Claps of thunder punctuated my dreams last night as a particularly noisy storm raged along the Dordogne Valley.  Had I peeked through the shutters, I would have seen astounding flashes of lightning…one of which struck a wine chai or cellar at Monbazillac. Roof, beams and wine barrels were burned, as were five homes in the area.  Nature’s own “sound and light” spectacle preceded tonight’s 14 of July fireworks in Bergerac, and casts a pall on the holiday mood for many winemakers.  At the same time in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, a powerful hailstorm whipped through vineyards – just as grapes need only quiet breezes as they ripen. The vagabond will visit Monbazillac and Montravel vineyards this week – stay tuned.