On a warm and sunny September afternoon six Members met at the charming restaurant “Le Moulinet” in the picturesque town of Estavayer-Le-Lac to enjoy a Chinese lunch together.
Afterwards our carriage, drawn by two well-groomed horses, was awaiting us to take us on a rather jerky ride through the beautiful forest of the Cheyres Nature Reserve to the wine cellar of the
Association des Vignerons Broyards de Cheyres. We were warmly welcomed by the secretary of the Association, Monsieur Roland Pillonet, a retired Latin and history lecturer, who as the son of a vigneron has the love of the vines in his veins.
While we were sampling the Association’s delicious wines, Monsieur Pillonet regaled us with an interesting and entertaining talk on the history of the wines in the Cheyres region.
He also spoke of the problems to be encountered in the vineyards. Not only do birds attempt to steal the grapes but also foxes, wild boar and badgers attack the vines.
Then our coachman was waiting to drive us through the Reserve once more and back to Estavayer.
Thank you, Joy, for this very enjoyable afternoon.
Valerie Eckstein
