L’Academie de la Closerie

Wine Education Curated by Neal Rosenthal

October 7-10, 2024

Scroll down for Day-by-Day Itinerary and Reading Suggestions

We are delighted to welcome you on what promises to be an enriching journey to France this October.

There will be so much to discuss, to see, and of course, to taste, this Fall in the Jura. We will gather in storied cellars to hear the tales of this vintage and the varied ones before it. We will discover the magic of living with the seasons and the trials of their unpredictability, and we will delve into the growers’ innovative plans for the future.  

A memorable trip awaits and we are eager to share the adventure with you as part of L’Académie at La Closerie des Capucines.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Monday, October 7th

9.30 am: We depart for a dynamic hike around Arbois visiting the beautiful waterfalls with our naturalist guide, Jean-Baptiste, an expert in the fauna and flora of the region. We discuss the geology and terroir of the region to gain a better understand what makes this place so special.

12:30 pm: Lunch at a winemakers’ favorite local restaurant, Comptoir des Docks.

2 pm: Grand tasting at La Closerie. We will make our way through a flight of 8 wines, to capture the specificities of Jura, its techniques and styles. All wines have been carefully curated by Neal Rosenthal, a pioneer importer in the Jura. 

4 pm: Visit at a local winery, Mickael Crinquand Overnoy in Pupillin. We will witness the vinification process with the artisan winemaker

5.30 pm: Break at the hotel to rest and relax before dinner.

7.30 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant presenting Jura specialities 

Tuesday, October 8th

10 am: Visit of the Château Chalon appellation, famous for its world-renowned “vin jaune”. We the a walk around the charming hilltop village and visit the abbey with a private guide. 

12 pm: Picnic and comté cheese tasting overlooking the beautiful panorama of la Reculée.

2 pm:  Visit with a local winemaker, Domaine Pêcheur in Varans.

4 pm: Chocolate and wine pairing. Arbois is the home of an award-winning artisan, one the best chocolatiers in France ! We will discuss the options of pairing, how to build a successful balance and go through their amazing work.

5.30 pm : Time to rest at the hotel.

7.30 pm: Dinner at Le Bistronome, serving elevated cuisine, with a carefully-curated local wine list. This will be the opportunity to explore older vintages and taste some of the Jura superstars.

Wednesday, October 9th

10 am: Visit of a small pig farm this morning. Vincent and his wife are farming organically, and are producing the finest meat in this part of France, offering their work in the Michelin starred restaurants of the East side of France. Possibility of a bike ride to get there. Alternatively, if this is not of interest, visit of Salin les Bains Unesco heritage salt mine ( bike ride also possible) 

12 pm : Simple lunch at local bistro, serving fresh, local food

2 pm : Tour and tasting with an artisan winemaker near Arbois. We will witness the vinification process with the artisan winemaker. 

4 pm: Visit of Louis Pasteur’s house, or possibility to visit the museum of world renowned painter, Goustave Courbet.

6 pm: Time to rest and enjoy a glass of crémant.

8 pm : Dinner at the newly-opened and acclaimed Circus restaurant in Arbois.

Please inform us of your departure plans so that we can assist you with a transfer to the train station, airport, or otherwise.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to slight change due to weather, scheduling conflicts, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Reading Suggestions

Reflections of a Wine Merchant

Neal Rosenthal

Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2022

Hugh Johnson

The Initiates: A Comic Artist and a Wine Artisan Exchange Jobs

Etienne Davodeau

Chéri

Colette