​Bernard Vissoud  - Founder of Alpes Flaveurs

Having obtained senior graduate studies in viticulture and oenology and also being a qualified mountain guide, Bernard became the first person to organise oenological excursions in France and in 1996 he created “Alpes Flaveurs” in 2001 he won 2nd place in the “Grand Prix National de l’oenotourisme” and twice the “Coup de Coeur” (Favorite) in the “Revue du vin de France”
​Bernard is from an old Savoy family which originated in Les Marches (73800) which nestles at the foot of the famous Mont Granier in the Parc Naturel de Chartreuse (directly opposite the Parc naturel des Bauges). This is a very important wine growing area and is well known for its quality wines and superb countryside. It is also the historical site of the largest disaster ever in the Alps – the landslide of the mountain in 1248 which killed 5000 people.
Bernard Vissoud has a duel “culture” only known to the people that live in the mountains and are wine producers, as were all people originally from around the Mont Blanc, in Savoy, Switzerland and Italy

The Savoie Mont-Blanc Countryside

Alpes Flaveurs has been developed on the site of Savoie Mont Blancs Alpes, thanks to its incomparable natural environment, its amazing history, its legendary places and its delicious local quality food specialities and excellent wines which all go to make the Savoie Mont Blanc Alpes a favourite destination for lovers of oenology in all its forms- Here you will find lakes, mountains and vineyards that will thrill all your senses and where you  will be able to spend very special and unforgettable moments
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Alpes Flaveurs

​Alpes Flaveurs offers several varied private services in “wine tourism “which really combine perfectly the discovery of the region and its wines.
  • You can discover the area in several ways – by car, bus , Limousine, Deutches (2CV), Segways, electric bicycle, mountain bikes
  • Unique trekking in France where you can go from the tops of the mountain ranges to the wine producers cellar, (can also be done in winter using snow shoes)
  • Trekking and wine tasting in the vineyards
  • Wine aperitifs, initiation in oenology, wine discovery evenings at the wine producers cellar, at your accommodation, hotel,  at a refuge or at your work place – everything is possible
  • Meals of locally produced specialities and wine tasting in the wine producers cellar or in a restaurant of your choice.
  • Wine tasting in different places (in the vineyards in the full mountain, in refuge etc…)
  • Seminars at your workplace, in the vineyards or in any other interesting places to give you a change of scene.
Quality
The routes taken by car or if you are trekking are chosen for their beauty and interest. The Wine producers who work with Alpes Flaveurs are some of the best known and respected in Savoie, their welcome is very friendly and their wine tastings are generous.  You will have the chance to taste some very rare wines. All food and wine for picnics and meals are provided by well known and respected local producers
 
Accommodation
In the wine producing area of Savoy there are many types of accommodation available, I can help you in making your choice if needed.
 
Programmes
Evenings, half day, full days, 2 day or 3 day programmes are available
 
Alpes Flaveur events can be organised for one person or for very large groups
 
Made to measure programmes and events can be catered for or adapted to suit your needs as best as we can
 
To receive a list of the different programmes available or you would like a quotation for a custom made programme, please don’t hesitate to contact me by mail giving me the exact number of people who need to be catered for
Bernard.vissoud@alpes-flaveurs.com

Wine in Savoy at the present time

​In the Alps, the age old vineyards that cover the foothills of the spectacular mountain ranges are producing rare wines which are now considered to be amongst the best in France. Savoy holds the record for the number of grape varieties (23) and Crus (22) in respect of the surface of the vineyards. Eight of our grape varieties are unique to Savoy which produce all types of wine and became the 8th Cremant from France in 2014.
In 2000 the world Sommelier Convention took place in Savoy as well as the national graduate oenologist congress in 2006. In 2008, my good friends and partners Philippe and Jean Pierre Grisard were voted as being one of the best fifteen wine producers in France by the prestigious wine guide Bettane and Desseauve and were awarded a special distinction in 2009. The 25 wine tasters of the famous American wine guide Parker have referenced the Savoy wines...
Their comment was “one of the best value for money in the world”
Savoy is also the premier region in France for producing grafted vine plants of the highest quality.