Photo by Kelsey Knight

How long have you been giving wine tours in Mendoza?

I have been giving wine tours for more than 15 years. I started back before wine tourism was popular in Argentina. My background is in journalism, and people used to contact me through a wine magazine called Wine Republic looking to get into the wineries as nobody answered the phones. Suddenly I was driving people to wineries and thinking, “this is fun!” So, I started one of the first wine tour companies in Argentina. Now there are about 200.

How many wineries are in Mendoza?

There are at least 1,000 wineries in the Mendoza region. Nearly 300 now do visits but the reality is that maybe a core 30 wineries do great tours as they have that magic formula of excellent wines, charismatic guides and beautiful locations. Unfortunately, some of Argentina’s most famous wineries do terrible tours with stiff, robotic guides and, God forbid, corporate videos.

Which grape varieties are grown in Mendoza?

Everybody wants Malbec but the truth is Mendoza has a great variety of grapes including Bonarda, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is traditionally red wine country but better vineyard techniques mean Argentina is now producing nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. A big surprise is the white Torrontés, the only local fine wine that has aromas of Turkish Delight.

Are there classifications for Argentinian wine, similar to premier cru in parts of France?

No, there are very few DOC appellations and the region is better for it. One of the reasons French winemakers love making wine in Argentina is their hands are not tied and options are not restricted. New grapes are being planted all the time.

What are some things to keep in mind when tasting wine in Mendoza?

Keep in mind the temperature of course and a neutral environment with no strong aromas such as perfumes. One winery here spent a fortune on leather furniture in their tasting room and had to get rid of it. Glasses are important and a decanter is essential for big wines. Make sure to have breakfast before a tour. On our tours, you can try on average 17 wines in one day, and here, they are very generous with their pours.

What foods are traditionally served with Argentinian wines?

Beef and Malbec are a lucky combination, which is just as well as Argentines love both.  Empanadas are always good as is the excellent goat cheese that is locally produced in Mendoza. There are more goats in Mendoza than people! Here you can get Malbec-flavored ice cream, and the local chardonnay goes well with sweet jam desserts, hazelnuts and almonds – all local products.

What is something about wine tours in Mendoza that might surprise visitors?

All the better wineries have strict security. There is a guard at the gate, and if your name is not on his clipboard, you cannot get in. You have to book ahead. Here there is no cellar door where you just roll up and put your belly to the bar. You have to plan.

What is the best time of year to visit Mendoza?

November is one of the best times to visit Mendoza. The Andes are covered in snow and the vineyards are bursting into green.

Which wine tour in Mendoza would you recommend to first-time visitors?

Lujan de Cuyo is a great tour. It has everything: beautiful old romantic wineries, modern state-of-the-art establishments and beautiful mountain views. The best thing you can do in Mendoza is a multi-course lunch with wine pairings in a winery. The wine is great but the food is creative and extravagant.

Do you have a favorite Argentinian wine?

My favorite local wines are Carinae Syrah, Monteviejo Petite Fleur and Atamisque Chardonnay.

Thank you, Charlie!

Trout & Wine Tours
Phone: (+ 54 ) 261 4255613
Email: ask@troutandwine.com

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• Art
• History
• Medici
• Science
• City Views
• Day Trip

1st Choice: Art Adventure in Florence 

Uffizi Galleries

The Uffizi Galleries in Florence offer one of the world’s largest collections of paintings from the fourteenth century and Renaissance period, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. The building began with architect Giorgio Vasari (1511–1574) and was constructed between 1560 and 1581. Don’t miss The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510), one of the 10 must-see paintings in Europe. It was painted between 1482 and 1486 for the Medici family. The Uffizi collection also includes many impressive ancient statues and busts, including ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence houses one of the most famous statues in the world. Standing over five meters tall, Michelangelo’s David was made from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504. This Renaissance sculpture depicts the Biblical figure of David and symbolizes strength, intelligence and beauty. The museum also features other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of Italian paintings from the fourteenth through seventeenth centuries. The Galleria dell’Accademia was founded by Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1784. Now, the institution occupies a fourteenth-century hospital, St. Matthew, and a convent, St. Niccolò of Cafaggio.

Courtesy of Galleria dell’Accademia

2nd Choice: History Adventure in Florence 

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, dates back to Roman times and was the only bridge over the Arno River in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt using three stone arches after a devastating flood in 1333. The bridge is part of the Vasari Corrido, an elevated passageway that was used by the Medici family as a private crossing between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. The bridge is lined with little shops – once occupied by butchers and tanners – now home to jewelers and art dealers. Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in the city to avoid destruction during World War II. It is a must-see historic site for an adventure in Florence.

Photo by Ansgar Scheffold

Or Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Palace, is a Romanesque building located in the center of Florence that reflects many centuries of history, including three distinct sites: Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and Renaissance chambers. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299, and the entire site sits on ancient Roman ruins that date back to the first century A.D. Palazzo Vecchio is a symbol of civil power for the city of Florence; even today, it’s the location of the Mayor’s office. Just to the side of Palazzo Vecchio, visitors can explore the Loggia dei Lanzi, also called Loggia della Signoria, an open-air museum with many great sculptures, like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa from 1545/54.

