Europe produces some of the best wine on the planet. The continent is full of attractive vineyards and fascinating cellars, run by exciting owners keen to offer tours and samples to enthusiastic guests. Sadly, many vineyards and wineries are often in out-of-the-way places, meaning they can be hard to find and expensive to reach. By combining the best European wineries with My Late Deals’ bargain offers on flights and hotels, we can help you pick the perfect holiday destination. Where you can sample the continent’s best bodegas without breaking the bank.
For a day out that pleases everyone, plan a trip to the Prosecco Strada in the hilly region between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Jaw-dropping castles, churches, and vistas connect the 33-kilometre winding stretch of vineyards and villages. As you can gather from the name, the main produce from the area is prosecco and there is a whole host of wineries to choose from; if you can only pick one, prioritise PDC Cartizze. Its owners offer a range of tours, food-pairing taster sessions, and a walk through the splendid vineyard.
How to save money getting there: Book your bargain flight-hotel package to Venice. Marvel in the famous city’s second-to-none Renaissance architecture and rich history. From “The Floating City”, rent a car and take a pleasant 1.5-hour drive north into the province of Treviso. You’ll pass quiet, classic villages and small towns on your peaceful journey to PDC Cartizze. The winery is also reachable from Lake Garda in the Italian Lakes, although the drive is twice as long.
Initially known for its brandy, the Fernando de Castilla winery is proof that collaboration is better than isolation. After a Norwegian connoisseur, Jan Patterson, purchased the business in 1999, the winery found renewed vigour. The company diversified and now produces a range of pleasant and varied wines. Fernando de Castilla continues to output its popular and classic brandy, but has arguably become world renowned for its Sherry.
How to save money getting there: Although tours are by appointment only, this winery is one of the most convenient in terms of location on this list. It is in the small town of Jerez, which is just a half-an-hour drive from Cádiz. Or 30 to 45 minutes by train. Jerez de la Fortuna is already a tourist favourite due to its plentiful shops, gorgeous architecture, and friendly vibe. Meanwhile, Cádiz is a stimulating and diverse city to stay in, especially if you want to explore the incredible architecture. If you prefer somewhere more isolated, Rota, Tarifa, and Ronda are all within driving distance of Jerez and each offer their own charms.
Castello Banfi is the perfect outing for even those without a keen interest in wine and winemaking. This family-friendly vineyard is located at the base of a gorgeous medieval castle. Where guests can not only explore, but stay the night, if they wish. While tours focus on the wine, widely recognised as some of the best in the region, attention is also paid to the site’s commitment to pioneering research in sustainable and environmentally-friendly winemaking. In fact, it was the first winery in the world to be awarded for its world-class ethical practices.
How to save money getting there: This spectacular winery is due south of Tuscany in Siena Province; about 2 hours by car from both Florence and Pisa. Not only is this the perfect excuse to stay in 1 of 2 of the most iconic Italian cities in one of the most romantic regions in the world, but the drive is short enough to complete a return journey in a day…and just long enough if you need an excuse to book your overnight stay in the castle.
Founded in 1834, José Maria de Fonseca is one of Portugal’s most respected wineries. Their selection includes Periquita, Portugal’s oldest red wine. And the striking estate and its grounds include the Setubal Moscatel cellar, where wines dating back to the founding of the company continue to age. Tours are not overly long and its close proximity to Lisbon and charming surroundings. This makes it a wonderful day trip for wine lovers without boring others along for the ride.
How to save money getting there: Without a doubt, the best way to save money while visiting this winery and estate is to book a flight-hotel package in Portugal’s fascinating capital city, Lisbon. There is plenty to do in and around the city and the winery is less than an hour’s drive away.
Domaine des Trois Chênes and its owner, Régis Scarone, are pleasantly unique among wineries and the French Riviera. In a part of France famous for hosting the rich and famous to its coast, this small but elegant estate in the countryside offers a welcome change of scenery for a few hours. And in an industry where some experts have a reputation for being pretentious, Régis likes to tell it like he sees things. But behind this refreshing straightforwardness is a man dedicated to old-fashioned, tried-and-tested methods for producing excellent, barrel-aged wines.
How to save money getting there: Tucked away in the heart of the French Riviera, this artisanal estate is 1.5 to 2-hours drive from Nice. The winery is a little out of the way, but it is worth booking a visit. The lovingly crafted whites, rosés and reds are some of the cheapest considering their high quality.
© 2018 Mylatedeals. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service Privacy Policy Review Consent Preferences (EU user only)