Happy Thursday! As you’re reading this newsletter, I’m at the lovely Pierre Hotel in midtown Manhattan for a Virtuoso conference. As you may recall, Virtuoso is my global network that specializes in luxury (as defined by you) and experiential travel. I’ll be meeting with some amazing, “ungoogleable” travel suppliers who treat my clients like VIPs and learning state-of-the-art techniques for designing unforgettable travel itineraries – awesome stuff! I love NYC (after living there for many years) and will also be catching a Broadway Show, eating at some delicious restaurants, seeing a few friends and strolling around the newest, hottest neighborhood called Hudson Yards. Have you been there yet? I’ve been half a dozen times already and happy to give you some tips for your trip.
PSA — I had a recent issue that I’ve fixed with the deliverability of this newsletter for some people (technology is great until there’s a glitch), so if the last two newsletters didn’t land in your inbox, they are posted on the website in the Blog section and the link is in posts on Facebook and Instagram. Check them out – they cover two amazing domestic destinations, Arizona and Napa/Sonoma, California.
Without further ado, let’s dig into the topic of this newsletter which is travel destinations for wine lovers. I decided to cover this topic after remembering my amazing vacation just last February to Napa Valley and Sonoma, California. While I’m not a wine expert, I do love a glass of wine, especially with a charcuterie board (even better if I’m having it in Europe!). When I travel, I like to taste the local wines and have quite a few international experiences on my Wanderlist® (long-term travel plan described on my website) in the next few years! This year, I’ll be enjoying wines in Greece, Croatia, and the Venice region and will report back to you after I return. Read on for four wine destinations that will wow you.
If you travel solo or as a couple and haven’t considered a river cruise, I highly recommend that we talk! River cruising takes you through countries allowing you to unpack once and see the region in a unique way. More on this topic in a future newsletter. One of the hottest river cruise itineraries right now is Portugal through the Douro Valley. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the “city of bridges” and tour Salamanca, the UNESCO “golden city.” Taste wines along the way from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most gorgeous landscapes. It’s no wonder this 7-night itinerary is selling out quickly!
We can’t talk about wine and not mention France, and Bordeaux at the top of my fall travel list. Forty-five minutes from Bordeaux is a hidden gem, Saint Emilion. You start the day with a walking tour of the medieval village with it’s quaint, narrow streets, UNESCO world heritage buildings, a monolithic underground church (the Cordeliers Cloister) and climb up to the top of the king’s tower for a gorgeous view of the surrounding vineyards. Indulge in macarons and sip wines at Grand Cru wineries, touring their impressive underground wine cellars.
I have an upcoming trip to Venice and will be doing a day tour to the Prosecco region – very exciting as I LOVE sparkling wine! I look forward to driving through the lush green hills dotted with vineyards through the towns of Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, and Vittorio Veneto which are framed by the nearby Dolomite Mountains. The day will be full of learning about prosecco production, enjoying tastings with certified Italian Sommeliers, and eating fresh Italian pasta and local dishes with the bubbles. A stop at a family-run winery will be a highlight to dive deep into the culture and way of life. I fully expect to nap on the ride back to Venice!
Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires and Mendoza, which is a short flight from Buenos Aires, are both incredible destinations for wine and food lovers! FIT (fully independent travel) travelers can be paired with a local host who supports them along their way to the best experiences. Take a private tour of the Uco Valley’s high-altitude vineyards, some set as high as 4,000 feet above sea level. Sample an assortment of Malbecs, merlots, pinot noirs and others grown in the fertile soils that surround Tupungato, one of the highest mountains in the Americas that is a massive Andean lava dome.
Inspired and excited to learn more? I can be reached by email susan@hiddengemtravelconsulting.com or phone/text 203.247.3396.
Hidden Gem Tip: If you live in the NY/CT metro area, I recommend checking out the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival in October. Per the website, it’s a multi-day event highlighting innovation in the food and beverage industry benefiting multiple charitable organizations. I went last fall and had a blast. All tickets include food, wine and live music (last year the headliner was Little Big Town).
Warmly,
Susan
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