Photo by Matt Twyman

3rd Choice: Medici-Inspired Adventure in Florence  

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

An adventure in Florence would not be complete within exploring the many sites attributed to the Medici family. The Pitti Palace was named after its first owner Luca Pitti (1398–1472), a Florentine banker. Work on the palace started in 1458 and was left unfinished at the time of Pitti’s death. In 1549, the palace was purchased by Eleonora of Toledo, Cosimo I de’ Medici’s wife, as a ceremonial residence. Work on the palace continued and the structure grew in size. Throughout four centuries, the palace was inhabited by three dynasties: the Medici, the Habsburg-Lorraine and the Savoy. Today, the palace is open to visitors and includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Boboli Gardens are situated directly behind Pitti Palace. Established by the Medici family, this beautiful outdoor space includes many impressive ancient and Renaissance statues, as well as grottos, fountains and botanical gardens. The subsequent Habsburg-Lorraine and Savoy dynasties further developed the gardens’ layout and extended the boundaries. It is considered to be one of the world’s most important “formal” gardens and has inspired royal gardens throughout Europe.

Courtesy of Pitti Palace

Or Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence is one of the city’s oldest churches, and it was the parish church for the Medici family. Said to have been consecrated by Saint Ambrose of Milan in 393, Basilica di San Lorenzo held the title of Duomo in Florence for about 300 years, before the title was transferred to the present day Duomo. In 1419, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici (1360–1429), founder of the dynasty, offered to finance a new church to replace the eleventh-century Romanesque structure, and the project was led by architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446). The Medici Chapels hold the funerary monuments of the Medici family. Additional sections were added, such as Michelangelo’s New Sacristy in 1520 and Nigetti’s Chapel of the Princes in the early seventeenth century.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

4th Choice: Science Adventure in Florence

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence offers a collection of interactive machines and displays modeled after original sketches by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). Divided into five sections: mechanisms, earth, water, air and fire, the museum examines Leonardo’s universal genius as an artist, scientist, inventor and designer. The museum features machines relating to civil engineering, weaponry, flight and more. Visitors of all ages can learn about Leonardo’s many achievements and his continuous pursuit to push the realm of possibility.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

Or Galileo Museum

The Galileo Museum, located in Florence’s Piazza dei Guidici, combines a noted museum featuring scientific instruments with an institute for research, documentation and dissemination of the history of science in the broadest senses. It also features the work of Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), an astronomer, physicist and engineer from Pisa. Notable items on display include Galileo’s objective lens from the telescope he used to discover the Galilean moons of Jupiter, thermometers used by members of the Accademia del Cimento and an extensive collection of terrestrial and celestial globes. The museum also has a library with troves of materials depicting Italy’s technical and scientific heritage.

Courtesy of Galileo Museum

5th Choice: City Views Adventure in Florence

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Florence Cathedral, or Duomo di Firenze, is one of the city’s most iconic structures and features the largest brick dome ever constructed. It acts as the centerpiece of Florence and can be seen from hilltops throughout the region. The concept for the cathedral was conceived in 1293, and after a hundred years of construction, the structure was still missing its dome. In 1420, after many technical issues, architect Filippo Brunelleschi began construction on the massive octagonal dome. Today, visitors can climb up the 400+ steps to the dome’s lantern for excellent views of Florence. Piazza del Duomo also includes Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery of Saint John with its Gates of Paradise.

Photo by Jonathan Körner

Or San Miniato al Monte

Sunset is the perfect time to take in the views near San Miniato al Monte, a basilica situated atop one of the highest points in the city – even higher than Piazzale Michelangelo. Make time to visit the basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The structure was built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries and includes three naves, an elevated presbytery and crypt. Its marble exterior is decorated with green and white geometric patterns.

Courtesy of Visit Florence

6th Choice: Day Trip Adventure in Florence

Pisa

Pisa is located about an hour by train from Florence making it an easy day trip. Once in Pisa, head over to Pisa Cathedral for a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cathedral’s free-standing bell tower is known for its almost four-degree lean. Scroll around the Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The square is made up of four spectacular edifices: Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Campanile (Pisa Tower) and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum, which displays original artwork from the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower.

Photo by C. McCain

Or Tuscan Wine Country

Tuscany, Italy’s fifth-largest region, has been producing some of the world’s best wines for centuries. After Piedmont and Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/G quality wines. Tuscany has 41 DOC wines and 11 DOCG wines, and they are produced across the region’s ten provinces. Sangiovese grapes dominate the vineyards in Tuscany and produce notable wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. For a hassle-free experience, check out all-inclusive wine tours, like Grape Tours, which offer transportation from Florence, tour guides, wine tastings and lunch.

Photo by Reisetopia

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In particular, English sparkling wines have been recognized around the world for their quality, creativity and flavor. Guided tours and tastings are a great way for travelers to experience this unique wine culture. To learn more, Nicola Boarer, owner of English Wine Tasting & Tours, shares travel tips on how to go wine tasting in England.

How long have you been giving wine tours in England? 

