Comments on: The City of Vines and Wine reveals many secrets

By: tomfiorina

tomfiorina — Sat, 22 May 2010 07:53:50 +0000

Maybe it wasn't clear in my article, Ryan, that the Cité de la Vigne et du Vin isn't really for experienced winemakers such as you. I'd add the caveat that it might be interesting if you managed to speak to some of the INRA researchers who are working there. I wasn't able to do that on my visit, but maybe I'll try to revisit it with that goal in mind. However, for children or for those who want to learn more about wine, winemaking or viticulture, I think that there's a great deal there that might be of interest. Which is why I recommended, in my tweet to you, that you might view the Cité differently when you have some children to entertain. But then again, your progeny would undoubtedly grow up on a vineyard, so this might not interest them as much as, say, a visit to Parc Astérix. Thanks for your comment (and tweets); they made a good point about my article and this type of visit.

By: Ryan O'Connell

Ryan O'Connell — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:02:46 +0000

Wow, your impression is so much more positive than mine.

Maybe I’ll have to give the place a second chance.

By: tomfiorina

tomfiorina — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:42:23 +0000

Thanks, Wink. I’d like to have one of those magic greenhouses for my backyard, as well.

By: Wink Lorch

Wink Lorch — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:23:00 +0000

What a great sounding place, Tom, glad you finally got there and, of course, that you wrote about it to give us all the details. Must see about adding it to my Narbonne guide.

I just loved reading about the fast-growing-cycle vines – how innovative!

By: tomfiorina

tomfiorina — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:00:13 +0000

Thanks, Louise, for your comment. La Cité de la Vigne et Vin is an interesting place, particularly, I believe, for children. Maybe you can spend more time exploring Gruissan, as well. It was cold and rainy when I was there, but, if you can wait for a sunny day, the circular village would be nice to explore. And if you're interested in windsurfing, someone from that area told me that the world windsurfing speed record was set there. The Tramontane turns out to be useful for something other than keeping vines somewhat disease- and bug-free.

By: Louise Hurren

Louise Hurren — Sat, 08 May 2010 10:42:58 +0000

Tom, I’ve been toying with the idea of visiting this place but was wondering if I’d be underwhelmed. By the sound of it, I’ve been missing out – thanks for a very comprehensive account. It’s pouring with rain right now, and there are many public holidays coming up… Cité de la Vigne et du Vin, here we come!