This morning is bright and sunny but only 2 deg C. We set off at 11:00 heading for Perpignan on the A61. Traffic is light and the weather is sunny making for a very pleasant journey. We stop in an aire overlooking the huge fortress at Carcassonne.

Near Narbonne we leave the A61 [toll for 147km €20.30] and join the D6009. In the distance we can see the Pyrenees mountains covered with snow, while in other places we can see the Mediterranean sea.

We stop for fuel and LPG at Roquefort des Corbieres and then have a drive through the busy centre of Perpignan, finally arriving at the passion at Mas Alart at 15:50 after driving up a long unmade road.

We are parked on the edge of two huge vineyards, the vines bare and brown, with the snowy mountains forming a lovely backdrop in the distance. The owner, whom Nick and Grete know from two previous visits, stops in the lane and tells us he is going on the school run. His wife has flu, so tasting will be in the morning.

Undeterred we get out and go for a walk around the estate. It is only 3 deg C, but the air is crisp and fresh, and it does our colds the world of good.

Bangers and mash for supper and an early night to bed.