I launched English Wine Tasting & Tours in 2015, and we’ve been delivering wine tours ever since.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

What part of England can you find wine that is comparable to champagne?

We predominantly offer wine tours across Kent and Sussex; however, we do work with a number of vineyards in Surrey and Hampshire too. Kent and Sussex are by far the two biggest grape-growing counties in the UK and as such have more vineyards than any other counties. Altogether, there are almost 900 vineyards in the UK, all of varying sizes and offer a wide range of styles of wine.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which grape varieties are common in England? 

The most common grapes currently grown in the UK are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir; these are what we call the three noble grapes that are often used for sparkling wine and champagne.

How does English sparkling wine compare to champagne? 

Is there a British champagne? While there are lots of similarities with English sparkling wine, English wine-makers are very keen to put their own mark on their winemaking style that is unique to the UK. Many of the wines they make are world-class, and they have won multiple awards, especially in blind taste tests over Champagne, so it’s fair to say it compares very favourably.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Is there anything unique about the wine-making process in England?

We are a cool climate wine producer, so with that comes many challenges. The biggest one is our tendency to have a late spring frost, which can kill fresh buds. The other problem is our tendency to have a high amount of rain, which can lead to mildew. The positive of our cool climate though is that we now have the ideal growing conditions for the three noble grapes (similar to that of Champagne 10 years ago), which means we are able to produce exceptional sparkling wine.

Do you have any wine-tasting tips?

We always encourage people to try wines they wouldn’t normally try and always keep an open mind when tasting. When it comes to English wine, bear in mind that 70% of what we produce is sparkling wine, but also think crisp whites, delicate rosés and a fantastic fruit-forward palette.

What are a few of your favorite English wines?

This is a tough question as firstly there are too many great English wines to choose from. But also most English wines are vintages, so very few English wines will taste exactly the same from one year to the next.

What British foods pair well with English wines? 

Fish and Chips, of course!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which of your wine tours would you recommend to first-time visitors?

That’s a tough choice as all our tours are great for first-time visitors. Our Small Group Private Tour works really well if you have a group of friends/family you’d like to go with. Or join one of our public tours, which means you get to meet fellow wine lovers along the way!

Is there anything about English wine tours that might surprise people?

Guests are often surprised by the quality of English wine and by how many vineyards we have in the UK. But as it happens, we always find that our guests are surprised by our knowledge of not just English wine and the wine-making process, but we include the history of English wine starting with the Roman invasion right through to 2020. Being big lovers of history, we also throw in the history of the local area, which all adds to the day and the overall experience. Guests regularly finish the tour saying they’ve learnt far more than they had expected on the day!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Thank you, Nicola!

English Wine Tasting & Tours
Website: https://www.englishwinetastingtours.co.uk/
Email: info@englishwinetastingtours.co.uk
Phone: 0044 (0)1424 777 111

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From Burgundy to Languedoc-Roussillon, France has some of the most famous wine regions in the world, and it is one of the largest wine producers with more than seven billion bottles corked each year. Travelers from all over the globe are attracted to France’s approach to winemaking and the prestigious wines it has been producing for centuries. The French wine scene is truly special due in part to its community of highly-skilled winemakers who are terroir-conscious about their process. Many French wines are classified using the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) system, which sets standards for production. Travelers can explore quaint villages, tour historic vineyards, taste a wide variety of incredibly specific wines and learn about French winemaking practices that will continue to charm even the most discerning wine drinkers for many generations to come. So, where can you find the best red wine in France? Check out the top five red wine regions in France.

Burgundy

Photo by C. McCain

Located in east-central France, Burgundy has five major sub-regions: Chablis and Grand Auxerrois, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. Its picturesque villages and sloping vineyards make for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. The region produces pinot noir, gamay, chardonnay and aligoté. It has more than 80 appellations – the most produced in any region of France. And, Burgundy is home to one of the world’s most expensive wines, Romanée-Conti, which can sell for upwards of $20,000 per bottle. In 2015, Burgundy’s climats, or wine-growing plots, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many of the plots date back to the Middle Ages and each one has a unique geographical or geological distinction.

Rhône Valley

Photo by C. McCain

Located in southeastern France, the Rhône Valley wine region offers more than 30 appellations, including popular ones like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. This wine region is split into two parts: north and south. The northern sub-region, running between Vienne and Valence, has eight appellations and is famous for its syrah grape, which produces a full-bodied, red wine. It also produces white wines from marsanne, roussane and viognier grapes. The southern sub-region, surrounding Avignon, has more than 15 appellations and produces many different types of red, white and rosé wines from a variety of grapes including grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignan, among others. Don’t miss a taste of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known as the first AOC wine to be recognized. In 1936, it was allowed to use 13 different varieties for its blend with both red and white grapes.

