Honeymoons are all about starting a new life together, doing the things you both love, right? So if you’re both into gourmet dining and exceptional wines, why not indulge in a vacation focusing on some extraordinary culinary experiences?
Tuscany, Italy
Romance, beautiful rural scenery and a food culture that goes back centuries combine to make this region a perfect destination for food-loving honeymooners. Choose a tour that allows access to Montalcino’s vineyards and wineries for private tastings of exquisite Brunello. Visit one of several private Tuscan estates for a cooking lesson and farm-to-table lunch featuring local produce, cured meats and cheeses, homemade pasta, roasted meat and a simple dessert – all accompanied by the estate’s fine wines. And for dinner? Visit one of Florence’s many superb restaurants for a leisurely meal featuring Crostini Tuscani, Pappardelle al sugo di anatra. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Fagioli all’uccelletto, and tiramisu – all paired with your new favorite wine, Brunello di Montalcino! Those Italians know how to eat!
Bordeaux and St. Emilion, France
Experience legendary wine estates, château architecture, sophisticated French cuisine and wine education at an unusually deep level in this charming, historic wine region. Book a “vertical wine tasting,” a sampling of the same wine from the same producer, harvested in different years, revealing the changes that occur in wine due to weather conditions, growing techniques, and other factors. Visit a local farmer’s market with a chef, followed by a cooking class and lunch overlooking a vineyard. Take a tour of elegant, private chateaux including wine tastings in Medoc, St Emilion, and Margaux. Enjoy dining in one of the many Michelin rated restaurants in the region for a memorable dinner featuring local Arcachon oysters, Entrecote and Cepes a la Bordelaise, Ossau-Iraty cheeses, and Canneles de Bordeaux for dessert, each course paired with a local fine wine.
Mendoza, Argentina
If you’ve already been to Europe to enjoy its many gastronomical delights, try something completely different. In Argentina you can enjoy accommodations in luxury properties that operate their own vineyards and pride themselves on gourmet dining. Attend a private wine tasting session where you can create your own special cuvee (wine blend crafted from the grapes of Mendoza or the Uco Valley). Join a group asado hosted by an Argentine grill master. This involves a long ritual of slow cooking meat (usually beef or pork), which becomes an all-day social event with lots of wine and delicious party food – empanadas, choripan, and provoleta. Take a horseback ride through vineyards overlooking the spectacular Andes mountain range, and enjoy lunch featuring fresh local salad greens and vegetables along with roasted meats and artisanal cheeses. Make roasted Patagonian lamb, a hearty plate of Carne ala Masa, or a traditional bowl of Tomatican the star of your evening meal – paired with iconic Mendoza Malbec wine or a crisp white Torrontes.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Also a bit off the radar for food and wine enthusiasts, Cape Winelands is an excellent choice for those who want a spectacular honeymoon experience that’s a bit more casual than a traditional European trek from one vineyard and restaurant to another. The Stellenbosch wine route is centered in South Africa’s wine country known for its beautiful estate vineyards, boutique hotels and cultural landmarks – and it’s located less than an hour from Cape Town. Visit Dorp Street in the quaint town of Stellenbosch, a quirky melange of historic buildings, artsy boutiques, cafes and coffee houses situated along its tree-lined streets. Try a restaurant that features South Africa’s Cape Malay cuisine, a flavorful fusion food using aromatic spices. Favorites include Bobotie (spiced minced meat dish with a custard topping) and koesisters for dessert (spicy coconut dough balls). Book a private Winelands farm-to-table picnic at one of the estate vineyards where you can sample South Africa’s signature Pinotage wine (blend of pinot noir and cinsault grapes), Cap Classique (a premier sparkling wine) , or a creamy chardonnay. Cape Town itself is a haven for fine dining – fresh seafood, of course, and more exotic offerings like karoo lamb rib or springbok filets. And while in Cape Town, take advantage of its beautiful beaches and the stunning views atop Table Mountain.
Bring home some sample menus and wine lists for your honeymoon scrapbook collection! Your Travel Leaders advisor is anxious to help you plan the culinary adventure of a lifetime.
