Our second stop on the way to Paris was Chagny. It’s a small village in the middle of France’s Burgundy region.

Wine tasting in Burgundy is a different experience from that of California. Some wines are only available at the local caveaux, while other vintners have tasting rooms that are like a small restaurant, where you taste their wines with a lunch of local cuisine.

Many vintners only see you by appointment, and only when they’re done in the vineyards, or before or after they’ve picked up their kids from school. The owner from our hotel made two such appointments for us. When we arrived at the wineries we were met by the owners. It was as if we were visiting a friend for a glass of wine and some conversation. It was just us, with a few bottles of wine and a spittoon, surrounded by barrels or cases of wine in a cave.

After two nights, a few good meals, and a taste of more than 20 wines, we’re off to Paris.