Sustainable Holidays in Beautiful Wine Regions
On holiday we enjoy: We enjoy peace and quiet, we enjoy time with our loved ones or we enjoy discovering and new experiences. Each to their own liking. For many holidaymakers, however, a pleasurable holiday always includes good food and good wine. So why not spend a holiday in one of Europe’s many wine-growing regions and get to know the fine wines and their region during a walk through the vineyards or a visit to the winegrower? We present some enjoyable travel options to the winery regions of Europe.
Germany – Moselle wine region
The Bernkasteler Doctor is the most famous wine of Bernkastel-Kues in Rhineland- Pfalz. The legend about the healing of a sick Prince by this very wine is known far beyond the town’s borders. And while not as popular a story, the wine variety ‘Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ is a second highly decorated hallmark of Bernkastel-Kues. The steep vineyard site makes these vines one of the most elegant white wines around. The numerous hiking and cycling trails through the wine region and along the Moselle are part of the region’s attractive leisure activities. Sights such as the ruins of Landshut Castle, the Cylinder House or the Wine Museum are also popular with visitors.
A good starting point for cycling, hiking and cultural excursions is the lifestyle resort Zum Kurfürsten, located in the middle of the high plateau above Bernkastel. The wellness hotel with its ten saunas, three heated swimming pools and a natural bathing pond offers a variety of wines from the Moselle region. In the Bistro, the Glow Bar and the new Cook & Style Restaurant. Simple, regional and sustainable. This concept not only provides for wine from the nearby growing regions, but also includes a variety of regional suppliers for the products used in the green resort.
Italy – The Pigato Road in Liguria
Although Ligurian wines are not often spoken of, the wine production around the Relais des Maro, is a hidden gem. Situated close to the sea, in a gentle hilly landscape with insensitive soils, the grapes thrive. Just a few minutes from the hotel, nestled in the old village centre of Borgomaro, is the famous Pigato street, where many wineries are located. Pigato is a dry white wine produced only in this region.
In Borgomaro itself there is also a biodynamic wine cellar: Podere del Maro. It is run by a young couple, Marco and Matilde, who love to share the secrets of Ligurian wines with their guests. Elena Scalambrin, head of the Relais del Maro, also has a passion for good wines, and she selects them very carefully for her guests. The bar menu of the sustainable hotel includes one of the best wine selections in the area.
Although Ligurian wines are not often spoken of, the wine production around the Relais des Maro, is a hidden gem.
Italy – The white wine paradise of Cormòns
The region around Cormòns is famous for its white wines. Cormòns is located in eastern Friuli, just before the Slovenian border, and is the economic and cultural centre of the Collio. Today, the inhabitants of the village with its Habsburg atmosphere primarily earn their living from winegrowing, as the conditions are ideal for it.
The Julian Pre-Alps protect the Collio vines from the cold winds and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea creates a particularly mild and temperate climate. The excellent local wines can be tasted in the central Enoteca Cormòns, which stocks almost all the wines of the area. Or, of course, directly at one of the wineries. The best way to explore the region with its gentle hills, wineries, lakes and rivers is on foot or by bike.
A stage of the Alpe-Adria Trail also starts in Cormòns. For an upscale accommodation to enjoy a gourmet holiday in Friuli, La Subida Country Resort is an oasis with rustic-style cottages that combine tradition, natural luxury and modern architecture.
With the charming ‘Osteria de la Subida’ and the Michelin award-winning ‘Trattoria al Cacciatore’, there are two high-quality restaurants at the country resort. An exciting mix of traditional Italian, Slovenian and Friulian dishes are served here, freshly prepared with ingredients from the region. La Subida is just a few minutes’ drive from Cormòns. The hiking and cycling trails of the Collio Goriziano, with dense forests and vineyards, can be enjoyed without the need for a car journey from the resort.
The excellent local wines can be tasted in the central Enoteca Cormòns, which stocks almost all the wines of the area. Or, of course, directly at one of the wineries.
Croatia – Hvar, the island of pleasure in the Adriatic Sea
Hvar one of the most beautiful and sunny islands of the Adriatic Sea and is an island known for its wine. In the past, the farmers had to struggle with great hardships, such as the phylloxera plague. Nevertheless, winegrowing is once again the most important agricultural occupation of the islanders. The Mali grape grows mainly in the south and south-west of the island, where the vineyards, some of which are 350 metres above sea level, slope steeply down to the Adriatic Sea. The “Zlatan Plavac” of Hvar’s winemakers Zlatan Plenkovic and the Faros are among the leading red wines of Croatia.
These two, as well as other local red and white wines, have a permanent place on the Maslina Resort’s drinks menu. With its 53 rooms, suites and villas, four restaurants and bars, the Pharomatiq Spa, a playroom for children and teenagers and the Wine & Culture Club for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts, the 5-star boutique hotel in Maslinica Bay is the ideal place for a luxurious holiday for all ages. As part of its “Mindful Luxury” philosophy, the hotel offers its guests holidays and experiences in close connection with the country’s nature and culture.
Croatia – Grk, a unique Lumbarda wine
Lumbarda on the island of Korçula is famous for its locally grown white wine called Grk. It is made from the grape of the same name, which is not grown anywhere else in Croatia. The area is covered with vineyards and grapevines. Near Lumbarda, on a small hill above the turquoise ocean, lies the Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers Club. Tanja Dura kovic´, owner of the cosy eco-hotel with six accommodation units, has two favourite wineries that she recommends her guests visit: Bire and Popic. Bire is a bit more professionally organised and geared towards larger groups, Popic is a bit more informal and personal. Grk and other great wines are also served to guests in the lounge of The Dreamers Club. Added to this a plate of tapas prepared according to regional recipes, it is hard to enjoy Croatian wine more peacfully than in the midst of this green garden oasis.
Added to this a plate of tapas prepared according to regional recipes, it is hard to enjoy Croatian wine more peacfully than in the midst of this green garden oasis.
Spain – Organic Wines in Catalonia
The wine region of the DO Empordà is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The area stretches from the coast to heights of 260 metres. The region is known for its special light, which already inspired Salvador Dalí in his work – and for its strong red wine. Near Siurana, on a small stream in the middle of untouched nature, lies the holiday residence Pou de Glaç: a collection of buildings around a historic ice fountain, carefully renovated according to ecologically sustainable principles. The almost CO2free holiday residence with a panoramic view of the Pyrenees consists of two houses for 6 people each, a saltwater pool, an 8000m2 garden with olive grove and the historical ‘ice fountain’ building.
Around Siurana there are numerous natural hiking and cycling trails. Close to Pou de Glaç is the organic winery Vins de Taller, whose vineyards have beautiful walking trails. The winery offers organised picnics, horse riding and bike tours in the vineyards – and of course wine tastings with their own organic white and red wines.
