Visiting Wine Regions On Your Honeymoon

There are few things more exciting and romantic than a honeymoon, and while a great deal of planning goes into the wedding ceremony and reception, it is very important to plan a most unforgettable and enjoyable honeymoon that the newlywed couple will remember forever.

 

A truly amazing destination often selected by newlywed couples for their honeymoon is Paris – an extraordinary city with all the best in sightseeing, shopping, and dining.  And what is more appropriate to celebrate the beginning of a marriage than Champagne?  Fortunately, near to Paris is France’s prestigious Champagne wine region, home of the heralded Champagne houses that produce the finest sparkling wines.  When visiting the Champagne region, tourists should be sure to stop in Reims to visit the Champagne houses of Krug, Mumm, Louis Roederer, Piper-Heidsieck, Taittinger, and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, and in Epernay to visit Moet & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, and Pol Roger.  A chance to taste these extraordinary sparkling wines of the Champagne region and exploring the region’s rich history is sure to be an exciting day trip from Paris.  The couple should note that it is often advisable to inquire in advance as to whether reservations are necessary for winery tours and tasting.

 

Another destination often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world and quite popular among newlyweds is Tuscany.  Visitors to Tuscany can visit cities rich in history and architecture including Pisa, Florence, and Siena, and tour some of Italy’s most spectacular wine communities, namely Chianti, Bolgheri, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino, often considered Italy’s greatest wine region.  Some wineries worth visiting include Tenuta San Guido (known for its Sassicaia), Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia, and Antinori (known for Tignanello and Solaia), to name a few.  Again, the couple should inquire as to whether reservations are necessary.

If the newlywed couple is considering a trip to an American destination, particularly California, near San Francisco are Napa Valley and Sonoma County, which are among the United States’ most highly regarded wine regions and home to world class Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay.  In Napa, some wineries and vineyards worth visiting include Stag’s Leap, Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills, Freemark Abbey, Joseph Phelps, Far Niente, and for a truly unique experience tasting some of the most sought-after (and expensive) American wines, visit Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate.  In Sonoma, stop by Jordan, Flowers, Kosta Browne, La Crema, Ferrari-Carano, and Gary Farrell.

 

Taking a tour of an older, historic vineyard and winery can be quite a humbling and enchanting experience that involves tasting wines and exploring cellars and vines that have shaped the world’s wine industry for centuries.  Touring newer wineries, particularly in the United States, and learning about new wine technology and tasting New World style wines can be very exciting.  Many other honeymoon destinations are located near scenic and exquisite wine regions both old and new, and a day trip away from the beaches and cities is often a rewarding and fun experience for couples to enjoy together.