One of the best things about working as a wine supervisor for  ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is the travel perks I receive. I have been given the opportunity to visit many of the world's wine regions. The experience and knowledge one gains by actually being in the vineyard and speaking to winemakers is irreplaceable. While most of the trips are fast-paced and full appointments, we occasionally have a free day to explore the surroundings.

This past October on a trip through France we had a free day in Paris. It was a Sunday, so most wineries are not open to visitors and regardless, there are not any vineyards in Paris.....or so I thought.

Brad Lewis, our wine director, suggested we find the "famous" vineyard in Paris. Traveling with Brad is like having a walking encyclopedia along with you. As a history buff he is always sharing his knowledge and insight of a particular location. So off we went hiking up the hills of Paris in search of Vigne de Montmartre.

Montmartre is primarily known for the white-domed Basilica of Sacre Coeur on its summit. Over the years Montmartre has been called home by many artists, writers, musicians and actors including Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Henre Matisse.

After hours of searching, of course with three men all too proud to ask for directions, and the temperature dropping, we ducked into a coffee shop to warm up. Just as we were about to give up, Brad spotted a street sign out the window of the cafe pointing to Vigne de Montmartre.

After a couple of twists and turns down some side streets we had reached our destination.

Brad Lewis and Atanas Nechkov in front of the Vigne de Montmartre
 
While we did not get to taste the wine (only 1500 bottles of Clos Montmartre are produced each year), we all felt a strange sense of accomplishment.

Paul Quaglini, Wine Supervisor, SE Florida