First French season in South Africa kicks off in July

The French Season in South Africa will commence formally in July and continue into November. This initiative reinforces the strong, deep bonds that unite the two countries in the fields of arts and culture, gastronomy, and sport amongst others. It aims to discover new facets of this relationship, while forging long-term ties. Laurent Clavel, French Commissioner-General for the seasons, believes that this initiative will offer South Africans a glimpse into the cultural scene in a modern day France, which is contemporary and dynamic and embraces the diversity of their society.

Visitors to the Bastille festival will have the chance to meet ten winemakers from the Rhône-Alpes Region in France, who will be showcasing some of their finest wines. These French wines will be available for tasting at two wine tastings organized specifically for members of the public, as well as in a specially demarcated VIP marquee, adjacent to the main marquee during the festival.

The French winemakers attending the Bastille Festival include:

• Gilles Barge, Domaine Barge (Cote Rotie, Condrieu)
  
• Jean Luc Monteillet, Domaine De Montine (Grignan Les Adhemar, Cotes Du Rhone, Vinsobres)
  
• Gilles Verzier, Vignobles Verzier, Chanteperdrix (Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Saint Joseph)
  
• Nadia Fayolle, Domaine Des Martinelles (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage)
  
• Yves Cuilleron, Cave Cuilleron (Cote Rotie, Condrieu)
  
• André Mercier, Vignerons Ardechois (Vins D' Ardeche, Cotes Du Rhone, Cotes Du Vivarais)
  
• Dominique Courbis, (St Joseph, Cornas)
  
• Yann Chave, Domaine Yann Chave (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage)
  
• Pierre Mollier, Mas De Bagnols (Ardeche, Cotes Du Vivarais)
  
• Laurent Vial, Domaine Du Colombier (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage)

For more information, go to www.franschhoekbastille.co.za.