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 via 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 character to the wines of the area. The chilly local weather and excessive altitude are perfect for grape varieties reminiscent of 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 pink wines present flavors of pink fruit and delicate spices. Discover the picturesque native wineries of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte to satisfy passionate winemakers who pleasure themselves on celebrating historic winemaking traditions.
The place to remain: Resort l’Helios & Spa is simply over an hour’s drive from Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte and boasts panoramic views of Méribel’s beautiful 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
Positioned on the slopes of Etna (probably the most lively volcano in Europe), The volcanic wine area of Sicily it’s at the moment some of the thrilling wine rising areas on the planet. Above all, the volcanic soil offers an interesting mineral character to the grapes that develop right here Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Count on complicated aromas of pink fruit, dried herbs and delicate 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 Resort Villa Schuler is beautifully 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 a beautiful 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 via 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 — reminiscent of Trollinger and Lemberger, identified for his or her glorious flavors and finesse. Cease by one of many area’s many seasonal wine taverns (generally often called “Besenwirtschaften” in Württemberg) to pattern native wines alongside regional specialties reminiscent of tarte flambée, Bibbeliskäs, Schäufele, Maultaschen or Vesperplatte.
The place to remain: One hour by automobile from Niedernhall, Resort & Restaurant Schwarzer Bock is a family-run boutique lodge within the charming city of Ansbach. Take pleasure in 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 bound to thrill your style buds. Properly-known varieties reminiscent of 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 complicated pink wines with deep flavors, are more and more widespread. 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 beautiful pure landscapes.
The place to remain: One hour’s drive from Lake Neusiedl is Resort Stefanie, one of many oldest lodges within the metropolis of Vienna. Embellished with vintage furnishings, Resort Stefanie has additionally been renovated to supply trendy facilities and know-how — that means right this moment’s guests can expertise each historic allure and modern consolation.
Sensational Santorini
Century-old Assyrtiko vineyards in Santorini, the birthplace of the attribute Greek white grape, are legendary all around the world. Recognized for its extremely vigorous acidity and sharp minerality, Assyrtiko, below the affect of the island’s volcanic ash wealthy soil, has an especially salty character paying homage to the ocean. With fascinating vineyards, charming wineries and heat hospitality, Santorini is actually a wine lover’s paradise and there’s a lot to discover past the well-known Assyrtiko; be part of a wine tour to style different indigenous wines grape varieties like Aidani and Athiri and luxuriate in scrumptious meals combos, from recent seafood to scrumptious Greek olives and cheese.
The place to remain: Resort Esperas Santorini is positioned excessive on the cliffs of Oia, and consists of a sequence of conventional island homes carved into the rock. Resort Esperas Santorini presents incredible views of the volcanic seas from quite a few personal 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, some of the 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 illustrate the ability and fervour of expert producers and introduce you to lesser-known varieties reminiscent of Johanniter, Solaris and Rondo. The brand new wine estates observe within the footsteps of Winnice Turnau and Winnice Kojder, two main Polish wineries; most vineyard excursions will provide regional delicacies like herring or salmon to attempt along 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 below the Tuscan solar. That is Italy the well-known Chianti Classico wine area, liable for producing scrumptious pink wines which are celebrated around the globe. Positioned 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 via the historical past and craftsmanship behind every bottle, you’ll uncover a recent perspective on Italy’s illustrious winemaking heritage.
The place to remain: Positioned within the coronary heart of the Chianti Classico area, Villa Le Barone is a novel Renaissance property, with lush gardens and deliciously ready meals. It’s positioned just some minutes’ stroll from Molino di Grace, a stupendous 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.