Visiting the home of fine wine and sampling the produce at its rural vineyard provides a level of appreciation and insight that cannot be replicated by just buying off the shelf. Our new wine destinations showcase the unique terroir of the wine and its fascinating history, alongside exclusive tastings at the vineyards; perfect for wine connoisseurs or those who simply enjoy a tipple of the grape variety. Add in incredible cuisine, and invitingly scenic landscapes that can be easily explored by bike, and these trips offer the most delightful gastronomic getaways.
Discover four of our favourite wine destinations to get inspired for 2022!
Meandering through a landscape of famous wine-growing villages, our Cycling the Wine Route of Alsace trip takes you on a legendary journey of French wine discovery. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest wine route in France, Alsace’s ‘Route des Vins’ takes in classic French wines, including Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Noir or Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
When not gaining authentic insight into the region’s wine production, cycling between stops gives you a chance to take in the glorious scenery; gently rolling green hills dotted with colourful Alsatian villages and magnificent medieval castles. It also helps burn off some of the sumptuous local cuisine, such as ‘baeckeoffe’ – a rich, wine-infused beef or lamb stew, ‘tarte flambee’ – France’s version of a pizza, or traditional sausage and sauerkraut.
No wine connoisseur’s journal is complete without a visit to the illustrious region of Champagne. With its chalky soil and ideal climatic conditions, the area produces what, in some people’s opinion, is the best sparkling wine in the world.
Starting our Cycling the vineyards of Champagne tour in Epernay, regarded as the ‘Capital of Champagne’, you can enjoy a unique view of its cellars, where millions of bottles are stored to preserve their quality. Next, visit Hautvillers, where the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, the legend of Champagne, was born. Cycling the charming countryside of vineyards, rivers and lush forest, where secluded villages are home to intriguing châteaux and churches, you’ll continue to discover more fascinating stories and enjoy further tastings of this region’s most exceptional wine.
The itinerary on our Cycling the Grand Crus of Bordeaux trip invites you to explore the incredible wine diversity of this iconic region, where everything from dry and sweet whites, reds, roses and even sparkling wines are produced. Stopping at appellations in Blaye, Margaux, Saint-Emilion and ‘Entre Deux Mer’, you’ll take in the vineyards’ unique and delicate scents before having the opportunity for some wine tasting and discovering the remarkable complexity of these world-renowned wines.
Amidst the vineyards, our cycle route takes in the multitude of chateaux, historic villages and fascinating archaeological sites. Learn about the legend of the miracle-performing monk in UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion, explore Bordeaux’s spectacular 18th-century architecture, and delight in the deliciousness of the region’s gourmet food: a trip filled with culture and history, tied together with its riches in wine.
Explore Umbria’s idyllic landscape on our Cycling the Wine Trails of Umbria tour, serenely pedalling through vineyards, olive groves and sunflower fields, where the warm, pastel colours reflect the pleasing climate. Reaching the medieval hilltop village of Montefalco is worth the effort. As the ‘balcony of Umbria, it provides glorious panoramic views and, with the chance to enjoy some wine-tasting, you’ll soon feel refreshed.
In Spoleto, the Roman treasures are captivating, while the old wine town of Torgiano provides a further chance to sample this region’s magnificent wine. Finally, cycling the ‘Wine and Art Road’ to Brufa, the stop-off at Assisi showcases more of the area’s beautiful architecture, most notably the UNESCO-recognised St Francis’ Basilica.
Browse our collection of gastronomic holidays or find out more about our fantastic new wine destinations for 2022 by getting in contact with us here.