Bordeaux

Photo by C. McCain

Where can you find the best red wine in France? It could very well be Bordeaux. With more than 8,000 wine producers, Bordeaux has one of the largest wine operations in France. Located in southwestern France, it is divided into 38 sub-regions with 57 different appellations. Some of the most popular sub-regions include Médoc, Graves, Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Saint Émilion, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Margaux, among others. The vast majority of Bordeaux wines are red with grape varieties that include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. The city of Bordeaux is an excellent place to explore between vineyards. The city’s natural harbor and landmarks are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble created in the Age of Enlightenment.” Don’t miss the Cité du Vin, a museum on the Garonne River dedicated to Bordeaux’s wine heritage. It has a tasting room 35 meters above the ground with panoramic views of the city.
Read more: 10 Best Food Festivals in France

Beaujolais

Photo by Robert Ireton

The Beaujolais wine region is situated just north of Lyon in eastern France. Beaujolais/Beaujolais Supérieur, Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais Nouveau are made from gamay grapes and are famous for being light-bodied red wines high in acidity and low in tannins. The ten crus of Beaujolais include Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin- à -Vent, Régnié and Saint-Amour. Each one has its own appellation title. Each year, a wine festival called Les Sarmentelles is held in Beaujeu, a village located near the city of Mâcon. The event celebrates the limited edition release of that year’s Beaujolais Nouveau, which is available to the public for the first time each year on the third Thursday in November after only fermenting for a few weeks. This five-day French wine festival features tastings, dinners, live music, dance performances and art markets.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Photo by Bo Boer

The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region surrounds the city of Montpellier in southern France. Its wines, including Vin de Pays d’Oc, have many well-known appellations, such as Languedoc, Corbières, Faugères, Minervois and Saint-Chinian, among others. From coastal plains to the valleys around the Pyrenees, this diverse terrain produces more than 1/3 of all French wine. It grows many different types of grapes, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. If you need a break from red wine, get a taste of Languedoc-Roussillon’s Crémant de Limoux, a sparkling wine made from mauzac, chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes. It’s a refreshing way to celebrate the art of French winemaking.

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10 Best Food Festivals in Scandinavia

A Taste of Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden
May/June

Courtesy of A Taste of Stockholm

Located at the Kungsträdgården festival grounds, A Taste of Stockholm is one of the largest food festivals in Sweden typically drawing more than 300,000 attendees each year. This five-day event features a wide variety of local foods, as well as beer and wine tastings, and it brings together chefs and food industry professionals from throughout Sweden to showcase their culinary skills. The event celebrates sustainability with its Stockholm Green initiative. Don’t miss the chef duel, which provides plenty of high-stakes entertainment.

Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans

Located throughout Denmark
June

Courtesy of My New Danish Life

The Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans takes place near the summer solstice in locations throughout Denmark. The Midsummer Festival is named after Sankt Hans, known as John the Baptist, and it is celebrated with a home-cooked meal followed by a community bonfire. Throughout the years, the event has kept many of its traditions, including songs, food and drinks.

Gladmat Food Festival

Stavanger, Norway
July

Courtesy of Gladmat Food Festival

The Gladmat Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s food culture. Gladmat means “happy food” in Norwegian, which sets the tone for this fun-loving four-day event. With more than 250,000 people expected each year, this festival brings together local food producers, restauranteurs and food enthusiasts for food exhibitions, cookery courses, treasure hunts, food trails and local food competitions.

Trøndelag Food Festival

Trondheim, Norway
July

Courtesy of Trøndelag Food Festival

The Trøndelag Food Festival is located in Trondheim, the third most populated city in Norway located on the Trondheim Fjord at the mouth of the River Nidelva. Trondheim is known as the “home of Nordic flavors” given its easy access to local-produced, high-quality foods from the land and sea. The Trøndelag Food Festival usually draws more than 250,000 people, and food samples are provided by 200+ local farmers and food producers. The booths and stages are decorated with classic Norwegian designs. Cooking classes are available with special themes, such as food preservation, fermentation techniques and shellfish preparations. Don’t miss the Trondheim Brewery Festival, which takes place during the same time.

Crab Festival on Atoy

Atløy, Norway
July

Courtesy of Crab Festival on Atoy

Volunteers catch more than 2,000 kg of crab for the annual Crab Festival on the island of Atløy in Norway. The fresh crabs are then boiled for the event’s popular crab table or made into specialty dishes, such as crab tortillas and shellfish platters. The best part about this event is that attendees can eat as much crab as they’d like. The festival also features activities for the whole family, including live performances, music and dancing.

Malmo Festival

Malmö, Sweden
August

Courtesy of Malmo Festival

The Malmö Festival offers visitors the chance to experience the flavor and culture of Scandinavian cuisine in the historic city of Malmö, Sweden’s third most populated city. Each summer, the festival brings people together to enjoy food, music and art. This event is one of the largest city festivals in northern Europe. Everyone is welcome, and there are plenty of free activities and performances for people of all ages.

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

Copenhagen, Denmark
August

Courtesy of Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival features some seriously delicious food, and it recognizes the talented people who work hard to produce it. This 10-day event lets chefs, cooks and foodies join forces to celebrate Copenhagen’s diverse and ever-evolving food scene. The program features both Danish and international cuisines, and there is a focus on ‘food of the wild’ or raw, locally-sourced foods, such as seaweed, plants, fruits and vegetables. The festival also offers food-related conferences and symposiums aimed at inspiring industry professionals.

