Beaujolais Wine Country: The Trendsetter`s Travel Destination

An official wine route, updated guide book, interactive online map and guided
audio tours help visitors get the most out of their Beaujolais vacation
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Picture sitting in a restaurant along the Beaujolais wine route, sipping a glass
of locally made wine while gazing out over rolling hills laced with vineyards
and centuries-old architecture. Fortunately, it has never been easier to turn
this daydream into a dream vacation. In addition to launching the new Beaujolais
wine route in 2009, Inter Beaujolais is releasing additional user-friendly
travel tools for visitors this spring: free copies of the updated 2nd edition of
the Beaujolais Wine Tourism Guide Book (available at local Offices du Tourisme)
and an online interactive map of must-see destinations at www.beaujolais.com,
where a free guided audio tour and GPS-compatible program can also be
downloaded. Beaujolais is proud to be the first region in France to offer a GPS
mapping system for its wine route.

Why choose Beaujolais? The stunning, picturesque region - often referred to as
the "Tuscany of France" - is a wine and food lover`s paradise, boasting a number
of Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning restaurants, including the famous Le
Cep. In the heart of the region lies the bustling city of Lyon, which is not
only considered to be the gastronomic capital of the region, but also of all of
France. More than 150 chateaux and ancient architectural sites such as Chateau
de la Chaize dot the scenic wine route throughout the 36 quaint villages.
Chateau de Bagnols and Chateau de Pizay are open to the public and offer hotel
and spa accommodations. There is a plethora of must-see sights, but two that
should not be missed include the Romanesque cloisters of Salles-Arbuissonas and
the "land of golden stones," le Pays des Pierres Dorées, where the village of
Oingt, considered to be one of the most beautiful in France, is located. To add
to the myriad wonders that will meet the eye while vacationing in Beaujolais,
travelers will also have the opportunity to experience the region`s art de vivre
firsthand and visit tiny villages that seem untouched by modern times. The `Slow
Food` movement that has steadily gained popularity in the U.S. over the past two
decades is -and always has been- a way of life in Beaujolais.

The celebration of food, culture and tradition in Beaujolais is evident in the
many annual festivals that take place year round in the region. Details are
listed below:

* Beaujolais Crus Festival (April 24-25, 2010 in Chiroubles): Taste an
unparalleled range of Cru wines and local foods displayed in the streets of the
village;
* 9th Annual Caudalies Walk (May 23, 2010 in Salles-Arbuissonnas-en-Beaujolais):
Begin the day with a marked 5-, 7.5- or 12-mile walk/run/cycle around the town
and vineyards followed by music, art exhibitions and wine tastings;
* Cadoles et Sens Festival, (May 22-24, 2010 in the villages of Bully, Lacenas
and Theizé): Awaken the senses in le Pays des Pierres Dorées during a three day
festival amongst the most beautifully constructed villages of yellow stones;
enjoy picnics, wine tastings, magnificent dinners, lively theater and musical
performances throughout the weekend while taking in the breathtaking landscape;
* 9th Annual Charrois Gourmands, (June 12, 2010 in Lantignié): A nearly 4-mile
gastronomic hike; at each mile a different dish is served with a Beaujolais wine
by a local winemaker;
* Friends of Brouilly Festival (August 8, 2010 in Mont Brouilly): Each year the
Friends of Brouilly association meets on the mall around the romantic chapel at
the top of the hill to share wine and food while celebrating their friendship
during a giant picnic;
* Paradise Festival (October 3, 2010 in Odenas): Village festival celebrating
the first wine coming off the press, which is referred to as the paradis because
it is so sweet and flavorful; accompanied by traditional delicacies, folklore,
music and art performances for adults and children;
* Fleurie Wine Market (October 16-17, 2010 in Fleurie) Taste and purchase some
of the Cru`s best wines.

With the official wine route completed and additional travel tools available,
for trendsetting travelers, a visit to Beaujolais wine country is a must this
year. A vast world of great wine, food, and hospitality awaits.

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Sopexa USA
JoLynn Howe, 212-386-7416
Public Relations Senior Account Executive
jolynn.howe@sopexa.com
or
Inter Beaujolais
Mélina Condy, +33 (0)4 74 02 22 16
Press Relations
mcondy@beaujolais.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010