A Wine Lover’s Guide to European Wine Tours
Exploring a wine region isn’t just about discovering a few new wines. You get a sense of place and a feel for the terroir. Meet the people behind the wines, and learn about the journey from grape to glass. Immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes and discover local history and traditions. And taste the magical connection between local gastronomy and regional fine wines.
Home to some of the oldest and most famous wine-producing regions in the world, Europe was the pioneer behind wine tourism and it remains a dream destination for wine lovers.
At SmoothRed, our European wine tours offer a complete experience. From luxury hotels to sommelier-led tastings and Michelin-starred cuisine, here’s a taster of what’s in store on a wine tasting tour in some of Europe’s most popular wine destinations.
Wine Tours in France
For lovers of Old World wines, France is the crème de la crème for wine tours. With a rich tapestry of terroir and different climates, oenophiles are spoilt for choice with a range of different wines spread across the country from powerful reds to crisps whites – and of course those famous bubbles!
While France is one of the oldest and most traditional wine destinations in the world, it offers some unique wine tasting experiences. Savour the allure of fine wines in three very different regions – Champagne, Alsace and Burgundy – add some exclusive eateries, garnish it with the romance of European train travel, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable French wine tour.
A Taste of Italy
Ready for a slice of la dolce vita? Italy is an epicurean’s paradise. This European heavyweight has an abundance of cultural riches and some of the most sublime natural landscapes in the world. But the best way to experience the essence of this country is through your stomach!
From the Piedmont region in the north to the heel of Puglia, Italy offers an astonishing diversity of gastronomic experiences, and Italian food and wine tours are some of the world’s most popular.
More like a small continent than an island, Sicily has a distinct culinary soul and wine tradition influenced by the different civilisations that lived here and fiery Mount Etna. Give your taste buds a treat on our East Sicily gourmet wine tour.
Spanish Wine Tours
Spain has long been one of the world’s most prolific wine-producing countries, but it’s only in the last few decades that it’s begun to get the recognition it deserves for its fine wines. This sun-soaked country has over 400 grape varieties to explore, ranging from its renowned Rioja reds to crisp white and rosé sparkling wines, and of course those mouth-watering sherries. Hand-in-hand with the burgeoning wine scene are a range of gastronomic delights from rustic tapas bars to Michelin-starred eateries.
Our Rioja to San Sebastián luxury food and wine experience combines the best of these two famous regions in a four-day wine tour that includes two Michelin-starred dinners, memorable tapas lunches, and guided wine tours in two very different regions.
Portugal
Spain’s Iberian neighbour, Portugal, is one of Europe’s most underrated wine destinations, despite the vineyards of its Douro Valley being legally demarcated over 200 years before the renowned wine regions of France, Spain and Italy.
Portugal’s reputation has generally been for its fortified favourites – Port and Madeira – but its whites and reds are gaining popularity, and wine lovers are drawn to the indigenous grape varieties unique to the country. With an emphasis on food and wine pairings, wine tourism in Portugal is booming.
Our Porto luxury wine experience introduces you to two of Portugal’s stars: the cosmopolitan city of Porto, home to Port wines, and the stunningly beautiful Douro Valley. Featuring guided tours of boutique vineyards and port producers, accompanied by scrumptious cuisine, you’ll wonder why the world has taken so long to catch on…
All our European wine tours can be arranged to suit your requirements. To book your bespoke private wine tour, contact sales@smoothred.com or call +44 208 877 4940 for more information.
