Sun, scenery and wonderful vintages await at Susy Atkins’ top three.
Douro Valley
Port fans should visit northern Portugal and the dramatically beautiful Douro Valley. All port comes from vines grown on the steeply terraced banks of the Douro river, and many of the famous port houses have beautiful estates here. Fly into the ancient city of Oporto and check out the lovely old boats owned by the port producers. Then take the train inland on a winding journey to the vineyards. The best time to visit is during the autumn harvest – wine tour operators Arblaster & Clarke have two trips heading out in September 2009. Visit the Wine Tours website to find out more.
Bordeaux
Although UK wine lovers have enjoyed Bordeaux’s finest for centuries, it’s only relatively recently that the city and its vineyards have become popular with tourists. The highlights of a revitalised Bordeaux include the redesigned waterfront as well as its 18th-century architecture and the old wine merchants’ Quai des Chartrons. Sign up for a short course at the Ecole du Vin in the centre of town – visit the website for details. Get around by tram or bike, and don’t miss a short excursion to the small nearby wine town of St-Emilion.
Southern England
Surprised? Don’t be – English wine is now hugely exciting, and the quality has improved dramatically, especially for the dry, aromatic whites and crisp sparklers. On top of that, our larger local vineyards now often have tasting rooms, gift shops and restaurants. This month is the ideal time to get to know English wine better, as 23-31 May is English Wine Week, with many vineyards and wineries offering special wine and food events. Most are in southern England, where it’s warmest, but check out the website for the full list.
Trip Advisor's grape getaways