BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU DAY | FOOD PREVIEW
As the third Thursday of November approaches, bars and restaurants across Wales are getting ready to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day. We may not be in France but, to the satisfaction of all wine fans out there, there are plenty of events to entertain the occasion throughout Wales.
For those of you who are not familiar with Beaujolais Day, this is your chance to enjoy the art of wine, accompanied by spectacular foods. Beaujolais, to start with, is a region in France, just south of Burgundy. It is within this region that Gamay grapes grow to be handpicked for the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. At one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, over a million cases travel across France to get the first bottles to various markets all over the world. Many of those bottles will be destined to your hometown.
In Cardiff this year there is plenty going on. Bar 44 are offering a three course meal of Northern Spanish food, plus nibbles on arrival. A glass of Beronia blanco is served with the starter, whilst a glass of Beronia reserve 2010 accompanies the main course. Likewise, towards the centre of Cardiff, plush bar and restaurant Chapel 1877 are hosting a Beaujolais bash. Offering a 3 course meal with a glass of Beaujolais, Chapel 1877 have incorporated live entertainment into their event for customers to enjoy.
Celebrations continue throughout renowned establishments in Wales. Swansea’s luxury boutique hotel, Morgans, being one of them. The hotel boasted a huge success last year for the occasion with a variety of entertainment throughout the day and night, such as DJs, magicians and a live band. What’s more, the upmarket hotel has promised that this year will be even bigger and better, with Beaujolais Nouveau taking place within the hotel itself and a marquee.
Bar 44, Westgate Street, Cardiff, Thurs 19 November. Price: £49.95pp. Info: www.bar44.co.uk
Chapel 1877, Churchill Way, Cardiff, Thurs 19 November. Price: £49.00pp. Info: www.chapel1877.com
Morgans, Somerset Place, Swansea, Thurs 19 November. Info: www.morganshotel.co.uk
words NAOMI MACHIN
photos SHUNICHI KOUROKI, KOBAKOU