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 really 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 energetic acidity and notes of inexperienced apple and citrus, whereas crimson wines present flavors of crimson fruit and refined spices. Discover the picturesque native wineries of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte to fulfill passionate winemakers who pleasure themselves on celebrating historic 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 12 months spherical.
Enterprise to the volcano
Situated on the slopes of Etna (probably the most energetic 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 refined smokiness, reflecting the volcanic nature of Sicily. Many native wineries settle for conventional wine manufacturing methods 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 fantastically located excessive above the Ionian Sea, and its distinctive place presents 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, presents 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 supplies a chance to find the outstanding areas grape varieties — equivalent to Trollinger and Lemberger, recognized for his or her glorious 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 automobile from Niedernhall, Lodge & Restaurant Schwarzer Bock is a family-run boutique lodge within the charming city of Ansbach. Get pleasure from luxurious meals and exquisite rooms on this historic lodge, and a brief stroll away, a wealth of experiences await you to get pleasure from in boundless Bavaria.
Style the advantages of Gradisć
Whether or not you’re a newbie or a wine connoisseur, Austria’s Burgenland area is certain to thrill your style buds. Properly-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, recognized for the manufacturing of advanced crimson wines with deep flavors, are more and more in style. 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 lodges within the metropolis of Vienna. Adorned with vintage furnishings, Lodge Stefanie has additionally been renovated to supply trendy facilities and know-how — that means as we speak’s guests can expertise each historic attraction and up to date consolation.
Sensational Santorini
Century-old Assyrtiko vineyards in Santorini, the birthplace of the attribute Greek white grape, are legendary all around the world. Identified for its extremely energetic acidity and sharp minerality, Assyrtiko, underneath the affect of the island’s volcanic ash wealthy soil, has a particularly salty character harking back 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 mixtures, from contemporary 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 presents incredible views of the volcanic seas from quite a few non-public terraces and is the right start line for guests desperate 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 attention-grabbing wine areas within the nation. It characterizes him sharp acidity and shiny fruitiness, the wines of West Pomerania actually present the power of viticulture in a chilly local weather. A go to to native wineries will evoke the talent and fervour 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 attempt together with your glass.
The place to remain: Lower than 1.5 hours by automobile from Winnica Turnau is Manowce Palace, a five-star palace overlooking the Szczecin Lagoon in northwestern Poland. Nestled inside a dense forest, this neoclassical paradise is simply 2.5 hours from Berlin and presents luxurious residences 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 underneath the Tuscan solar. That is Italy the well-known Chianti Classico wine area, chargeable for producing scrumptious crimson wines which can be celebrated all over the world. Situated between the historic cities of Florence and Siena, the realm is understood for its distinctive vineyards, wealthy winemaking custom and Sangiovese grape selection, recognized for its energetic acidity and cherry-like flavors. Chianti Classico really 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 of every bottle, you’ll uncover a contemporary 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 gorgeous Tuscan vineyard based by Frank Grace within the Nineteen Nineties. Right here you’ll style elegant Classico and Tremendous Tuscan flavors, towards the backdrop of the charming Chianti hills.