Wine lovers all over the globe consider Europe their primary destination for their ultimate tasting experience. Each country has its own wine regions, with unique characteristics. Every day brings new vineyards and varietals.
Here are a few travel tips for wine lovers that will help you make the most of your time:
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Step into a bar or cafe. Don't hesitate to try a glass of the house wine. You may be surprised at the quality. It's inexpensive--sometimes just one Euro for a glass--and you'll be sipping what the locals enjoy everyday. It's also fun to sit and watch the cafe scene; bars are quite different from those in America. Much livelier, and the place where people stop and meet throughout the entire day.
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When you're ready to "bump up" a notch, ask the bartender for a recommendation. Pointing to the bottles or making a gesture will let him know you want a higher quality. Go with his suggestion; he likely takes pride in the bar's selections. Often there are wines that never make it out of the country. Those are your reward for being willing to step into a new place and take a chance.
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Capture the memory of each day by taking a photo of the cafes and bars where you stop. If you discover an amazing new wine--and you will--take a photo of the bottle. Even better, if the bartender agrees, ask him to pose with the bottle. When you get home, you will have a happy log of your wine travels.
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Of course you will want to take a few minutes to brush up on each day's wine region: What is the region known for? What are the grapes? Any famous vineyards? Are there any expert ratings or opinions to help you? Having some information will be your guide as you explore.
- Take a day trip out of the city and go wine tasting at wineries. Visiting vineyards can help you truly understand the terroir of a region and helps you get in touch with what makes the wines special.
There is nothing like the opportunity to visit Europe and taste the many wonderful wines.
