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Just off the A10 Autoute (l’Atlantique) a few kilometres north of Niort (79, Deux-Sevres, Poitou-Charentes - see map) the town of Pamproux has a different twist on the wine harvest festival (festival des Vendanges) - throughout the week-long festival from 6 - 15th October 2006 visitors are encouraged to help with the grape harvest through the provision of a wide variety of musical offerings - some even in the vineyard. It should all add up to a jolly week, although be warned that grape-picking is murder on your back, and you tend to get filthy as the juice from split grapes is very sticky.

The wines here are the Vins de Pays Charentais, mainly white wines from grapes that also serve as the basis for Cognac. Ugni Blanc and Columbard are the traditional varieties but more Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are evident, which add body and richness to what otherwise can be rather thin acidic wines (ideal for Cognac!). I have tasted some very good light, fresh whites from the region. I cannot say the same for the reds which I’ve always found a little disappointing. However if you want to try some of the best wines from the area, Swallow Fine Wines in Salisbury and online are offering a mixed case of wines from Domaine Gardrat.