For wine lovers with a sense of adventure, traveling to a wine festival is a great way of exploring the world. These events offer a unique way to sample the best wines while discovering new places and traditions.
The following are some of the best festivals that you might like to sample on your travels.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival
This is described on the official site as being “Canada’s Premier Food and wine event”. What started life as a one-winery show over 40 years ago has grown into an event that hosted hundreds of wines from 16 countries in 2019.
It typically runs at the end of February and includes a number of special events in the Tasting Room, such as vintage tastings, lunches and dinners, seminars, and so on. Four International Festival Tastings provide the chance to try new global brands, while there are two Trade Tastings as well.
Every year, one country is highlighted in the festival. 2019 focused on wines from California, while the 2020 event will feature a special look at wines from France. Of course, there are lots of other things to do in Vancouver too.
Vintage Wine Festival, London
This is another festival that has been going on for 40 years. It takes place in April or May each year, in London. The selection of wines that are exhibited here come from all over the world. It isn’t just about the wine here, though. This festival also includes some other fascinating attractions such as wine walks, a traveling theater, and a market. Anyone looking for an enhanced experience can pay to upgrade their ticket with entrance to the Fine Wine Room. This allows them to sample the best, hand-picked wines from the most famous vineyards.
Bordeaux Wine Festival
This event in southwestern France is one of the most important gatherings in the wine industry. June 2020 will mark the 20th anniversary of this festival. To celebrate the milestone, it will coincide with the spectacular Tall Ships Regatta. Bordeaux is a legendary wine-producing region that is home to some of the world’s oldest and biggest fine wine vineyards, as well as varieties for all tastes.
Wine has been made here since the 8th century and the industry currently brings in annual revenue of some $14.5 billion to the area. The hugely important Vinexpo trade fair is also held here. It is held every second year, with the next one due in 2021.
The wine sampling doesn’t have to end when you get home. By signing up to one of the many subscription clubs, you will get carefully selected bottles sent to your home each month. The companies that offer this service are aimed at different types of enthusiasts and have varying pricing structures.
San Mateo Wine Festival, Logroño
This relaxed event takes place in the Spanish city of Logroño in September each year. Food, fireworks, music, and sporting events all form part of this thrilling wine festival.
The highlight is when a parade of people in costumes with giant heads march toward the city’s wine fountain. The spotlight is on local food and wines here, with less of an international feel to it than the other festivals that we have looked at.
If you enjoy sampling new wines, why not pick the experience that best suits your style and let the good times roll?
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