Wine and holidays go hand in hand – literally. With one hand clasped around the spindly stem of a white wine glass, the other can rest on the bow of boats off New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, snap pictures of chic country cabins in California and pick at olives and cubed cheeses in Chile’s scenic Casablanca Valley. In Europe, however, wine is more than just an accompaniment to a day at sea. It’s a lifestyle and a religion, with a scenic buffet to boot (hello Italian and French Rivieras). So, it comes as little surprise that our European region manager, Harriet, is a bit of a continental wine expert and has even been named European Wine Regions Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler for 2023. Whether it be following in her tyre tracks along vineyards in Provence’s Luberon Valley or getting the inside scoop on Rioja’s smaller behind-the-hidden-cellar-door experiences, a read of her tips, tricks and recommendations will have you an oenophile in no time.
What’s been your most memorable experience in Europe's wine regions?
Probably travelling up the Luberon Valley in Provence and taking a bicycle tour around the beautiful and historic region. We found ourselves cycling through fragrant vineyards and lavender fields in glorious sunshine, taking in the ancient towns of Roussillon and Gargas and winding our way up and down incredible cedar forests. We parked our bikes up for a small lunch at the gorgeous Aureto vineyard, sampling chilled rosé on their balmy terrace, before cycling back to our hotel. We even had to ask the vineyard to send the bottles we bought back to our room as we couldn’t strap them all to our bikes.
What would be your top recommendation for someone visiting Europe's wine regions for the first time?
Don’t always go for the big labels. It’s often the smaller behind-the-hidden-cellar-door experiences that you’ll remember the most. They’ll also make your money travel further. Secondly, don’t try and cram too much in. Four tastings in one day can be a lot (for both your head and your bank balance). I think three is the optimum, as you can really take your time to enjoy and savour each and every drinking experience.
What’s been your best foodie experience in Europe's wine regions?
Closely followed behind my love of wine is my love for food, so my trip to Spain’s Basque Country has to be up there. And it wasn’t just for its big name restaurants (all of which are well worth a visit) either. This region celebrates the art of eating in all its forms, from Michelin-starred spots to petite pintxo (Basque tapas) bars. The level of culinary talent is simply incomparable. Key highlights of this northern region are San Sebastian and Rioja, where you can pair the most surprising flavours with really interesting wines like txakoli (a light sparkling wine). I love the concept of cooking on open fires too, so was more than happy to find numerous really great restaurants that used this method exclusively.
Is there somewhere you haven’t had a chance to visit yet that you’d love to go?
I would love to go to Lebanon. Their wines are some of the oldest in the world (one of which just happens to be a favourite of mine, Chateau Musar), but are currently going through a bit of a renaissance. So, I would love to visit the Beqaa Valley vineyards, just 24 miles east of Beirut, and learn more about their wine history and production. I enjoyed a bottle of Chateau Musar on the evening I got engaged, so it holds a very special place in my heart. Maybe one year I will be lucky enough to go on an anniversary trip there...
What’s one place in Europe's wine regions that you could go back to again and again?
Beaune, in France’s Burgundy region. It’s very accessible from the UK for a two-night break or a long weekend; and given its size, it’s very easy to navigate on foot. My favourite white wine is a white burgundy, which the region is home to. All my favourite vineyards are still family owned and run, and in recent years I have been fortunate enough to meet some of them and see their passion for viniculture really shine through.