As we stepped outside to admire the 15 hectares of vignes (38 acres), we learned that the dogs were truffle hunters. Apparently, the accepted myth that only pigs hunt truffles is no longer the case. When the puppies of the mother lab dog are born, truffle oil is rubbed on the nipples of the mother, and the majority of the training is already done. Last year the dogs caught 8 kilos of truffles in the olive groves just beyond the syrah vineyards. In fact, truffles are so much a part of the culture in that part of France, that once a year, each member of the local church would put a truffle in the collection plate for roof repairs, church supplies, etc. truffle tours were often organized as part of their church fund raising process. Noticed by the Martha Stewart organization, the truffle tours caught national attention at one point. So prominent are the truffle tours in this part of the country, that dog napping seems to be a problem as well. A kidnapped truffle hunting dog is worth the equivalent of $3,000 on the black market. As we delighted in the knowledge that America's most treasured gourmet food was just beyond the next acre of vineyards, we managed to wangle ourselves an invitation to come back and truffle hunt, but not before we corralled Dominique and Anthony to take us to the olive groves to show us what it was like to hunt truffles. We think the following pictures will tell it all.

Cave De Cairanne Cave De Cairanne 84290 Cairanne (Vaucluse) Phone 04 90 30 82 05 Fax 04 90 30 79 83 fx www.cairanne.com

Cave De Cairanneis situated in the Southern part of the Rhône Valley. Out of the 16 villages allowed to use their own name for the production of Côte du Rhône Village, Cairanne wines are known to be amongst the most prestigious. Created in 1929, Cave de Cairanne now represents over 200 growers, with 1200 hectares (80% of the Appellation) and is the Appellation's leader with an annual production of 60,000 hectolitres.

The winery had been created with advice from well known Jean-Luc Colombo, however 1995 was the beginning of a serious modernization project, that represented sizeable investments from 1995 . 1998. Boasting new modern storage cellars, tanks and perfect sanitary conditions, the Cave De Cairanne is looking to increase their exports to the United States.

Cave De Cairanne representative Elisabeth Lacote chose a number of wines to share with us over dinner. Sitting comfortably in the dining room of the Mas de Bouvau around a country style table, we settled in to a simple,tasty,country style meal. This was all the better to enjoy the wines that Elisabeth brought.

Grand Réserve Côtes Du Rhône Villages. Cairanne, this Cairanne, a blend of Grenache, Mourve`dre, Syrah, and Cinsault has a sweet, spicy nose, with a juicy raspberry-fruit palate. Elegant and well balanced with peppery spiciness and length, this is a wine to drink now.

Réserve Des Voconces Côtes Du Rhône Villages, Cairanne, this reserve cuvée from the Cairanne coop makes an excellent alternative to Chateauneuf-du- Pape. Blended from Grenache (70%) Mourve`dre(15%) and Cinsault(15%) it ages for 12 months in Hungarian oak casks. Forceful, rich, and big, this Côtes du Rhône reserve is mouth filling and peppery.

Left to Right, Judie Vacchina, Ron Holden, France, Guilaine Dominici, Elisabeth Lacote

Cave De Cairanne representative Elisabeth Lacote(right) chose a number of wines to share with us over dinner.at Mas de Bouvan, Left to Right, Judie Vacchina, menu developer, Ron Holden, France in your Glass,our guide Guilaine Dominici from InterRhône

Temptation, this cuvée has been vinified by the famous oenologist Jean-Luc Colombo. It contains 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourve`dre. 30% of the blend ages in recent oak barrels for one year. Intense carmine colour with ruby tints. The nose is suave and subtle combining aromas of rose and violet with smoky notes. The palate is round and harmonious, tannins are silky but still present.

Cuvee Antique, this variety contains 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourve`dre. Exclusively produced from hand harvested grapes coming from vines over 50 years old, the yields are 25 hectolitres per hectare, well below the authorized levels. This is a deep pomegranate olor with ruby tints. The nose is already opened with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices of pepper and cinnamon. Save this for your best meals. Great with red meat in delicate sauces, and venison, truffles and foie gras.