The Alsace Wine Route is celebrating from October 19th to 22nd! This friendly "Fascinating Weekend" event is the perfect opportunity to discover the vineyards and enjoy numerous activities at the vineyards and discoveries certified businesses.
It is for this special occasion that we go to meet Mathieu Clavon, owner of the "Chalet des Bois", a charming little haven in Lalaye.
Hello Mathieu, could you introduce yourself briefly?
Hello, I fell in love with Alsace during my studies at the Strasbourg School of Decorative Arts over 25 years ago and never left. A lover of nature and the finer things in life, my partner and I spent a few months searching for a little piece of paradise before arriving in the Villé Valley, thanks to Décibulles, four years ago. There, we renovated an old hunting lodge tucked away in the forest. During the lockdown, which we were fortunate enough to spend in Lalaye, we thought we could create a haven for those who love peace and nature. Chalet Des Bois emerged from the ground—well, from the forest—to offer quality, eco-friendly furnished tourist accommodation. Supported by the Eastern Region, we have worked to create a place that is a true sanctuary of rejuvenation for our guests. And to share it with them… since wine is part of the experience, we offer all our guests a bottle of Crémant de Pinot, respecting the Alsatian tradition of hospitality!
On Sunday, October 22nd, you will be organizing a reverse wine tasting as part of the Fascinating Vineyards & Discoveries Weekend. Can you tell us about the activity you will be offering?
So, through this amazing sensory experience, we want to do things the other way around… That is to say, start with the consumer, their desires, tastes, sensations… and offer them a sensory stimulation that will enrich their own senses.
Each person has a different taste which is practiced and learned as opportunities and learning occur.
They will enjoy an educational experience through the exploration and discovery of unique, multisensory tastes, as all the senses will be engaged. Taste and smell will be explored through tasting, while the sense of smell will be stimulated by music tailored to the wine's flavor: smooth, rhythmic, light, sparkling… through jazz music, which offers a wide and rich palette of nuances.
We offer a rich experience for epicureans and the curious, one that draws on personal sensations. The word "fascinating" is entirely appropriate, as it's a more complete and enriching "tasting" approach than a simple guided tasting focused on what to feel.
How does this tasting differ from a classic wine tasting?
This reverse tasting is designed as a way to learn about tasting; it invites people to use their own sensations and feelings.
The idea is not to base this solely on taste or smell, but also on people's lived experiences. People are therefore encouraged to find moments that connect them to their senses.
Then, in a second step, the aim is to use this as a starting point to make the connection to a taste or a smell. The goal is for everyone to gain confidence and independence, so they can better appreciate future tastings.
In addition to enjoying a unique experience, the hosts of this unusual gathering will have the chance to win a fantastic prize. Can you tell us what kind of game you'll be organizing? And what the prizes are?
Each participant in this reverse tasting will receive a voucher for a prize draw at the end of the day, giving them a chance to win a two-night stay for two people at Chalet Des Bois. Valued at €500, the prize includes accommodation, cleaning fees, bed linen and towels, orange juice, tea and coffee, subject to availability, to be chosen between November 1, 2023 and November 1, 2024 (excluding transport and tourist tax).
What made you want to organize such an event at your home?
Who better than a local to reveal the secrets to be shared?
In addition to the environmental approach undertaken since the beginning of the construction of Chalet Des bois, with the Green Key label, the unwavering support of tourism stakeholders, we are committed to ensuring that our guests are impeccably received (so far nothing very exceptional…) but above all that they leave with unique memories to share with their friends and can tell their own story; and return with the curiosity of discovery.
Alsace is a land of rich heritage, a fertile ground for exchange… A love of hospitality, a desire to share and create, were the sparkling sparks of this initiative
Your gîte has recently been awarded the "Vineyards & Discoveries" label. What does this label bring you?
If we're going to do things, we'll do them well. This certification, in addition to increasing the visibility of Chalet Des Bois, allows us to bring together all types of stakeholders (individuals, professionals, winemakers, etc.) so that our tourists' stays are memorable, unique, and enriching experiences.
This certification also guarantees a high level of quality and standards for those curious to discover Alsace, obliging these stakeholders to maintain them. It's a real asset for the quality of service we owe our visitors and for promoting Alsatian tourism.
How can I book places for the reverse tasting?
It's easy, just reserve your place at https://www.jeconsomme-valleedeville.com/produit/degustation-inversee/
or at the Villé Valley Tourist Office on 03 88 57 11 69, or at the Chalet des Bois (06 70 64 07 65)