Caves Ouvertes- Domaine Chateau du Crest
If you’ve been in Geneva more than 5 minutes, you’ll know about the Caves Ouvertes which takes place every Spring and Autumn.
They take place across the Canton of Geneva and other wine-producing cantons, where pretty much all the wineries open their doors on the same day to let the public sample their latest wines.
This year’s Caves Ouvertes in Geneva takes place on Saturday 25th May from 10am to 5pm. Put it in your diaries now!
You just need to pay a small deposit to get yourself a wine glass to do the tastings with upon entry and you can use this one glass to sample your way round the various wines at this and other wineries on the day. Of course, they also sell wines by the bottle for general consumption (which is what we do once we find a wine we like from the sampling)
Admittedly I’ve never been to the Autumn ones, but every Spring we make our way to our favourite domaine, found in Jussy; Chateau du Crest.
It is accessible via public transport on the bus lines B and C, nearest stop Jussy, La Loure. It’s a bit of a walk from the free “Wine Bus” that are put on for the day for free, but we didn’t mind walking a bit to let Luka burn off some steam before we got there. If you are driving, they convert the field next to the Chateau into a car park, though this does get full as the day goes on so you are best to get there early if you choose to go by car.
Since discovering this domaine, we don’t go anywhere else and spend the whole day here 1) because we’re too lazy to get from one winery to another 2) this place has everything we need in one place 3) the wine is not bad!
The Chateau is a beautiful backdrop to a busy winery offering a number of tasting tables, numerous food stands and the castle itself is also partially open to visitors I believe.
For the kids there are some animals in pens and a go-karting track made from hay and little tractors!
Well behaved dogs can be found relaxing with their families off the lead though I tend to keep Luka on a lead because as the day goes on and more food gets dropped he goes a bit mad!
It’s advised to bring a picnic blanket as there is not much seating if at all. It also means if you need to change your baby during your time here then you can do it on the ground without being directly on the gravel!
We like to come with a group of friends and bring food and do an all-day picnic. There is food for sale on site, and I believe there is also a potable water fountain.
If your dog is anything like Luka and needs to stretch its legs and go for a walk, the Chateau is surrounded by lots of fields so you could take a quick tour around during your time here.
Come with the whole family and bring friends for a fun day at the Chateau!
Fun factor for child: 4/5 - go look at the animals or if old enough try the tractor race!
Fun factor for dog: 1/5 - it’s not your dog’s idea of a fun day out but it beats being at home alone for the day.
Pram-friendly: Yes
Water Access for dogs: There is a non-potable water fountain next to the animal pens
Potable Water: I believe, yes from memory
Baby changing facilities: No
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