Oenology and Discoveries Club

Organisation of the annual French wine fair in Charmes-sur-Rhône on the last weekend of March and various events related to the wine industry: tasting initiations, trips, conferences, cultural events, etc.

This year, the show celebrates its 20th anniversary and will take place on March 22, 23 and 24, 2024!
Since its inception, our show has always chosen to be unique: in the diversity of the wines presented, from most of France's regions, and in the range of quality wines (over 150 appellations) available to all. We are convinced that wine and viticulture, which are part of our shared history, must not become the prerogative of an economic elite.
Because before delighting our taste buds, wine is first and foremost a storyteller. It's these stories that we try to tell every year, by choosing a theme that forms a sort of common thread running through the show. This year's theme is: "wine, gastronomy and its history".
This theme will be illustrated by the giant photographs of our friend Claude Fougeirol, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, who will choreograph an artistic and historic-gastronomic journey through the aisles of the show.
Yves Rouèche, historian of gastronomy, will invite us to follow the path of French gastronomy from the Revolution to the present day.
Other workshops are planned throughout the weekend... with a number of headliners: "les toqués de l'Ardèche" will be in the limelight, with the participation of two starred chefs we know well: Richard Rocle from the Auberge de Montfleury in Saint-Germain, near Aubenas, and the local of the stage and our loyal partner: Olivier Samin, starred chef of the "Carré d'Aléthius". Their mission will be to enchant our taste buds by revisiting traditional French gastronomic dishes during workshops, and striving to find the perfect match with one of the wines from the 61 winegrowers present at the show.
We'll definitely have our heads in the stars for this 20th salon: our patron will be one of the standard-bearers of French gastronomy, chef Marcel Ravin, who has just been awarded a second star in the prestigious Michelin guide. A native of Martinique, he is the embodiment of French gastronomy's ability to renew itself and integrate new influences to transcend itself. Chef at the Blue Bay restaurant in Monte Carlo, he calls himself a "citizen of the world", and will explain how these influences give him that extra soul and creativity.
Other workshops are scheduled over the 3 days, and this year, exceptionally, they will take place under a marquee with a capacity of around 70 people.
Last but not least, for this 20th anniversary, the show will welcome a new chocolatier, Dominique Riou du Cheylard, and two new winemakers: Château de Terride in the Gaillac appellation, and Domaine Grachet-Duchemin in the Burgundy appellations of Maranges, Santenay and Saint-Aubin.
In addition, the organizers will be offering visitors two "20-year vintages" selected during a blind tasting: these two bottles, a Viré Clessé and a Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, sold exclusively at the "club œnologie et découvertes" stand, will be decked out in their finest attire, proudly displaying the highly colorful visual of this 20th show: no doubt for the sake of the label!
The organizers
See you on March 22, 23 and 24, 2024
Program, schedule and practical information at www.cluboenologie.com

Full details (list of exhibitors, program, events, club activities) can be found at: www.cluboenologie.com and on the club's Facebook page.

Other activities :
Every autumn, the COD offers cycles of 4 wine-tasting sessions led by professional sommeliers and oenologists, to introduce you to wine and wine-tasting, or to help you perfect your skills. For several years now, we've had an introductory group (beginners) and 3 advanced groups (16-17 places available per group).
Sessions take place between November and January.
Two discovery trips (1 day, the other 2.5 days) are organized each year, in spring and autumn. These activities, like all COD activities, are open to all.