If you’re a regular to Grape Experiences, so you know how much I crave traveling to see family, friends, and wine regions around the world. And if this is your first foray into Grape Experiences, enjoy the ride, too! Now, to add inspiration to anyone’s wine travel mindset, bookmark this article because I was sent six books (for review) written by wine experts and published by the Academie du Vin. These informative books should be on everyone’s list, so check them out and start packing your bags!
Aptly entitled The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide, the books include everything a wine traveler needs to know pertaining to the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany, Switzerland, and Rioja. (There are other regions, too, so click HERE for the list.) Each book is $17.95 and a real bargain given the depth and breadth of what’s inside.
Detailed maps, the region’s history and geography, grape styles, vintages of note, lists and descriptions of the area’s greatest wines, and appellations are included. Authentic cuisine, wine routes, small and large hotels, handy tips for visiting, and ideas for non-wine related activities are suggested, too, along with stunning photographs. Bonus factor? Each book is small, so it can be tucked into your bag for easy access while traveling!
Where will you go first? (I have some ideas of my own!)
Napa Valley: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Maria Hunt
Favorite Tips: A few hours from my home is Napa Valley and (spoiler alert) I’ve had plenty of wines from this internationally recognized wine region. Before you visit, consider visiting Chateau Montelena (page 97), Opus One (page 116), any of the downtown Napa tasting rooms (page 98), or other wineries that made the cut in the book. Follow one or more of the fascinating wine routes (page 90) and choose among many hotels (page 136) catering to wine lovers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: www.napavintners.com
Rioja: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Fintan Kerr
Favorite Tips: Don’t go to Rioja without following the Lograno tapas trail for an indulgence in all things small Spanish bites (page 120). Choose between a few stunning wine routes (beginning on page 101) and stay at Marques de Riscal (page 124) that boasts a Caudalie vinotherapy spa, indoor pool and fitness center, four restaurants including a casual wine bar and Michelin starred restaurant. This is high on my own list.
Rhone Valley: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Matt Walls
Favorite Tips: I loved my visit to the Rhone Valley and can’t wait to return to the villages of the Luberon (page 91) and explore Avignon in depth (page 109). Visit Chateau la Nerthe in Chateauneuf du Pape (page 128) and iconic Guigal (page 118) in Ampuis at their Le Caveau du Chateau, a restored 19th century home where tastings, vineyard tours, and more are offered. Try to book La Tour du Pavillon (page 145), a small two story home that sleeps two and is owned by Chapoutier. It is the only spot to stay on the infamous hill at Tain l’Hermitage!
The Rhone River at Avignon – Photo Credit: www.amawaterways.com
Bordeaux: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Georgie Hindle
Favorite Tips: Having been to Bordeaux twice, promise that you’ll visit Cite du Vin (page 109) for an ever-evolving, hands on approach to wine education in the most unique way. Then snag a table at Zephirine (page 146), Avant Comptoir du Palais (page 150), or Au Bistrot (page 150) for a memorable meal. A plethora of ideas for chateau visits and tastings begins on page 119.
Photo Credit: Chateau Gruaud Larose –
Switzerland: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Simon Hardy & Marc Checkley
Favorite Tips: First, check out the wine styles and grapes grown (page 52) and get an idea of Swiss wines to seek (page 66). Then, plan your trip around wine events and festivals (page 76). Cool wine bars? I’m thinking of Chez Bacchus in Geneva (page 188) and Chez Smith in Zurich (page 189) for starters!
Chateau d’Aigle, Switzerland
Tuscany: The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide by Paul Caputo
Favorite Tips: There are so many spots in Tuscany, so I’ll have to let you decide which is yours! Begin in Florence with aperitivo in any of these authentic places (page 167) and check out the suggestions for winery tours and tastings (page 130). Wines of Badia a Coltibuono (page 132) and Tenuta Licinia (page 134) are some of my favorites and I’ve added a personal visit to each to my own list. Don’t forget to find and book your favorite wine hotel (page 139) for an elevated and quite special experience.
Enjoy your wine travels! Stay tuned for my reviews of more books from Academie du Vin later this summer!
Cheers!~ Cindy