Bergen Food Festival

Bergen, Norway
September

Courtesy of Bergen Food Festival

The Bergen Food Festival is located in Norway’s second-largest city situated in the west coast county of Vestland. This event is one of the biggest ‘local’ food festivals in Norway. Attendees can meet food producers, buy high-quality, fresh products and get inspired by great regional chefs. The event also features presentations from the producers about their food, which is typically produced from local, raw materials.

Matstreif Food Festival

Oslo, Norway
September

Courtesy of Matstreif Food Festival

The Matstreif Food Festival is an annual event organized by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. With 150+ exhibitors, the event showcases some of the best local food and drink producers from Norway. The farmers’ market offers small-scale, locally-produced goods. This two-day event also features cooking demonstrations, competitions and family-friendly activities. From elk burgers to fresh salmon, this festival highlights Norwegian dishes that will have you coming back for more.

Great Swedish Beer Festival

Malmö, Sweden
October

The Great Swedish Beer Festival is held at Slagthuset in Malmö. 100+ Swedish craft beer breweries are celebrated at this annual event, and 4,500+ visitors are expected to attend one of the festival’s two sessions. Attendees are welcome to meet brew masters, taste a wide variety of beers and enjoy the company of other beer lovers from around the world.

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The Best Food Festivals in Portugal

Pork Sausage Festival (Festa das Chouriças)
Location: Querença
Month: January
Festa das Chouriças is one of the most popular Portuguese food festivals. Located in the Algarve region in Querença, a village in the municipality of Loulé, this food festival honors S. Luís, patron of the animals. The festival includes homemade sausage, musical performances, religious celebrations and a procession. The event also features a grand night of Fado at the People’s House of Querença. Markets throughout the village sell handmade goods and locally-produced products.

Courtesy of Jornal do Algarve

Essence of Wine (Essência do Vinho)
Location: Porto
Month: February
Essência do Vinho attracts large crowds to Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal. In recent years, the event has featured more than 3,000 wines and 400 wine producers from around the world. Attendees can sample wine, listen to winemaker presentations and chat with industry experts. Regional chefs and winemakers come together to celebrate Portuguese cuisine with special food and wine pairings. This four-day festival also features a welcome dinner and awards ceremony for notable wines made in Portugal, including the designation of the top 10 Portuguese wines of the year.

Courtesy of Essência do Vinho

Traditional Sausage Fair (Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais)
Location: Monchique
Month: March
Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais is located in Monchique, a city in the Algarve region set among the Serra de Monchique. This part of Portugal specializes in ham from black pigs. This festival celebrates some of the country’s best pork dishes and the people who produce them. In addition to food, this three-day festival features crafts, live music and local specialties like medronho, a drink made from distilled medronho tree fruit.

Courtesy of Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais

Great Portuguese Wine Show (Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal)
Location: Albufeira
Month: May/June
Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal is one of the country’s largest wine festivals in Portugal. Located in Albufeira, a coastal city in the Algarve region, this event features more than 900 wines and more than 100 national wine producers. This former fishing village has sandy beaches and a bustling restaurant scene – a perfect backdrop for a buzzworthy wine event. This three-day festival includes presentations about the Algarve Wine Route, cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings.

Courtesy of Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal

St. John Festival (Festa de São João)
Location: Porto
Month: June
Festa de São João dates back to the fourteenth century making it one of the most popular food festivals in Portugal. It’s a time to honor the sun gods and celebrate the year’s good harvest with friends, family, food, drinks and entertainment. Classic festival dishes include grilled sardines, grilled spare ribs, pork sandwiches, traditional soups and stews and plenty of port wine and Super Bock beer. The first evening of the festival usually includes a nice meal at home or at a restaurant. Be sure to book a table well in advance, since the festival is known to draw large crowds. Then, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky at midnight from the D. Luis Bridge. Free live music, including Fado, jazz and rock, can be heard throughout the city. Don’t forget your little plastic hammer, which festival goers use to lightly tap each other on the head.

Courtesy of Tia Maria

Food Fest
Location: Lagos
Month: July
Food Fest in Lagos, a town in the Algarve region, features a wide range of street food set among the walled old town, cliffs of Ponta de Piedade and Atlantic beaches. The streets of the city are transformed into an open air market with plenty of local dishes and drinks. This four-day food fest also features live music and entertainment, family-friendly activities and affordable, yet delicious, food and drink options.

Courtesy of J Photography

Seafood Festival (Festival do Marisco)
Location: Olhão
Month: August
Festival do Marisco in Olhão takes place in the municipal garden area along the banks of the Rio Formosa. This Portuguese food festival mixes live music and food to create one huge community celebration. Highlights include live performances by some of the best musicians in Portugal and food served fresh from the sea. Attendees can enjoy prawns, oysters, razor clams, barnacles and more. Traditional dishes, like seafood cataplana, are also served along with craft beer and Portuguese wine.

