For the casual wine lover a train trip through the Napa Valley or a wine tasting class in Florence might be the perfect idea for a wine tour. For the more serious connoisseur, the trip might be specifically designed to include one of the many wine festivals or shows held to display a region's wares.

In addition to the festivals, there also are a slew of competitions held around the world. Going to one of these gives a tourist a chance to see and possibly taste some of the best, and perhaps unknown, wines available. At the competitions tasting is typically limited to the judges, but at the wine shows spectators can get in on the tasting action.

Festivals

A wine rich region of the world such as the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, holds numerous wine festivals. In Germany perhaps the best known event involving fermentation is Oktoberfest, but there are festivals in the wine country also. In Germany, the festivals begin in mid-March and last until October and November (just in time to check out the beers at Oktoberfest).

At one of these festivals, visitors also will be treated to the local food specialties. This is a good way to experience both the wine and the culture of the host locality. For example, in the German wine region, the festivals coincide with a goat auction in June or are held in conjunction with the local sausage market opening.

Competitions

Competitions are another matter. At the Critics Choice International Wine Competition in San Diego, California, the wine tasters are all business. Wineries from all over the world bring their best wines to the most prestigious of these for bragging rights. Competitions also give wineries the chance to show off their best to the buying public.

The competitions also often include shows and award presentations where the general public can get involved. Quite a number feature live music and entertainment, often of national renown. Tourists can find these competitions in any of the regions which produce great wines. They can be found in Australia or France, and there is even one held annually in Indiana.

contact@winetastingtrips.com