Connoisseurs of fine wines may feel the urge to plan a trip to Europe that complements their tastes. You should know the several great European destinations for people who love a sip (or more) of great wine.
Here are the best European vacation destinations for wine lovers.
1. Tuscany, Italy
If you’re looking for a good bottle of wine in Tuscany, you’ll almost certainly find one by default. It’s much more difficult to find a bad bottle of wine in this region than it is to find agood bottle of wine. Some of the options you’ll definitely want to try while in Tuscany include Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti.
2. Aquitaine, France
Chateau d’Yquem, which some believe to be the most prestigious wine in the world, is produced in Aquitaine. Thomas Jefferson reportedly drank that wine, and an 1811 vintage bottle just sold for $117,000 — the highest price for any bottle ever. Beyond Chateau d’Yquem, there are numerous other chateaux in the area that offer great opportunities to taste some quality reds and white Bordeaux wines.
3. Provence, France
If you love a good rose, then Provence is where you need to travel. Here you’ll find the clean, not-too-sweet pink wines that pair nicely with delicious garlicky dishes. You’ll also encounter some great, spicy red wines in this region. If you want a feast for the eyes as well as the palette, visit in late June or early July. The lavender is blooming at that time of the year.
4. Umbria, Italy
Umbria produces high-quality wines and it’s not the tourist magnet that Tuscany is. So if you’re interested in tasting some excellent wines while getting away from the crowd, this might be a great option for you. Don’t forget to have a sip of Orvieto Classico, a white wine produced in both sweet and dry versions. If you’re in the mood for a good red, have a taste of some Sagrantino.
5. Sicily, Italy
Perhaps you’re an aficionado of delicious dessert wines. If that’s the case, then you should consider a visit to Sicily. Marsala production accounts for about 90% of all of the wine from that region. Also, you’ll probably want to come to this area around November 11. That’s when the the Festa del Vino (Festival of Wine) will be held.
Of course, while all of these European wine producers let you sample their products, they also understand the significance of serving wine in high-quality glassware. It simply wouldn’t be proper to serve a great wine in an unsuitable vessel.
