Those with a serious love for fine wine and a passion for travel can combine their interests by taking a trip to a destination that revolves around wine. Europe is a continent that boasts many destinations worthy of wine connoisseurs. Whether you enjoy wine-tasting experiences at independent wineries or you prefer to enjoy your wine at a local wine bar, there is nothing better than indulging in a glass or two at the place of origin. Here are three European destinations for true wine lovers.
Tuscany, Italy
With rolling hills, beautiful olive groves, and dreamy vineyards, Tuscany is one of those postcard-perfect destinations in Europe. This Italian wine region is the perfect vacation destination for those with a preference for Chianti. This region produces high-quality wine, and you can spend weeks exploring the wine towns in Tuscany. The Chianti Classico is a must-visit region for wine enthusiasts who enjoy visiting historic wineries and sampling infamous Sangiovese wines, while a visit to the quaint village of Bolgheri may pleasantly surprise traditionalists. Local wine producers can offer a selection of sumptuous wines crafted from varieties of grapes that differ from the Sangiovese variety. If you cannot wait until your next vacation to indulge in a delicious bottle of Tuscany wine, visit sipsay.com to select your favorite bottle. Sip & Say has an excellent selection of Tuscan wines that will appeal to most tastebuds. In addition to wines from Tuscany, their collection includes wines from many other countries, such as France, the USA, and Spain.
La Rioja, Spain
La Rioja can be found in northern Spain, and it is a region that produces one of the most famous red wines on the planet. Rioja can be made from a variety of grapes, such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. This iconic wine is well-known for its naturally high tannins and complex flavor. Visit the sunny La Rioja and experience heavenly days filled with visits to modern and traditional wineries, wine and food pairing tasting menus, and maybe even a boozy wine fight. Visit the town of Haro on the 29 June and participate in The Battle of Wine, or La Batalla del Vino. This unusual activity is part of the annual Haro Wine Festival, and it involves festival-goers soaking each other with liters of wine.
Colmar, France
When it comes to charming old villages, mouth-watering gastronomy, and, of course, excellent wine, the Alsace Wine Route cannot be missed. Colmar is the ideal base if you want to sample different wines in the Alsace region. With its half-timbered houses, charming cobbled streets, and dreamy canals, this picture-perfect destination will make you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. This wine region is famed for its four noble grapes: Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Muscat. When visiting wineries in this idyllic region, look out for fragrant, late-harvest offerings. During your visit, take a day trip to local Alsatian villages, such as Eguisheim, Turckheim, and Pfaffenheim, to sample wine from local producers.
