Going on a day trip booze cruise with a mate or two is one of the few pleasures left to the married, 30 something man about town that likes a glass of wine or two. You see, the wife doesn't mind because (a) you are only gone for the day (b) you are going to save money (working on the same principle that she has when she goes shopping in a sale) and (c) you are likely to be in a good mood when you return because you've had some 'cave space' so she can spring those little DIY jobs on you and you are likely to agree to get them done. But a day trip to France doesn't leave much time in between travelling to get your work done, so here are a few tips to ensure that you have a successful trip:
1. Get up early and get onto a Ferry or EuroTunnel before the 9am rush
I know it's hard to drag yourself out of bed at 6am on a Saturday morning but truly you will see the benefits. Around 9am the world descends on Dover/Folkstone and delays WILL occur!
2. Plan your trip well in advance
Getting from one supermarket/wine retailer to another takes time, especially when you get lost, so know where it is you are going and how to get from A to B.
3. Decide what kind of lunch you want
The French are very good at 'Le Long Lunch'. If you want a fancy meal then prepare to give up your afternoon. Alternatively, pick up a baguette and some cheese in the SuperMarche and go picnic on the beach (or find a cafe doing Croque Monsieur (!)).
4. Decide what wine you want to buy
Not necessarily this particular chateau from that particular year. I mean, do you want to buy very good quality wine at a discount to UK prices or do you want to buy 3 euro plonk for everyday quaffing? The outlets you decide to shop at will be determined by your choices.
5. Stick to a budget
It is very easy to get carried away when you are faced with case loads of vino at tempting prices and the bill soon mounts up. Keep a careful record of what you have purchased as you go and don't spank the credit card (remember that you will also get commission charges from your bank a few weeks after you return).
6. Remember the exchange rate
If you don't know how many euros to the pound then you are going to be in trouble.
7. Take a Guide Book
Bring along a wine reference book or Vintage Guide to help you - you will be amazed how often you refer to it.
8. Don't miss your train/ferry home
Your wife will be most unhappy and unlikely to ever let you go again (well, you'll be planning the next one in 6 months anyway won't you?!)
Here are some wine buying options for you if you decide to go on a booze cruise to Calais:
Carrefour Calais
This Supermarket is located in Cite Europe, just a couple of miles from the Eurotunnel exit and has a large selection of wines. However, the wine is definitely tending towards the cheap end of the market, so fill your boots with cases of 3 and 4 euro bottles but don't expect anything too fancy.
Stockton & Marlow Wine Merchant
A delightful wine merchant located in the centre of Calais and focusing on a small but carefully selected range of affordable wines. Starting at around 2 euros a bottle and going skywards, there is something for everyone here and the friendly owner John Stockton will be happy to open up bottles to let you taste before making your choice.
Calais Vins
An excellent outlet, just off the motorway and very easy to find. This place carries a huge selection of Bordeaux wines and is a much more upmarket shopping experience than going to the supermarkets. I likened it to shopping at a large Majestic wine warehouse.
Thanks for the tips PHA!
Posted by: KG | July 16, 2007 at 12:51 PM