The wind has an icy chill, and the shelves are overloaded with gingerbread and bake at home camembert which can only mean one thing… we are nearing the festive season!
The festive season for me means eating an extortionate amount of food and imbibing in a few rather nice tipples - and my drink of choice? It has to be bubbles!
As different as each sparkling wine is from one another, so is the area they hail from. So, whether you’re a fan of medieval villages and aromatic wines or quaint towns and rich, toasty bubbles, there is a sparkling wine region for you.
With my self-imposed expert knowledge in the area (I’ve overindulged in many a glass of fizz), I am going to break down which may be the perfect sparkling wine for you and where you can find it on one of our Grape Escape trips!
Prosecco
Some may say Prosecco has garnered a somewhat un-justified reputation by its association with boozy brunches, chaotic hen parties, and the aftermath of both. However, anyone who has visited the region and tasted Prosecco from the source would likely agree with me that we have judged this wine far too harshly.
Prosecco’s primary flavour profile is one of pear with slightly fruitier and sweeter notes that make it an easy drinker on its own, or as part of a cocktail – my personal favourite? The Hugo Spritz, that has seen a much-deserved resurgence in popularity in the last few years.
If this feels like the kind of drink you’d like to be sipping as a warm Italian breeze brushes over your hilltop veranda, then perhaps a visit to the Veneto region of Italy might be for you! In short, we’re looking at sumptuous Venetian dining, quaint countryside and strolling along beautiful canals in Treviso.
The Area
Nestled in the Northeast of Italy, Veneto is a paradise of lakes, romantic cities and rolling vineyards. Late June and early July offer the best time to be in this area when the sun graces the sky and rainstorms are few and far between. This is also the perfect time to enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the famous hills of Prosecco whilst sipping on some delicious wine. However, with this excellent weather comes an increase in tourism which can provide a lively and vibrant atmosphere but also leads to higher prices. Therefore, September and October can also be a wonderful time to visit, when you can witness ripened grapes hanging off the vines and stunning autumn colours.
How To Visit
If you think Prosecco is the bubbles option for you, we offer the perfect trip to experience this wonderful sparkling wine in our Essential Prosecco tour. You will have the opportunity to sample up to 15 different wines, learn about how Prosecco is produced while visiting stunning wineries across the region. You also have the opportunity to visit Valdobbiadene, an area which is known for its high-quality Prosecco, and the chance to experience a tour and tasting at a premium winery here.
Champagne
Often, when you think of bubbles and a truly decadent sparkling wine, most people will automatically think of Champagne. Enjoyed the world over this wine has never gone out of style and is a centrepiece at many of life’s special moments, from birthdays to weddings.
The Champagne region produces a sparkling wine best known for its toasty, biscuity aromas and flavours, with a rich, full and moreish palate. It’s no wonder this particular type of bubbles has captivated the world for long!
As one might expect, the home of Champagne matches the luxurious style of the drink, perfect for holiday makers looking for the finer things in life. Can you see yourself ambling down the Avenue de Champagne, savouring local French cuisine, or taking a boat ride down the Marne River? Then Champagne may be the place and the wine for you.
Where To Stay
You may choose to stay in the historically rich Cathedral city of Reims and walk in the footsteps of no less than 33 Kings who have been crowned there. The city itself is home to some of the most prestigious and well-known Champagne Houses and is therefore a perfect base to explore the region.
Epernay, known as the ‘capital of Champagne’, offers a slightly more relaxed feel to Reims but still provides an excellent central base to explore Champagne. The main highlight of Epernay is the famous Avenue de Champagne (listed as a world UNESCO heritage site) where you can stroll down the tree lined streets and dip in and out of tasting boutiques at your leisure.
Activities on Offer
Whether you are a keen cyclist or avid walker, Champagne offers many interesting and scenic trails to explore if you would like to stay active on your Grape Escape. Alternatively, if you simply want to sit back and enjoy the views of vineyards from a different angle you can laze the time away on a boat trip down the Marne River with a glass of Champagne in hand.
The quaint hilltop village of Hautvillers is a wonderful place to take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside dense with vines. The town is steeped in history, being the final resting place of Dom Perignon himself.
For any thrill seekers looking to brush up on a new party trick, whilst in Champagne you can witness and learn the ceremonial technique of Sabrage (opening a bottle using a sabre). The tradition is thought to have been started by Napolean’s cavalry during the French Revolution, with Napolean notoriously stating, ‘In Victory you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it’.
When To Visit
During the summer months you can expect languid days in the sun sipping on Champagne whilst looking out over the green vineyards. Or you can escape the heat by delving deep into the cellars of a Champagne House and take respite in their chalk caves. The summer brings with it long days, perfect for making the most out of your trip and enjoying all the region has to offer.
