The Alliance Fran?aise of Bermuda, active in promoting and enjoying French culture for over four decades, boasts more than 150 members.

Every November, there is a sense of excitement as Alliance members await the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau. Will the new wine arrive in time and safely? Who will be the first to offer it to Bermuda and, most importantly, will it live up to the promises of this year?s climatic conditions in the hills of the Beaujolais region?

Ah, the Beaujolais!

That tiniest of wine regions ? 34 miles long by eight miles wide ? just north of Lyon. Its name alone is sufficient to send wine lovers into a state of dreamy anticipation. Rolling hills are topped by houses nestled around the village church. Rows of vines are carefully tended to by some 4,000 grape growers. This is the uncontested world showcase for the Gamay grape, which flourishes on rich, granite slopes.

Most of the wine growers of the region have had family members settling in Paris where ?ballons? (small round shaped glasses) of wine can be enjoyed. The wine is accompanied by ?baguette? bread, pat?s, sausages and smoked ham.

Today, up to a third of the Beaujolais production is consumed when it is young as Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine is best enjoyed slightly cool.

The Alliance Fran?aise is holding its annual tasting of the wine at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club tonight at 6 p.m. Members of the public are invited to join Alliance members. A contribution of $15 will be collected at the door and a sampling of the wine will be accompanied by a selection of French bread and cheeses.