Courtesy of Festival do Marisco

Sardine Festival (Festival da Sardinha)
Location: Portimão
Month: August
Festival da Sardinha draws thousands of visitors to Portimão, a port city located in the Algarve region. People from all over the country gather together to celebrate one of Portugal’s favorite dishes: grilled sardines. Festivities are held in the fishing quarter, Zona Ribeirinha, and sardines and seafood are served fresh from the ocean along the picturesque waterfront. Traditional restaurants serve up plenty of sardinha no pão, or grilled sardines on local bread. The event also features live music performances and family-friendly activities.

Photo by Alex Teixeira

Fishermen’s Feast (Festa do Pescador)
Location: Albufeira
Month: September
Festa do Pescador celebrates the people connected to the sea with three-days of food, drinks and live entertainment. Food stalls serve up regional snacks like mackerel, cuttlefish and cataplanas. Festival goers can also enjoy sweet treats like almond cakes and farrobitos. Open-air entertainment includes traditional folk-inspired music, dance performances and more.

Courtesy of Festa do Pescador

National Gastronomy Festival (Festival Nacional de Gastronomia)
Location: Santarém
Month: October/November
In 2021, Festival Nacional de Gastronomia will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Located in Santarém, a city on the right bank of the Tagus River just northeast from Lisbon, this event attracts foodies from all over the world. Attendees can sample some of Portugal’s best food. The event plays a fundamental role in the preservation of Portuguese gastronomic heritage by inviting chefs and restaurateurs to showcase their best regional dishes. It’s a celebration of traditional and contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Themed lunches and live cooking demonstrations pay homage to Portugal’s rich food culture.

Courtesy of National Gastronomy Festival

*Please note, events may be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

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Aristotle, Founder of Eat and Walk Santorini Food Tour

How long have you been giving food tours in Santorini?

I have been offering food tours in Santorini for 2.5 years now and hope to continue for many more!

Photo by Dan Wechter

What are some common flavors and ingredients found in Greek cuisine?

Greeks love their veggies, so you will find many amazing dishes based on vegetables – eggplants, zucchinis and the queen of vegetables – tomato! Every meal is always accompanied with a fresh salad – not only the famous Greek Salad, but also greens, cabbage and carrot in winter. Herbs, fresh and dried, are used widely to give flavor, like oregano, mint, basil and parsley. Since the country is surrounded by sea, fish and seafood is a really big part of the Greek diet. And of course, grilled meat, especially lamb. (Don’t miss a chance to try roasted lamb on a spit, if you visit Greece during the Greek Easter!) Probably lesser known, but legumes are eaten in every house at least once a week, either as soup/stew or salad.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

Is there one dish that every visitor should try while in Santorini?

I believe that Ntomatokeftedes (Tomato fritters or Tomato balls) is the ultimate Santorini dish: juicy cherry tomatoes minced with fresh herbs and onions, fried in aromatic olive oil. Usually served with some tzatziki dip on the side and some capers. And a glass of cold local white Assyrtiko wine.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

What might surprise travelers about the food culture in Santorini?

Most taverns will offer a complimentary sweet (such as Greek yoghurt with “sweet on the spoon” (fruit, like fig, cherry, prickly pear in syrup) or a small serving of Greek pastry) at the end of your meal. If you have chosen to order a dessert, you will probably be offered a complimentary glass of dessert wine or a shot of raki, which works as a digestive!

What are some of your favorite wines produced in Santorini?

Santorini is famous for its whites, especially the Assyrtiko variety. It is very fresh, acidic and fruity, perfect for the hot summer weather, when served chilled. The volcanic soil contributes to the unique flavor profile. Vinsanto is a dessert wine, made from sundried grapes, but Mavrotragano is a rare variety of red, which is my favorite!

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

What other local drinks are popular in Santorini?

Raki, a distilled spirit made from grapes, is at the same time an apperitif and a digestive, and everything in between, especially when served with seafood.

Do you have any tips for eating or ordering at local restaurants in Santorini?

Santorinians (and Greeks in general) eat family style, shared meals, even when eating out. When visiting a tavern, you will see tables full of small meze plates and platters of fish and meat, which are all being shared by everyone at the table. So go ahead and order a variety of appetizers and salads, they are all served to share with your company!

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

Can you name a few of your favorite places to eat in Santorini? 

Sorry, there are too many! To name a few would mean disservice to the others! Contact us over email for recommendations!

Have you noticed any recent food trends in Santorini?

Greeks know what’s good and worth keeping, so you can always count on getting high quality, fresh food and classic dishes when visiting a tavern. The higher-end restaurants are putting a lot of emphasis on sourcing out local products and using seasonal ingredients, which are typical for the island. This has brought about a greater appreciation of the local produce, which is quite scarce in Santorini.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

In addition to the food, what do you enjoy most about living in Santorini?

Santorini has become really cosmopolitan and you can meet people from all over the world, who have chosen this island for their home. So there is always great energy and lots of new ideas among people, which all serve to make the island a better place for everyone – locals and visitors!

Thank you, Aristotle!

Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour
Website: https://santorinifoodtour.com
Phone: +30 6942549601
Email: yummy@santorinifoodtour.com

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The post What To Eat in Santorini | Tips From a Greek Food Expert first appeared on Travel Observed.

