Uplifting tasting on the Pic Baudille

May 21st is of course Ascension day and what better than an invigorating ascent of the Pic Baudille - the mountain that dominates the vineyard heart of the Herault valley. What's better is combining the walk with fine wine and a bring your own picnic. Many of the local wine producers, we counted over 10, bring their wine (driven up not carried!), families and friends. Even engraved glasses were available, apparently provided by the Terrasses du Larzac. We found the finest wines were Mas Brunet (Causse de la Selle), Reserve d'O (Arboras) and Mas Cal Demoura (Jonquiers). Also good, and at a more everyday price, was Mas Pountil (Jonquiers). The standard was very high, perhaps the weakest wine by far was from the Montpeyroux Coop and that has a good reputation. Just as memorable was the walk back taking in the magical and serene Larzac plateau.