It would be remiss of me however not to talk about Champagne during wintertime as there are also many joys to be had in the area during the festive season. You can indulge in exploring the Reims Christmas markets, laden with artisanal products, mulled wine, crepes and of course the obligatory glass of Champagne. Mornings thick with frost, lead into crisp winter days, perfect for hiding away in a tasting boutique before relaxing at a spa in the evening and enjoying a rich French dinner.
How To Visit
We offer many different tours to Champagne whether you are looking for a gastronomic trip, a spa getaway or to experience the vineyards from a different angle on one of our cycling trips. Alternatively, if you are looking for a whistle-stop tour, look no further than our 24 Champagnes in 24 hours experience (this sounds like a challenge to me… and one I would gladly accept!).
Crémant
Slightly less well-known, but not to be underestimated, is the humble Crémant. This sparkling wine is made in the same way as Champagne and can pack some exceptional flavours depending on which region it has come from and what grape variety has been used. Match this with excellent affordability and you have a superb choice!
Crémant is produced in many regions in France, including the Loire Valley and Alsace, giving it an edge for versatility over its counterparts. So, whether you are looking for stunning countryside laden with impressive Chateaux or historically rich towns and villages, then visiting one of our crémant regions could be just the thing for you.
A Trip To The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley has a 500-mile-long wine route stretching from the coast all the way inland with plenty to discover along the way. Embark on a journey through time, visiting numerous stunning Chateaux in the region with richly decorated interiors, meticulously manicured gardens and sprawling parkland to explore.
Saumur is a historic town perched on the bank of the Loire River and one of the main areas producing excellent crémant. Immerse yourself in the history of the region by experiencing lunch in a troglodytic cave, created to mine the tuffeau stone used to build the incredible Chateaux. You can feast on the local delicacy of fouées (a delicate airy bread) paired with rillettes, butter, or local goats’ cheese, making this the perfect getaway for foodies.
If your passion for wine extends beyond sparkling then the region will delight you with its many exceptional still wines from a crisp dry Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, or a fresh and fruity Chinon red. There is certainly something to suit every palate.
Loire Valley: When To Go
A visit to the Loire in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn can provide the best of both worlds when planning a trip based around weather and crowds. April to June sees blossom flourish on the fruit trees and tulips blooming in the warmth, with fewer visitors as compared to the peak summer months.
From September to October, you can enjoy pleasant outdoor temperatures and perfect weather for walking and cycling. Many towns have wine festivals during the autumn harvest period from September into November where you can taste wines alongside local food, whilst enjoying the vibrant colours of the changing leaves.
A Trip To Alsace
Alsace, in the Northeast of France is a wonderland of Germanic half-timber houses, beautiful villages rich with culture and history, and is the largest producer of crémant in France. Perfectly situated next to the Vosges mountains, whose slopes provide the ideal aspect and soil for vines to thrive, Alsace was made for producing outstanding wines. Alongside its fabulous crémant you can also savour wonderfully aromatic Rieslings ranging from dry to sweet. This region truly is catering for every wine drinking occasion.
You might choose to stay in the main city of Strasbourg where you can explore the picturesque Le Petit France, marvel at the impressive gothic architecture of the Cathedral or take a serene boat tour along the canals. This can be the perfect base to explore the surrounding countryside whilst having great access to a multitude of shops, restaurants and bars.
Colmar, the ‘capital of Alsace wines’, is another of our favourite medieval towns in the region with quaint cobbled streets, antique shops and several museums making it a perfect destination for any art and history lovers.
Alsace: When To Go
From late November to early January the fairytale villages of Alsace are transformed into a winter wonderland as thousands of lights are strung between buildings, and craft markets pop up in every town. The city of Strasbourg has one of the most famous and beautiful Christmas markets in all of Europe with chalets filling the streets selling traditional crafts and handmade ornaments. You can feast on local festive delicacies including bredele Christmas cookies, sausages, crepes and of course wine!
So this Christmas, when you’re cracking open your favourite bubbly, why not consider planning a trip to the very region that it hails from? I’d be delighted to work with you to plan your dream trip – just send me an email, call +44 (0) 1920 468 666, or fill out our contact form, and myself or one of my colleagues who specialises in your chosen region will be happy to help.
If you are looking to share the joy of travel this Christmas, whether it’s to one of our sparkling regions or elsewhere, look no further than our gift vouchers. We offer three different types of vouchers, some of which can be issued to you quickly for any last-minute gift giving (no judgments here, we’ve all been there).
