This is the brief season of bernache – the cloudy drink that is semi-fermented wine from this autumn's vintage. It is often drunk with roast chestnuts and, in the Beaujolais, is called vin de paradis. It can be deceptively strong.
You'll find a full report on bernache at Bertrand Celce's Wine Terroirs site. Apparently we both visited Jackie Preys' winery in Meusnes early Friday evening 25th September. Both arrived unannounced – we left a few minutes before Bertrand arrived. A shame it would have been good to meet up.