There are many ways to have a luxury travel experience, but one of the favorites of this column has got to be what can loosely be called “wine travel.” In the hills of Tuscany, or the long drive along Silverado in Napa Valley, taking an upscale vacation and sampling different vintages provides an unforgettable learning experience. There’s a 5-year old company, Wine Travel, that offers unique wine tours in Italy, Switzerland and France, that provides this specific vacation experience.
While Wine Travel can tailor trips to meet particular interests or budget restrictions, there are several exclusive, organized and escorted trips offered. There are all based on a local theme (regarding the location of the wine tour), and worthy of a closer look. Even winery restaurants put such complications sometimes.
Active Burgundy Tour: Wine Bike and Hike
This is an active trip, no doubt about it. Participants won’t have a chance to gain vacation weight, with all the biking and hiking around the Burgundy region of France. Wonderful, charming and authentic French bed and breakfast accommodations add to the experience, as do the fabulous meals and wine tastings. No tourist trap vacation, this four day trip really lets wine enthusiasts get to know Burgundy beyond what tourists usually see.
Provence’s Secrets: L’Occitane and Wine
Yes, that L’Occitane, eponymous to the luxury brand bath and body store, also has a Wine Tour experience. The South of France is one of the most idyllic spots on Earth for wine and culinary travel; the endless vista of lavender fields are beyond picturesque. The local winemakers who own and operate these Provence vineyards open up their businesses to members of Wine Tours, so that each wine tasting visit is relaxed and personal. And yes, this is Provence, so a stop at that famous L’Occitane en Provence is definitely on the agenda. With many organic and fresh products, it’s a favorite of Luxury Travel. Guests can create their own bath or body product in the on-site “secret lab.”
Swiss Time Keepers and Burgundy Grand Cru Wines:
French for great growth, Grand Cru indicates a wine came from a terrific vineyard, putting it in the upper tiers of French wines. Part of this Wine Tour is in Burgundy in eastern France, yes, but part of it is also in the more cosmopolitan location of Geneva, Switzerland. An upscale trip to Switzerland practically demands a visit to a watch factory, and Wine Travel is happy to oblige. The oldest luxury wine manufacturer in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin, provides an in-depth tour with a discussion about the history of Swiss watchmaking. It’s an important part of Swiss culture.
Luxury travel and wine tours are joined together seamlessly with Wine Travel Tours. An opportunity to partake in a real travel experience, getting to know a beautiful and historic part of Europe on a deeper level, sounds hard to pass up.
