Winemaker Bernhard Backhaus enjoying some Saint Chinian on the beach of the River Orb facing the village of Roquebrun, Languedoc.

Winemaker Bernhard Backhaus enjoying some Saint-Chinian on the beach of the River Orb facing the village of Roquebrun, Languedoc.

After some white-water kayaking on the Orb River with Quebec writer Janine Saine (and ending up having a rather white-knuckle experience), I eventually found myself shivering in soaking-wet clothes on the beach opposite Roquebrun, being sworn into the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Saint-Chinian. It’s my own fault really, as I hadn’t seen the note advising us to bring a change of clothing…

With the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Saint-Chinian across the river from the picturesque town of Roquebrun, Languedoc.

With the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Saint-Chinian across the river from the picturesque town of Roquebrun, Languedoc.

A few incredibly refreshing (and invigorating) glasses of local wine later, I was chatting with the magnetically charming Bernhard Backhaus, Winemaker at his small Saint-Chinian domaine of Lanye-Barrac. Bernhard was kind enough so spend a few minutes talking about his wines and those of the Saint-Chinian appellation as I fought to control my shivers and shakes.

Please excuse the sound quality… we were battling with the elements that afternoon!

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Jamie Drummond

Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And he certainly needs a better microphone for field recordings like that.