Take A Vin-Holiday This Year

Vinholiday is an expert wine tourism consultancy service that operates here in Hong Kong to bring the wine lover closer to the world of fine wine through tailor made holidays to suit the individual with a focus on the major Chateaux in Bordeaux.

Speaking with Vinholiday recently they tell me that they “specialise in bringing the exquisite experience of an authentic luxury wine tour which will introduce you to a wealth of great vineyards and the secrets to the enviable French lifestyle”.

The company, fairly recently formed (2012) aims to design the perfect wine holiday for the individual, their friends and family and allow tourists not only from from Hong Kong but other Asian wine loving countries such as Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand to visit the best wineries in the region and be wined and dined at the Chateaux, along with many other excursions along the way.

Visit the cellars of some of the worlds best Chateaux

The popularity of French wine in Hong Kong, especially Bordeaux has driven a need for wine tourism companies such as Vinholiday as more and more people seek to find the ‘home’ of the wines that they drink in such abundance in the city. Many Chateaux are notoriously difficult to gain access to as an individual but as part of a pre-arranged visit, access and tastings are all laid on for you.

Obviously France is not just about wine (although that’s arguable!), it’s about lifestyle. The country is at the centre of some of the world’s finest foods, most idyllic scenery and most spectacular sights so imagine yourself having a morning in Paris, an afternoon spa to relax and unwind followed by a dinner at one of the country’s finest estates paired with sumptuous food and wine.

Vinholiday themselves offer four distinct packages for the discerning wine traveller. Firstly, the “Premier Cru Classe” which gives the holiday maker the ‘best Bordeaux can offer’. Accommodation ranges from the very best five star luxury to prestigious Chateaux in the region whilst tours of wineries such as Lafite, Latour and Mouton will be on the cards for you on this package. Michelin-starred chefs will prepare you meals to be paired with the very best wines of Bordeaux. This package is true luxury and will allow you to visit and taste some of the finest and most respected wines in the world.

Vineyards are beautiful any time of the year

Secondly, there is “Bordeaux End To End”; a tour package that allows you to experience the winemakers art for yourself. It is more like a “hands on adventure” Vinholiday tell me where you can learn how to pick grapes and discover the secret art of blending in an unintimidating atmosphere with true professionals that will show you the ropes.Not only do you get to see how it's done in Grand Cru vineyards but you can discover the complete spectrum of winemaking through to small boutique artisinal wineries too.

Thirdly there is the “Art of Wine and Food” holiday where you can discover the “gastronomic fantasy that is French cuisine”. The culinary options offer an limitless selection from the rustic charm of the brasserie to the refinement of the Michelin-starred restaurant – many of whom are located within the vineyards and the wineries themselves. All this paired with the host of fine wines on offer with trips to places like Cognac just a short ride away.

Finally, for the sports and outdoor lover there is the “Blend of Bar and Spa Via The 18^th Hole”. Why not play a round on one of the great courses in the Medoc or Pessac-Leognan while on holiday? How good would it be to shoot a great round then head back and drink some of the finest wines France has to offer? But it’s not just golf available in the region, swimming and fishing in the Arcachon Bay is always an option, as are cycling tours among the vines to get that smell of the terroir and unbridled fresh air. Bordeaux itself now a major travel destination has a plethora of spa’s too so the wives will be happy whilst the guys are on the golf course. There’s just a wealth of things to do in the region.

Wine and Dine in the Chateau cellars

So, if holidaying with wine and being pampered is your thing then I’d suggest that you get in touch with the guys at Vinholiday and check out what tailor made holidays they can do for you. Prices are available from them on request as they are all different depending on the style and place of your vacation. Not only do Vinholiday offer Bordeaux trips but you can tailor make your holiday to go to the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Champagne or any other region you want to visit. But one thing’s for sure, it will be a holiday that you will never forget and, trust me, the wines will be amazing and, not by coincidence I’m sure, taste much better the closer they are to where they were made.

Contact Vinholiday on (+852) 2461 2400 or (+852) 5364 8718 or go to their website www.vinholiday.com for more information.