The grape harvest is in full swing with the workers getting to the vineyards at the crack of dawn and going until nightfall. The streets are sticky with juice and the hot dry weather continues. Hopefully it will be a good year for the wine.

Olonzac Retirees Luncheon

The Olonzac Retirees Luncheon

Almonds Frame the View to Cesseras

The beautiful weather continues in the Minervois. The 6th of February and still no winter. 15C today. The day had to be enjoyed with a short walk to the top of a hill just outside Olonzac. Cesseras, with the hamlet of Fauzan above it, has a rambling ancient Chateau at it's heart divided up long ago with bits now abandoned and parts inhabited. It's actually quite hard to find by walking in the village because of the narrowness of the streets. Off to the left is the square Romanesque church tower.
There is a small cafe in the village named the Petit Causse that has local musicians on Saturday nights and serves very good food. I think they may be closed Monday through Wednesday in the winter. It's worth a visit. They serve organic wine.
Not just the almonds but many other things are blooming like Irises, Mimosa trees and others all over the valley and the honey bees are busy.

It is the warmest winter I have ever experienced in the Minervois valley. The days are short but sunny and there is much less wind than normal. Global warming? Who knows?
Being able to sit on the terrace of a local cafe on just about any afternoon is pretty good. I hope my saying this doesn't jinx the deal. The trees are budding and the almonds are beginning to blossom. I saw some lovely roses in someones garden yesterday. The forecast high for tomorrow is 18C in glorious sunshine.