(Some news from Mark Robertson, Jim's Loire's occasional Epeigné-les-Bois's distinguished correspondent.)

Mark in traditional attire

Photos of the Fête Country on Epeigné website.

Moules Frites (13th July) went very well, promised showers didn’t materialise and the Comité des Fêtes served close to 1400 meals (and 1000 crèpes).

Veraison started at the Clos Chossay for the Cot and Sauvignon a week ago and we’re looking at a very early vendange. We did have some rain (15mm) Saturday the 16th July and a few showers since.

The Moulin de Bourg is not formally for sale, but has had some viewings. (Potential as a small hotel/chambres d'hôtes?)

Sadly the Detour (Civray-en-Touraine) seems to have shut for good.

More positively the restaurant at Le Lézard Vert in Epeigné is busy and its reputation is spreading.

Mark@his surprise 50th birthday party: October 2005

La Nouvelle Republique carries a profile of Mark Robertson – gentleman rocker (aka Roberston as the NR prefers in its headline). Formerly of North London Mark and Susie moved to Epeigné-les-Bois seven years ago. Last May Mark became the first Briton to be elected onto the Epeigné-les-Bois Conseil Municipal. He and Susie have some 25 ares of vines at 'grand cru' Le Clos Chossay, making Mark the smallest garagiste in Touraine. They had the good fortune make their first wines in 2005. Unfortunately 2008 was a very small vintage with only 15 litres of Sauvignon made – this means that Mark is well under the bar for qualifying to be part of the Sauvignon Blanc project.

'Le grand cru'

The profile explains that Mark used to be the drummer in the seminal group, The Meteors, founded in 1980. Mark is currently involved in arranging Epeigné's first country festival on Sunday 24th May.

Also@Mark's party

8th September 2009: the article is no longer available on the site of La Nouvelle République.