Germany may be famous for its beer, but it also is home to a vibrant wine industry. The cool climate, abundant sunshine, unique soils and steep hillsides create an ideal environment for many different grapes.
While Riesling rightfully takes center stage, Germany produces a variety of both red and white wines that offer a wide range of flavors and styles. I think you will be surprised to learn just how many German wines are of excellent quality and value.
In this short article, we'll take a tour through the different types of German red and white wines, uncovering what makes each unique.
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Bordeaux is the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts. Iconic chateaux, ancient cellars, world-class museums, historic monuments… there is always something new to discover in this storied wine region.
This past fall, I escorted a group on a river cruise and 3-night post-cruise land tour in Bordeaux. We have so many incredible memories!
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Where will 2024 take you?
The world is bustling with incredible wine and food experiences, offering a tapestry of flavors, history, and traditions. My goal for the new year is to share these unique culinary adventures with you - inspiring you to explore the world through food and wine!
Here are some fabulous epicurean adventures to consider this year:
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Rolling hills, bright sunshine, and delicious wine - what more could you ask for?
A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a short visit to Paso Robles, a lovely wine region on the central coast of California. I soon realized that beyond its natural beauty, the friendliness of the people is one of Paso’s best features. And they also happen to make some great wine.
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This weekend, people all over the world will be popping a cork to celebrate the new year. Toasting with a glass of bubbly to ring in the new year is a cherished tradition - one made even more special with rosé Champagne. There’s something truly magical about this pink fizzy wine, but reserving it just for celebratory toasts is not doing it justice. Rosé champagne needs to have a place on your table this holiday season and beyond. Aside from being festive and so darn pretty, rosé Champagne is incredibly versatile, pairing well with all sorts of foods.
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A gastronomic tradition dating as far back as 1248, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs ("The Royal Guild of Goose Roasters") has come a long way from roasting geese!
An internationally renowned gastronomic society so prestigious it once had its own coat of arms, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an invitation-only membership organization for individuals and institutions possessing world-class culinary acumen. Among some 24,000 members from 80 countries, I was honored to be inducted into La Chaîne in 2018 as a Professionnel du Vin.
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Originating in Northern Spain and Southern France, the Basque people comprise one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, dating as far back as 5,000 years. Centuries ago they were seafarers and farmers, believed in fascinating mythology, and spoke a unique language called Euskara, mysteriously unrelated to any other languages of Europe. Today, Euskara is spoken by less than 1/3 of Basque people, yet much of their culture and traditions still thrive - especially their cherished culinary traditions.
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With 20 official wine regions growing over 350 different grape varieties - most indigenous to the country - Italy's wine scene is staggering. Red, white, rose, still, sparkling, dry, sweet... With so many different wines being produced, how can you navigate the seemingly endless choice of Italian wines?
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What do Machu Picchu, the Roman Colosseum and Easter Island all have in common? Each receives special recognition and protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When travelling to different destinations around the globe, these Sites are highlighted as important cultural and natural areas to visit - Sites so precious that significant resources are spent to preserve and protect their ongoing legacy.
It may surprise you to know that many wine regions around the globe are home to UNESCO-designated sites (just one of the reasons I say there is so much more to wine country than wine!).
But what, exactly, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? And which wine regions boast the most Sites?
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...chocolates, macarons, brioches aux pralines, terrines, scallop mousse, andouille sausages, quenelles, charcuterie, sauces, truffles, sweets, cheeses and breads. Indulge in all of your French foodie fantasies and love of adventurous cuisine in Lyon, France.
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France’s picturesque town of Strasbourg is considered the capital of the Alsace wine region, famous for its exquisite, highly aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. It also is home to possibly the oldest wine in the world!
Resting in an old cellar underneath the Hospices de Strasbourg is a wine that has been around since before Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Deep in this cellar, originally built in the 1300s but recently renovated in 1994, is a barrel that is still filled with wine from 1472.
