The story tells of a lone traveller, Bede Jamieson, who makes a long cycle journey of 2,500 kilometres in the spring of 1989, through the main winegrowing regions of France—involving sightseeing, vineyard and winery visits, and other interesting encounters along the way. Bede, a lawyer on sabbatical from his busy commercial law practice, makes his journey in search of adventure and new challenges. He is keen to test himself in a country he perceives to be both romantic and culturally significant. He is an experienced road cyclist and a lover of fine wine.
