From the nice and cozy, sun-drenched vineyards of the Mediterranean to the colder climes of the continent, Europe’s spectacular wine areas are ready to be explored. Include us on a journey of the senses by seven distinctive wine areas, the place the smells and tastes of Europe actually come alive. The artwork of wine tasting goes past merely filling a glass; it’s an immersion within the cultural heritage and custom of Europe, contained in each sip. From Sicily to Poland, from conventional to trendy, you’ll expertise the superb world of wine in your “Grape Escape”.
Alpine journey
The vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte in south-eastern France they’re positioned amongst breathtaking landscapes, invigorating alpine air and soil wealthy in minerals give a particular persona to the wines of the area. The chilly local weather and excessive altitude are perfect for grape varieties equivalent to Jacquere, Altesse and Mondeuse, giving refreshing, crisp wines with mountain terroir. You’ll style white wines with vigorous acidity and notes of inexperienced apple and citrus, whereas crimson wines present flavors of crimson fruit and delicate spices. Discover the picturesque native wineries of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte to satisfy passionate winemakers who delight themselves on celebrating historical winemaking traditions.
The place to remain: Lodge l’Helios & Spa is simply over an hour’s drive from Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte and boasts panoramic views of Méribel’s gorgeous peaks and valleys. Glowing fires welcome you into this conventional chalet-style timber-clad constructing – notably charming in winter, however lovely all yr spherical.
Enterprise to the volcano
Situated on the slopes of Etna (essentially the most lively volcano in Europe), The volcanic wine area of Sicily it’s at present probably the most thrilling wine rising areas on the earth. Above all, the volcanic soil offers an enchanting mineral character to the grapes that develop right here Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Anticipate advanced aromas of crimson fruit, dried herbs and delicate smokiness, reflecting the volcanic nature of Sicily. Many native wineries settle for conventional wine manufacturing strategies with minimal interventions; a go to to those charming household estates will present a deeper understanding of the eagerness and dedication behind the creation of Etna’s distinctive wines.
The place to remain: The four-star Lodge Villa Schuler is beautifully located excessive above the Ionian Sea, and its distinctive place affords an impressive view of Mount Etna and the Gulf of Naxos. Surrounded by lush greenery, this historic villa, transformed right into a lodge in 1905, is the right base for guests exploring the extraordinary vineyards of Sicily.
Wonders of Württemberg
Happening a wine tour in Württemberg, the fourth largest German wine area, affords an exquisite view into the centuries-old world of German viticulture. The distinctive terroir offers Württemberg wines a particular character; to go to the charming city of Niedernhall stroll by its picturesque streets and squares and benefit from the abundance of surrounding vineyards. The tour gives a possibility to find the outstanding areas grape varieties — equivalent to Trollinger and Lemberger, identified for his or her wonderful flavors and finesse. Cease by one of many area’s many seasonal wine taverns (generally referred to as “Besenwirtschaften” in Württemberg) to pattern native wines alongside regional specialties equivalent to tarte flambée, Bibbeliskäs, Schäufele, Maultaschen or Vesperplatte.
The place to remain: One hour by automotive from Niedernhall, Lodge & Restaurant Schwarzer Bock is a family-run boutique lodge within the charming city of Ansbach. Get pleasure from luxurious meals and delightful rooms on this historic lodge, and a brief stroll away, a wealth of experiences await you to take pleasure in in boundless Bavaria.
Style the advantages of Gradisć
Whether or not you’re a newbie or a wine connoisseur, Austria’s Burgenland area is bound to please your style buds. Effectively-known varieties equivalent to Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling produce fragrant and refreshing wines, however Austrian wine tradition is extra than simply white grapes — Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt grapes appropriate for meals, identified for the manufacturing of advanced crimson wines with deep flavors, are more and more fashionable. The microclimate of Gradišća, influenced by the close by Lake Neusiedl, additionally helps produce some distinctive candy wines, together with world well-known Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein. From earthy reds to elegant whites and candy dessert wines, Gradišće guarantees genuine and unforgettable wine tasting alternatives amidst gorgeous pure landscapes.
The place to remain: One hour’s drive from Lake Neusiedl is Lodge Stefanie, one of many oldest inns within the metropolis of Vienna. Adorned with vintage furnishings, Lodge Stefanie has additionally been renovated to offer trendy facilities and expertise — that means right now’s guests can expertise each historic attraction and modern consolation.
Sensational Santorini
Century-old Assyrtiko vineyards in Santorini, the birthplace of the attribute Greek white grape, are legendary everywhere in the world. Recognized for its extremely vigorous acidity and sharp minerality, Assyrtiko, beneath the affect of the island’s volcanic ash wealthy soil, has a particularly salty character paying homage to the ocean. With fascinating vineyards, charming wineries and heat hospitality, Santorini is really a wine lover’s paradise and there’s a lot to discover past the well-known Assyrtiko; be a part of a wine tour to style different indigenous wines grape varieties equivalent to Aidani and Athiri and luxuriate in scrumptious meals combos, from recent seafood to scrumptious Greek olives and cheese.
The place to remain: Lodge Esperas Santorini is positioned excessive on the cliffs of Oia, and consists of a sequence of conventional island homes carved into the rock. Lodge Esperas Santorini affords unbelievable views of the volcanic seas from quite a few non-public terraces and is the right place to begin for guests desirous to discover the unforgettable flavors of this Greek island.
A heat welcome to Western Pomerania
Rolling hills, epic landscapes and fertile soil: Western Pomerania, south of the Baltic coast, probably the most fascinating wine areas within the nation. It characterizes him sharp acidity and vivid fruitiness, the wines of West Pomerania actually present the energy of viticulture in a chilly local weather. A go to to native wineries will illustrate the talent and keenness of expert producers and introduce you to lesser-known varieties equivalent to Johanniter, Solaris and Rondo. The brand new wine estates comply with within the footsteps of Winnice Turnau and Winnice Kojder, two main Polish wineries; most vineyard excursions will supply regional delicacies like herring or salmon to strive together with your glass.
The place to remain: Lower than 1.5 hours by automotive from Winnica Turnau is Manowce Palace, a five-star palace overlooking the Szczecin Lagoon in northwest Poland. Nestled inside a dense forest, this neoclassical paradise is barely 2.5 hours from Berlin and affords luxurious flats and flats, welcoming gardens and a contemporary sauna.
Beautiful Chianti Classico wines
Think about a picturesque panorama of vine-covered hills, with grapes slowly warming beneath the Tuscan solar. That is Italy the well-known Chianti Classico wine area, answerable for producing scrumptious crimson wines which are celebrated around the globe. Situated between the historic cities of Florence and Siena, the world is understood for its distinctive vineyards, wealthy winemaking custom and Sangiovese grape selection, identified for its vigorous acidity and cherry-like flavors. Chianti Classico actually displays the essence of the Italian winemaking philosophy, whereas the nice and cozy hospitality of the native winemakers will make your wine tasting expertise merely unforgettable. As you’re guided by the historical past and craftsmanship behind every bottle, you’ll uncover a recent perspective on Italy’s illustrious winemaking heritage.
The place to remain: Situated within the coronary heart of the Chianti Classico area, Villa Le Barone is a singular Renaissance property, with luxurious gardens and deliciously ready meals. It’s positioned just some minutes’ stroll from Molino di Grace, a wonderful Tuscan vineyard based by Frank Grace within the Nineteen Nineties. Right here you’ll style elegant Classico and Tremendous Tuscan flavors, in opposition to the backdrop of the charming Chianti hills.