There’s few things more enjoyable than hearing the pop of the cork as you open your first bottle of wine on holiday. Whether you prefer a robust red or a refreshingly crisp white, there’s nothing quite like kicking back on the veranda and letting the sun warm you up as you enjoy a nice bottle of the local vino.
When we hand-pick our villas, we like to make sure there’s plenty of stuff to do in the vicinity, and a spot of wine tasting is a great way to really get to know a region. You’ll learn about the culture and the climate, as well as the all-important taste test – and you may come away with a brand new favourite tipple!
1. Villa SonniVilla Sonni, Italian Lakes – Oliver’s Travels
Location: Italian Lakes, Italy
Sleeps: 9
Price from: £69 pppn
Suggestion: Although there are many wine tasting options available in the Lake Como region, we would recommend to make sure you visit Cantina Follie, Tremezzo. Pair the wine with the regional speciality plater, “Tagliere dell’amicizia”.
Suggestion: You are in the land of Super Tuscans! You shouldn’t miss visiting Tenuta il Greppo, one of the best wineries in the world, where in 1888 Franco Biondi Santi bottled the first Brunello di Montalcino. And if you want to explore more, small towns and villages will delight you with small producers that keep the traditions alive – Gaiole, San Casciano Val di Pesa or Greve in Chianti are great.
Suggestion: Bordeaux is pretty much a wine lovers’ dream and the region where you can taste some of the most expensive and famous wines in the world. The château produces a well-known Grand Cru and there are many other incredible vineyards to visit across the region. A perfect time to visit is May, when Weekend des Grands Crustakes place. This tasting is a must for everyone who loves the great wines of Bordeaux and it’s a unique time when you can discover the new vintages while they are still in the barrels.
Suggestion: Languedoc is the home to 10 fabulous wines that have featured on the Top 50 World Wine List. These include, Abbaye Sainte-Eugénie, Domaine Les Cascades, Domaine Sainte Croixand Castelmaure. The unmissable area to visit in Languedoc is Corbières to explore the vast landscape and picturesque vineyards.
Suggestion: Cahors is the birthplace of Malbec, which is locally known as Auxerrois or Cat Noir. This wonderful city is full of culture and history and a perfect place to expand your knowledge of wine with tasting rooms and plenty of wine tours to enjoy.
This villa is perfect for people who enjoy a bit of wine tasting with its very own Carnotzet in the cellar. Or if you’d prefer you can take a glass outside with you and stroll around the idyllic gardens with views of the Florence hills of Val d’Arno.
Suggestion: Sicily is Italy’s 3rd largest wine producer, with a wine history dating back to 800BC. The best wine areas to explore are Trapani and Ragusa. Famous local wines like Marsala, Bianco d’Alcamo and Inzolia are all produced in Trapani, and Ragusa is home to Nero d’Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria. There are 12 “wine roads” to explore, each one a unique expression of the culture, tradition and the grape varieties of the region.
Suggestion: Sicily is Italy’s 3rd wine producer, with a wine history dating back to the 800 B.C. . Best wine areas to discover are: Trapani region that produces famous local wines such as Marsala, Bianco d’Alcamo and Inzolia and the Ragusa region where Nero d’Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria are produced. You have 12 “Wine Roads” to explore, each being a peculiar expression of the culture, tradition and the grape varieties of that specific region.
Suggestion: Not only does this property have its own quirky interior, but it’s located you’re in the wine region of Bergerac! You’ll find dozens of amazing wineries and wine tasting tours at your doorstep. What’s more, our helpful concierge service can help you arrange it all before you go.
10. Mas CharoMas Charo – Costa Brava – Oliver’s Travels
Location: Costa Brava, Spain
Sleeps: 8
Price from: £24 pppn
Suggestion: The one thing you can’t miss when you are in Costa Brava is theFesta del Vi Nou de Calonge. This festival held in winter, welcomes the first wine from the harvest of that year. There is music, wine, food and markets that will keep you entertained the whole day. And if you are holidaying there in a different time of the year, discover the wine traditions of the region, dating back to the 4th century by visiting the Peralada Castlewine museum.
For more information on properties in ideal locations for wine tasting, head over to ourItalian Villaand French Chateaux collection. Our concierge team can also assist with any requests you have, such as wine tours, to get the most out of your stay.
Previous
Welcome to the Drone Zone France
Next
The Local’s Guide to Authentic Sicily
Popular Articles
10 Best Beaches in Cyprus
Often topping the ranking for the ratio of Blue Flag-awarded beaches, Cyprus has no fewer than 65 stretches adorned with the prestigious accolade. The island is perfect for combining a slice of history with beach life – you can be ruin-spotting first thing; swimming and sunbathing a few hours later. The quality meets up to […]
10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
From tiny, remote coves to yawning sandy stretches, beaches of all shapes and sizes make up Mykonos’ coastline. The southern strips are the most popular – and often more crowded – while the northern gems are more remote and quiet. Many unfurl from the foot of villas on Mykonos, and hotels, while others feature beach […]
10 Best Villas in Ibiza
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
Location: Tuscany, Central Italy