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There is something special about spending the day wine tasting your way through the valleys of Napa and Sonoma Counties – located just a short drive north of San Francisco. It’s the perfect weekend away for travelers looking to enjoy sunshine, beautiful scenery and memorable wines. With more than 800 wineries located throughout California’s North Coast wine region, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling some of the world’s finest wines, particularly the cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay varieties. Friendly locals, farm-to-table restaurants and luxury accommodations also add to the destination’s allure. But, what if you can’t make the trip to northern California? Now, wine enthusiasts can enjoy the best virtual wine tastings from northern California from the comfort of home.

The Best Virtual Wine Tastings from Northern California

Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa, California

Courtesy of Bouchaine Vineyards

Bouchaine Vineyards offers B Live, a selection of online wine tasting packages. Virtual visitors can select from three different experiences, each with its own set of wines available for home delivery. The first option, Winemaker 101, includes vin gris, chardonnay and pinot noir. Discussions include wine basics, such as wine coloring, winemaking techniques and grape varietals. The second option, Winemaker 201, includes pinot gris, chardonnay and (2) pinot noirs. Discussions include taste differences in white wine, comparisons between younger and older pinot noir and flavors produced by oak barrels. Experiences include a hosted tasting with views overlooking the beautiful estate vineyards.

Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena, California

Courtesy of Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards offers an online chef series along with their virtual wine tastings, which is ideal for those who like to experiment in the kitchen. Check out Duckhorn Vineyards’ Private Virtual Chef Demonstration & Wine Pairing with Natalie Niksa, the chef at La Saison in Napa Valley. Natalie shares seasonally-inspired recipes that pair perfectly with Duckhorn wines. Featured meals have included pinot noir paired with pan-seared pork chops, balsamic glazed onions and roasted potatoes, merlot paired with stuffed mushrooms and ratatouille and cabernet sauvignon paired with maple-glazed bacon meatloaf and sweet potato mash. A selection of their wines are available in full (750ml) and half-bottle (375 ml) options, and all orders receive $5 shipping.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, California

Courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Francis Ford Coppola Winery offers two options for virtual wine tastings: happy hours and private tastings. If you’re in the mood to socialize online with friends and family, the happy hour option accommodates up to eight people. During the virtual event, a winery host guides the group through the tasting of three pre-selected (and pre-shipped) wines while sharing estate stories and answering questions about the winemaking process. If you prefer a more personalized experience, the virtual private tasting includes four pre-selected wines, and the host shares stories about the winery’s history, production process and winemaking philosophies. Tasters also learn about the Coppola family’s passion for wine and its connection to the films directed by Francis Ford Coppola, including the Godfather and Apocalypse Now.

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California

Courtesy of Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery offers virtual tasters a Russian River Valley “neighborhoods” package, which features a sommelier-curated 6-pack of limited production single vineyard wines from the area. Tiffany Kuhn and Kevin Patterson, Gary Farrell’s estate sommeliers, lead tasters through the online experience while providing context for understanding the aromas and flavors of each wine. Pre-selected bottles include the 2016 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay, 2016 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay, 2016 Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2016 McDonald Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2016 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir. Wines are shipped in advance of the online tasting reservation.

Alpha Omega in St. Helena, California

Courtesy of Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega offers a series of virtual wine experiences featuring estate winemaker Henrik Poulsen. The winery’s interactive tastings offer digital live-stream sessions were participants can ask questions about the wines in real-time. For those who prefer to taste and learn at their own pace, check out Alpha Omega’s pre-recorded wine tasting videos by Bob Bath, the winery’s master sommelier and professor of wine and beverage studies at the Culinary Institute of America. Both virtual tasting options offer the chance to learn more about Alpha Omega wines directly from the winery’s team of in-house experts.

Note, all virtual wine event participants must be 21+ years old, and pricing depends on the winery and the virtual wine tasting experience.

If you enjoyed The Best Virtual Wine Tastings from Northern California, check out other food and drink-inspired articles.

The post Guide to Virtual Wine Tastings from Northern California first appeared on Travel Observed.

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The Best Food Festivals in France

Fête de la Truffe
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda
Month: January
Fête de la Truffe is hosted by Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town located in southwest France, and the Black Périgord Truffle Producers’ Group. A truffle, sometimes referred to as a black diamond because of its high value, is a type of fungus that grows in regions throughout France. This event celebrates the truffle’s rich flavor and its influence on local cuisine. In addition to sampling truffles, festival goers can learn how to hunt and identify them, meet local truffle-growers and buy fresh truffles and truffle-based products.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

This weekend-long event also features a cooking competition for students taking a vocational baccalaureate with the cookery option or a BTS (HND equivalent) at apprentice training centers in France. Eight finalists are selected to prepare two dishes using foie gras and black Périgord truffle, and the winner is presented with the prestigues Jean Rougié Award.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

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Lyon Bière Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: April
Organized by Bieronomy et l’Agence Tintamarre, in partnership with Le Petit Bulletin Lyon, the Lyon Bière Festival has established itself as an essential gathering for beer connoisseurs in France and Europe. Attendees have the chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers and ciders. Brew masters are available to answer questions about the brewing process, new trends and food pairings. With more than 100 breweries in attendance, the event features beer from France, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Slovenia, Belgium and England, among others. The event is held at La Sucrière, a large building dedicated to contemporary art located in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement.

