A wine tasting trip is a great way to give an interesting focus to a holiday. It’s fun, sociable and, contrary to popular opinion, is just as enjoyable for those who know very little about wine!

Wine shop by Claire (Europe Explored)

Where to Go

In order for wine to be produced, there needs to be lots of sun. Luckily for you, that means that any wine region that you choose to visit is likely to have very good weather while you are there.

If you are relatively new to wine tasting then it doesn’t really matter which wine region you visit to start with. Most regions will use a variety of different grapes to produce their wine so you will get to taste a variety of different wines. If you choose to go on an organised wine holiday, you may even be able to taste wines from neighbouring regions.

One of the primary considerations when you are planning a wine tasting holiday is what you will do when you aren’t tasting the local wines. For example, if you are into gardens or architecture you might choose to visit the Loire Valley wine region in France rather than some of the regions that are further south.

Vineyard in the Loire Valley near Chinon, France by La Chiquita

Who to Go With

Wine tasting is an incredibly sociable activity.  Who you choose to accompany you on your trip can be a very important decision. Though wine tasting has always appealed to older people, it’s not a rule. If you have children who are now in their 20s, maybe a wine tasting holiday would be something you would both enjoy? This is especially true if you are new to wine tasting yourself. You can learn the ropes together. This can be great fun and add a completely new dimension to a holiday.

Booking Your Holiday

There are a number of ways to book a wine tasting holiday. The most obvious, but not always the best, option is to book the whole holiday from a tour operator. There are a number of operators who specialise in wine tasting trips; just be careful you don’t pay over the odds. The second option is to book your flights and accommodation separately and then sign up for a locally organised wine tasting programme.  This can be preferable because you are able to benefit from local knowledge (very important when it comes to wine). Lastly, you might choose to book your accommodation and then simply make it up as you go along! This can be a little hit and miss, but it’s certainly the most fun!

Victoria Wills is the owner of Chateau de Milly which is set right in the heard of the Loire Valley. Chateau de Milly is available for rental throughout the year and is a perfect base for a wine tasting trip.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Karen Melchior

South of France

The South of France is known for its great cuisine and Roman ruins. It has several tiny villages and also boasts of big cities like Marseille. This part is home to the Riviera and the Pyrenees, a mountain region separating the country from Spain. The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful regions in France and is a must see.

Central France

This region is one of the quietest parts of France but has the famous Loire Valley as a part of it. The valley is studded with extraordinary castles and quaint towns. The cathedral in Chartres makes it one of the most beautiful cities in terms of French property.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by frank wouters

Eastern parts of France

Alsace and Burgundy fall in the east of France. These regions are known for their wines and are characterized by magnificent hills. Dijon, Nancy and Strasbourg are some of the famous cities in this region.

Western France

Western France faces the Atlantic coast. It is adorned with beaches, beautiful cities and lush hills. The atmosphere in this part of France sets it apart from the rest. The Neolithic ruins on the beaches remind visitors of its Celtic origin and give the entire region an additional historic and enchanted aura.

Most of the attractions in France are in the form of natural or built heritage. Some popular sites include the Eiffel Tower, a 19th century tower that was built for the World Fair. It is comprised of 7300 tones of iron. The Louvre Museum, the first national museum in the country, hosting a collection of artefacts, sculptures and paintings from all over Europe. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart houses more than 200 steps that provide one the most splendid views of Paris. Apart from the major cities, some other small communes and villages are also breathtaking and must-see locations. France is also home to several famous cathedrals and the world’s largest traffic round-about at the Arc de Triomphe.

Chateauforsale.org is a website promoting the finest and best luxury french chateaux and vineyards for sale in France. The website regularly covers a variety of topics relating to France on their French Property Blog. Follow them on twitter @frenchchateaux.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

Château de Chenonceau, in comparison to the other castles of the Loire, has a very calm and majestic appearance. It may be surprising that the castle is the work of women (was built and reconstructed according to the wishes of several noble women), therefore the castle is also known as the “Château des Dames” (Castle of women). For example, Catherine de Medici added amazing yew maze and a rose garden. Madame Dupin changed the castle to ​​a center of fashion in the 18th century.

Château de Chenonceau is standing on the site of the former water mill. It has been built between the years of 1513 and 1521. The current form of the castle dates back to the 16th century. In the years of 1556 – 1559 its typical bridge arches were added to the castle and connected the banks of the river.

In the castle you can admire the beautiful tapestries, magnificent paintings and original tile floors. No wonder that after Versailles it is the second most visited castle in France.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

The castle is open to the public, and features the magnificent interiors and beautiful gardens. There are even restaurants and galleries. It is also home to various regular exhibitions and concerts. Before visiting the Château de Chenonceau you can download audio guide of the castle from the official website of Château de Chenonceau.

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