Everytime I get the chance to go off on some wine travels, I try and grab it with both hands. It’s not just that the weather is invariably better in, say, the South West of France than in London, or that the wine and food is fantastic. I’m also a complete tourist when it comes to the scenery and the architecture, it’s just absolutely amazing round those places!
One of the great things for the area of Bordeaux is the money that floods in through the wine industry. Either rich old families, or more recently rich corporates, have had the cash to do up all the old Châteaux. No matter what people think of the way the business is going, that’s one upside that we can all be happy with! (Above is Châteaux Pichon Baron, now owned by the négotiant AXA Millesime)
There’s stunning natural beauty spots, like the rolling hills of Piemonte in Italy, or the harsh but breathtaking landscape of Priorat in Catalunya. Everytime I look at them I think they must have just been put there. Like backgrounds in old Hollywood movies. They somehow don’t look real, just too perfect.
Places that are actually still on my list to spend a concerted amount of time are the Valleys of the Loire in France and the Douro in Portugal. I’ve heard the Loire is chock full of this kind of stuff, and the Douro is one of the most incredible naturals beauties out there.
Anyone fancy coming with?
Cheers
Mike
Ah, the Douro…I am in love with it 😉
I saw your posts, can’t wait to go!
We’re in!
Beautiful post,an amazing architect .
Not bad, uh?
Not at all.
The Douro should be at the top of any wine lover’s list, especially if you love to travel to wine regions with gorgeous scenery! If you want some tips or to see what it’s like check out my site where I highlight Quinta I visited, many of the top producers of not only table reds and whites, but also Port. I am headed back there this fall for a day on a stop over to touring northern Spain. http://www.winesolutions.com
ah fantastic, will check that out now! I’m thinking maybe October or November myself