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Happy Independence Day! Let's raise a glass to celebrate our great nation and all those who make our freedom possible.
No celebration is complete without sparkling wines - but for the 4th of July, not just any bubbles will do. This special holiday calls for sparkling wines made in the U.S. Whether served as an aperitif or alongside pulled pork, fried chicken, grilled fish or even burgers, American sparkling wines are the ultimate pairing for your holiday festivities.
Different states all over the country produce delicious, high quality sparkling wines. Some may even rival fine Champagne. A few states really stand out for their bubbly production, especially those making their wines using the Méthode Champenoise, the traditional process developed in Champagne, France. This method is meticulous and expensive, but the final product is a fine sparkling wine with finesse that cannot be rivaled by other methods. Here is a list to seek out this weekend and beyond:
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Love food and wine? What about art, history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The incredible region of Bordeaux, France offers all of the above and much more. Here are 10 reasons that Bordeaux is the ultimate food and wine lover’s retreat.
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I am a huge fan of the book The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. You may be familiar with this National Geographic journalist and author who studied the lives of centenarians around the globe. Dan identified common habits and traits among societies with the highest longevity, aka "The Blue Zones." As it turns out, red wine may play an important role.
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Now more than ever, people are eager to reunite and spend quality time together. The desire for travel is palpable, with reservations skyrocketing. Take advantage of this momentum and plan a group trip!
There are so many benefits to small group travel, from financial incentives to long-lasting relationships. Gather a small group of friends, family, clients or co-workers, or join one of our existing groups.
Group travel has been extremely popular with wine clubs, golf clubs, family reunions or even just friends and neighbors. The group leader has the chance to earn free travel and other discounts and perks for the whole group. Trips also can be organized as a fundraiser for your favorite charity!
One of the major benefits to traveling with a group is that the planning is all done for you! All the details are handled by your travel professional, and the best professionals will provide you with a marketing plan and content for promotion. Cuvée has its own database of food and wine enthusiasts that can be included in promotions if you would like.
In our current climate, many guests are preferring to travel in small groups where they have the comfort and support of each other and also have private experiences to avoid large crowds.
Read on for more benefits of traveling with a group:
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One of the most fascinating aspects of wine is the history and tradition behind the label. This is especially true in the Rhône Valley of France, home to the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of years of civilization, the Rhône Valley is home to incredible historic sites including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the “Pope’s New Castle.”
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Thinking of planning a trip to wine country? We’ve got you covered. After years of helping wine enthusiasts create their ultimate getaways, we have compiled a list of tips that are critical to planning a successful trip.
A wine tasting vacation has unique challenges; don’t waste time and money by failing to plan properly. Here are our top tips you can’t miss:
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The perfect food and wine pairing can be magical. When all the components of a meal complement the characteristics of the wine, your dining experience is elevated to another level.
But when the pairings go wrong, it can absolutely ruin a perfectly delicious meal. Here are 6 mistakes to avoid when pairing wine with food:
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There are countless reasons to visit Italy: its ancient ruins, world class architecture, astounding art and stunning scenery make Italy one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Despite all of its cultural riches, the heart and soul of Italy lies in its food.
Any meal in Italy can be sublime, even with just a few simple ingredients. So what is the secret?
Roll up your sleeves and go behind the scenes to learn the traditions and techniques behind Italy’s most incredible dishes. Take your love of Italian food to the next level and truly immerse yourself in local culture.
Here are six delicious food experiences you can't miss in Italy.
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Some of the world’s most famous wine regions double up as great cycling travel destinations, allowing you to combine two of your favorite activities into one trip. From steeply terraced vineyards to gentle rolling hills, wine regions offer a diverse – and stunning – backdrop for exploring on two wheels.
Immerse yourself in wide open vistas, explore charming villages and discover hidden castles. From lush forests to historic abbeys, adventure lies around every corner. Go at your own pace – enjoy a leisurely jaunt on an e-bike or take it up a notch for an invigorating ride. No matter your preference, there are options for all skill and interest levels.
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