Wine Trip to Europe

[CypressPhotog]

So I am really itching to go back to Europe. This time my goal is almost purely to create great photographs (not just relax and go to museums). I specifically want to cover wineries, places that sell wine, and cafes in depth. I know Italy is the obvious place to go. I've been already so I'd like to do southern France and maybe Spain. Has anyone done the wine scene in these areas? What time of the year is the best for photography there? Any other tips?

[east_tx]

Erin,

I returned from a 2 week trip to Southwestern France/Northern Spain/Paris about 3 weeks ago. I did not get to see many vineyards----I was told that August/September were the good times to see those in the area. However, I enjoyed every minute of my vacation. I think July is "Holiday" in France (basically, the whole country goes on vacation and hits the rural countryside), so I personally would avoid a trip during that month----unless you like the crowds. I posted a couple of pictures from my trip below, but I have about 1,000 more!!!!!! Let me know if I might be able to answer any questions about the places I visited. Take care and enjoy your trip!!!!!

[jagphoto]

Erin, I am so jealous about your trip!!

Allen, those are beautiful pictures.

[CypressPhotog]

Wow Alen! Those are awesome. It makes me want to go! Are there a bunch of wineries in northern Spain? I'm sure they are all over France. It looks pretty dreary in your shots. Was there pretty bad weather?

[east_tx]

Let's just say "The rains in Spain, fall mainly in FRANCE!!!!!"

I think it rained at least 9 days while I was there. There are a lot of vineyards scattered throughout the countryside, but there are more pine tree than anything else in southern France. I was amazed at the number of pine trees. I was told that it was a huge industry in the area I was in mostly (i.e. Dax/Lyon/Biarritz/Bordeaux/Bayonne). I really enjoyed Biarritz and Bayonne, but every place was great to visit-----just a little different from Texas.

I stayed mostly in the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain, so did not get to see many vineyards, but I am sure if you get south of the mountains they will be plentiful.

[STP Images]

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[gjramsey]

Originally Posted by Paraquat

We have driven up and down the Rhine River two different years - most recently in 2001 and the vineyards were surprisingly numerous. They lined the banks on both sides of the river for miles and miles in the southern portion of Germany.

We just got back from Germany, and the Rhine and Mosel valleys have great wine with great castles. Rieslingis the most prevelant, and several places we ate at had bottle for 7 - 10 Euro. Cheap and great! Some great Roman Ruins in Trier near the Luxombourg border.