If you feel like bundling up your family and running away from all the fuss (a course of action which suggests itself to me hourly), why not grape-pick your way through the century's end in food-loving Gascony? In vineyards close to the Pyrenees, grapes are harvested at the tail end of the year to make an unctuous, honeyed wine, Le Pacherenc de la Saint-Sylvestre - traditionally enjoyed with foie gras. This year local producer Plaimont is encouraging visitors from far and wide - children included - to join in the harvest and festivities in the village of Viella. A gluttonous-sounding New Year's Eve dinner (yes, foie gras for starters) is an optional extra at 500 francs. For details phone 00 33 562 69 62 87, email expor.plaimontwanadoo.fr; for accommodation, phone 00 33 562 61 79 04 Loisirs Gers Accueil