Photo by Evan Dvorkin

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Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques
Location: Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol
Month: April
Thousands of people gather in the Côtes-d’Armor region of France each year to honor the most elegant shellfish, the scallop, also known as the crown jewel of St-Brieuc Bay. Located in northern Brittany, the fishing ports of Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol take turns each year hosting the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques. The event marks the closing of an intense 6-month fishing season, which restricts fishing to 45 minutes twice a week to protect the species.

This two day event offers visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of scallop-inspired recipes at local restaurants and food stalls set-up near the port. Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques also features specialty food vendors, wine and entertainment. Don’t miss the parade featuring the Knights of the Scallop. Visitors can even follow the trawlers out to sea as they search for the very last scallops of the season. Scallops are available for purchase, either fresh in their shells or ready-to-eat.

Photo by Marika Sartori

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Taste of Paris
Location: Paris
Month: May
Taste of Paris, held at the Grand Palais, showcases the capital city’s best restaurants, and it is one of the most popular food festivals in France. This four-day event features food tastings, cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef appearances. Attendees have the chance to sample signature dishes served by the chefs themselves. From Michelin-starred chefs to new talent, Taste of Paris is a great way to explore the Parisian food scene. For a special treat, check out the Premium Lounge. This area is open to visitors with VIP passes, which includes a fast track entry into the event, a birds eye view from the mezzanine and Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, among other benefits.

Photo by Vincent Nageotte

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Bordeaux Fête le Vin
Location: Bordeaux
Month: June
For four days, Bordeaux hosts one of the country’s biggest wine-themed events of the year. This event may not be a French food festival exactly, but there are plenty of food samples to accompany the wine tasting. More than 1,200 winemakers gather in Bordeaux to celebrate the fruits of their labor at the Bordeaux Fête le Vin. Attendees can learn, taste and purchase some of the best red wines available in France. The Tasting Pass comes with a wine glass, around-the-neck glass holder, wine samples and access to one wine tasting workshop at the Pavillon de l’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux. In addition to wine, the festival features food stands, entertainment and fireworks. The event also includes the Tall Ships Regatta, a race that draws large sailing ships to port on the Garonne River in the heart of Bordeaux.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Bordeaux Fête le Vin

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Les Étoiles de Mougins
Location: Mougins
Month: June
Mougins, a village located near the French Riviera, organizes an annual international festival dedicated to gastronomy. Launched in 2006 as a tribute to Roger Vergé, the chef at Moulin de Mougins, the event draws more than 25,000 attendees each year. For three days, a hundred chefs gather at the event to share their skills and passion with the public. The event also features cooking lessons, demonstrations and competitions. One day is dedicated to families with special food-themed activities and workshops designed just for children.

Courtesy of Les Étoiles de Mougins

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Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande
Location: Rouen
Month: October
Since in 1935, Rouen’s Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande, or Festival of the Stomach and Norman Gastronomy, has been a popular food event in northern France. Set in the historic town center, this Rouen food festival is centered around the Place du Vieux Marché and Rue Rollon. For two days, crowds gather to celebrate the region’s top chefs, artisans and local food producers. Visitors can sample a wide range of locally farmed and produced foods, such as apples, cheeses, ciders, meats, dairy products, jams and sweet treats. Many locals wear traditional costumes to honor Normandy’s heritage.

Courtesy of Rouen Conquérant

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Fête Du Piment
Location: Espelette
Month: October
Each year, the Basque village of Espelette hosts a festival that marks the end of the pepper harvest. According to Anglet’s tourist office, peppers were first brought to this region by a Basque navigator sailing with Christopher Columbus around 1650. Since then, peppers have been a celebrated staple in many local dishes. Once picked, the peppers are hung along houses to dry creating a beautiful backdrop for the event. Attendees can purchase peppers, in addition to other regionally produced foods. Food festival activities include dance performances, traditional music, a parade and pelota games.

Courtesy of Fête Du Piment

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Lyon Street Food Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: October
The Lyon Street Food Festival is a recent addition to the French food festival calendar. Since 2016, this four-day party attracts thousands of attendees, as well as hundreds of chefs from all over France and Europe. The event features pop-up restaurants, food trucks, outdoor bars, live music and free cooking workshops. Regional chefs prepare savory food samples, while discussing cooking techniques with hungry audiences. The event takes place at the Old Fagor-Brandt Factories in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement.

Courtesy of Lyon Street Food Festival

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Les Sarmentelles
Location: Beaujeu
Month: November
Les Sarmentelles is a wine festival held in Beaujeu, a village located in eastern France near the city of Mâcon. The event celebrates the limited edition release of that year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Available to the public for the first time each year on the third Thursday in November, this red wine is made using Gamay grapes and is only fermented for a few weeks before it is consumed. For decades, this five-day French wine festival has featured tastings, dinners, live music, dance performances and art markets. Visitors can also book trips to the local vineyards and meet the winemakers.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu

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