines are often small, somewhat private and many are not well connected with the American wine industry.  There’s also that general reservation to outsiders that is still quite prevalent.   Yes, there’s the formal “stagaire” (internship) programs that are offered by the largest and most well distributed domaines, but these typically need to be arranged well in advance and can be very selective.  Also, I wasn’t at all interested in working for a giant wine business.

I decided to attempt to work the Burgundy harvest of 2011 in late July, yes, just one month prior to harvest!  Why? Well, because a very unique event occurred in the wine world this year that came to clarity in July.  A record early spring for Burgundy and late spring for Oregon, ensured there would sufficient time to participate in both completely.  I needed to figure something out quick hough!  Enter, Martin Boyer, a truly fine person of this world and native of Paris, France.

Martin and I met for the first time at the wedding of Kate’s Dad this summer in Connecticut.  He is Kate’s godfather and a very old and dear friend to Kate’s Dad, Andrew.  During the wedding I spoke to Martin about my one unfulfilled desire from our time living in France during 2009 was not being able to work with a Burgundian domaine.  Martin kindly offered to try and help and after two weeks of traded e-mails, phone calls and finger crossing, it was accomplished.  I would be assisting Domaine Nudant of Ladoix-Serrigny with the Vendanges,

My trip was planned to arrive in France on August 23rd.  Just enough time to adjust, spend a day or two in Paris and then get to Burgundy to work.  A week before leaving, the Nudant’s let me know that harvest had been delayed a week due to rain and cool weather.  Th

e ever gracious Martin offered to have me to his summer home in the Loire Valley and to introduce me to some winemakers there.

I will continue with the trip when there is more time, but here are some photos taken during my first week of the trip.

Hope everyone (like all 10 people who check out Cass’ blog) enjoys and continues to follow!

I’ve been told I have to wait a while before I can start sampling the yummy grapes.

- I chilled outside and sipped on some of that summer pink goodness I made last fall.  Yeah, you heard right, I made it, so don’t let mom or dad tell you otherwise!