Wine tourism is booming. No longer the reserve of just connoisseurs, the secret is out, and the beauty of Europe’s wine regions has opened the industry up to those looking for a rejuvenating break and not just the latest vintage.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to historical Bordeaux, the splendour of the biggest wine regions is staggering, but perfect conditions in countries such as Romania, Hungary and Croatia mean they are also producing soaring amounts of wine – and for those with a taste for adventure, they offer a unique, off the beaten track experience.
If you want to explore some of the most spectacular emerging wine destinations across Europe, below are five beautiful wine regions that are just a short plane ride away from Manchester – all for less than £200*:
- Hungary – Tokaj
Know to wine connoisseurs, but not yet a top travel destination for oenophiles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tokaj is home to the most renowned wine region in Hungary. Nestled between the Bodrog River and the spectacular Zemplen Mountains, make sure to try a glass of Hungary’s most famous dessert wine, Aszu Tokaj, during your visit. (Direct return flights from Manchester – Budapest starting from: £107.99)
- Germany – Mosel
If you thought that German’s only produced beer and world class penalty takers, then you’ve been misled. Considered by many as the most prestigious wine region in Germany, the quaint and cobblestoned villages of the Moselle Valley come together to create world class wines on the banks of the river of the same name. If you’d like to explore this intriguing wine region, the outstanding train network can provide the most breath taking of riverside journeys. (Direct return flights from Manchester – Frankfurt starting from: £35.99)
- Switzerland – Lavaux
The hidden gem of Lavaux is dubbed ‘the Wine Route of Switzerland’ and is famed locally for its light and crisp white wines. The steeply sloped vineyards are in a UNESCO listed area that offers remarkable views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Wine holidays here can easily be incorporated into ski trips or weekend breaks due to the range of local wineries, train lines and ski slopes. (Direct return flights from Manchester – Geneva starting from: £76.99)
- Czech Republic – Moravia
Moravia is comprised of little villages that produce both red and white wines. Despite the vast vineyards across the region, Moravian wine isn’t widely distributed outside of Czech Republic, meaning if you want to try this sumptuous Czech offering, you’ll have to fly to this beautiful, quirky region. What a shame… (Direct return flights from Manchester – Vienna starting from: £99.99)
Online travel agent Opodo, who are passionate about making travel easier, more accessible and offering customers better value, recently analysed all return flights departing the UK to help travellers secure the best possible deal when booking flights[1]. It found that for short-haul flights, the cheapest deals can be found by booking two months in advance:
