Wine Tasting Holidays

Wine Tasting Holiday Guide

Wine tasting holidays are all about sampling the goodness that nature provides us with.  Spending a holiday participating in wine tours is also a social event. Tasting the house specialities as well as the more obscure vintages, can be a wonderful way to get to know people with similar interests, as well as learning many new things about wine.

Just about every continent produces some wine of note, from South Africa to South America, making it possible to plan a holiday to all sorts of exotic locations.  Here are a few examples.

Wine Tasting in France

For many people, France immediately comes to mind when thinking of fine wine.  The varied climate of the nation essentially creates three different regions that each has their own unique vineyards and wines.  To the north, the regions of Burgundy and Champagne provide cooler temperatures that make it possible to grow grapes that have a higher rate of acidity, something that many believe enhances the taste of the wine.

In the southern area of France, the warmer climate produces grapes that are ideal for wines that are considered bolder and somewhat more full-bodied than others.  Not to be outdone, the Atlantic coastline of the country is home to some of the most renowned of French wines, with many produced in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.

For travellers who intend on enjoying wine found in each area, flying into the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris is often the best option.  From there, ground transportation can be arranged to visit each region, enjoying the countryside as well as the wide selection of wines.

Tasting the Wines of Italy

Without a doubt, Italy is always a welcome destination for anyone who fancies a wine tasting holiday.  One of the most popular stops is Tuscany.  Known the world over for its rich food and wines, the problem is not finding a winery to visit, but how to manage visits to as many as possible.

Many travellers begin their journey with a visit to Florence, the home of many fine wines.  From there, it is possible to go on tours that include wineries in Chianti, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.  Along the way, take the time to visit the historic villas, the beautiful churches, and the many restaurants that offer some of the finest food in the country.

When planning a tour of the Tuscany area, flying into the Florence-Peretola Amerigo Vespucci Airport is a convenient option.  From there, it is easy to secure ground transportation, or to take advantage of the many wine tours offered by different providers in the area.

California Wines

When it comes to wine in the United States, California is usually considered the most popular place to enjoy wine tasting.  Nestled in the northern area of the state are two destinations that are sure to delight anyone who appreciates fine wine.  Considered to be true wine country, the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley produce some of the most popular wines found anywhere in North America.

In order to truly make the wine tasting an experience, take the time to reserve a chauffeur who can act as a tour guide.  This approach allows travellers to comfortably enjoy the beautiful countryside of Northern California while making their way from one vineyard to the next.  Tours of this type can easily be arranged in San Francisco, where the wine country can be accessed either overland or by ferry from the city.  For anyone flying into the San Francisco area, the San Francisco International Airport is the usual disembarkation point.  However, it is also possible to fly into Oakland International or Sacramento International Airports with relative ease.  For those who prefer something more direct, consider making arrangements to fly into the Sonoma Valley Airport, and book reservations at one of the many bed and breakfasts to be found in the area.

Wine Tasting Holidays in South America

Just about every country in South America offers excellent opportunities to participate in wine tasting tours and holidays.  Argentina and Chile are notable for the popularity of their tours, not only for the quality of the wine, but the hospitality that visitors enjoy as they sample the best that the nations have to offer.

Santiago is an excellent destination when it comes to including wine tasting in your holiday plans.  Many restaurants around the city provide wine tasting events regularly, making it an enjoyable process to try the wines to your heart’s content, and then to finish off the evening with a great dinner.  After arriving at the Santiago International Airport, book into one of the luxury hotels in the city and make it your base of operations as you enjoy the local culture and cuisine along with the many wines.

For a true taste of wine in South America, travelling to the Casablanca Valley and Valparaiso is essential.  Casablanca Valley is known for the quality of its white wines, and is more than willing to allow interested visitors to sample some of their best vintages.  In the city of Valparaiso, the sense of history is very strong, providing visitors with the chance to see some of the most beautiful examples of Spanish architecture in the New World.  After flying into Valparaiso Airport, consider staying in one of the historic hotels that allow visitors to get a sense of what living in this beautiful area is all about.

Travelling on to Mendoza is also an important part of any wine tasting holiday in this area.  Many historic wineries are found in Mendoza, such as the Carmelo Patti and the Bodega Landelia.  Don’t forget to take in the Valle de Uco, where vineyards located at high altitudes produce some of the finest grapes in the world.  From Mendoza, it is relatively easy to get back to the Santiago International Airport, and begin the journey home.

New World or Old World wines? No matter your preference or where you live, there’s a good chance that there are wineries within a short distance that offer some sort of wine tasting.  Whether you are planning a weekend break, or something of a longer duration, building your holiday around visiting vineyards and sampling the fruits of the vine found in those areas is an excellent means of getting away for a few days rest and recuperation.