European wine tours

Europe produces some of the best wines in the world. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal are just a few of the wine producing countries that have centuries of experience in growing grapes and have long established vineyards, many of which can be visited both as an independent visitor or as part of an organised tour. There are even vineyard touring holidays which include travel to several countries in order to learn the different methods of growing and harvesting grapes, as well as the methods used in wine production.

Many tours included guided tours around the most prestigious estates such as First Growths of Bordeaux in France and the Super Tuscans such as Sassacaia in Italy. Holidays include luxury accommodation as well as first class cuisine and offer the visitor long lasting memories of wine tasting by candlelight in a 12th century cellar, strolling through a world class vineyard with a famous wine producer and staying at a Classified Growth chateau as exclusive guests in 5 star accommodation. They may be the first to taste a new vintage Bordeaux and sample older vintages, accompanied by cellar masters and chateau owners. Groups are usually limited to a small number, often around only 12 people. A typical wine tour holiday will consist of 5 nights stay in a chateau, with visits to the chateau`s wine cellar as well as to 5 local vineyards. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals and private chateau dinners in the company of the best wine experts. Other Bordeaux tours include stays in 4 star hotels, visiting the best wine growing estates in the region and dining in the finest restaurants. There are specialist tours such as the Bordeaux Wine Harvest which occurs around the last few days in September each year and includes a first hand experience of the harvest, VIP wine tasting sessions in Grand Cru Class estates with private chateau meals and a library of fine wines. One day tours are also available for those staying in the area who wish to learn more about the art of wine making. Trips can include being met at the airport, taken to the Medoc region, taking in the chateaux en route, enjoying an excellent lunch in one of the local estates, followed by a wine tasting session. Similar tours and holidays are also available in the Loire Valley, Burgundy region and Provence and Southern Rhone. The Champagne region is only a 90 minute drive from Paris, making it an ideal day trip from the capital. A 6 day, 5 night Bordeaux tour which is custom made costs around £2,500 per
person. Day trips cost from £700 per person.

Tuscany is perhaps the most famous of Italy`s wine producing regions and a popular location for holidays. Wine tours are available on a daily basis, to include collection from hotels, with small groups of around 8-10 people. Alternatively there are tours lasting several days which include environmentally friendly accommodation in local farms, with the finest local cuisine. Historical and technical wine growing facts are learnt, as well as wine and olive oil tastings, while meals are served with two or three different wines. Wine tasting courses last 2 hours, after which visitors are able to recognise wines from the region. Visitors can rent elegant apartments at the farms for short or long stay bookings. Weekend breaks of 3 nights stay start at around £560 for 4 star hotel accommodation including all meals but do not include flights or transfers to and from airports. Many tours include the opportunity to take local cookery courses or to enjoy the on site facilities such as sp as, saunas, swimming pools and relaxing massages.

Spain offers many wine tasting tours including many in the Rioja region. A 4 night and 5 day tour starts at around £800 per person and includes accommodation, meals and tours. Travel to the region in September and the visitor can enjoy the annual September Wine Festival at the end of the month. Some tours include a visit to the Dinastia Vivanco Museum which offers a historical and cultural tour of the history of local wine growing. There are also optional guided walking tours, taking in the local cities and their famous sites, as well as trips to the stunning Cantabrian Mountains. Alternatively, the visitor can opt for an extended trip, staying in different luxury hotels and chateaux each night, sampling the finest local wines and cuisine. There are several travel deals available throughout the year to a choice of countries in Europe, to suit all tastes and budgets.

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