tasting tours : travelling in
WINE COUNTRY
By Sylvia Jansen
An easy drive of about ninety minutes from Paris can see you sipping Champagne in an ancient chalk cellar . The same time from San Francisco finds you in the heart of the Napa or Sonoma Valleys . Or from Pearson Airport in Toronto to a tasting room in the Niagara Peninsula . Even easier is driving from Kelowna , B . C . to a beautiful estate vineyard in the Okanagan Valley .
You get the message : wine country is accessible . It ’ s also beautiful — the landscapes that grapevines love is often rolling , green and gorgeous . Many winemakers and people in the wine industry love their work , and are happy to share it with interested guests . Moreover , great wine attracts great chefs , restaurants and fine accommodation — the elements of wonderful wine travel . Whether you are after a leisurely drive through wine country after a few days of business meetings , or a full package complete with helicopter , the wine experience is hot tourism .
TRAVEL TIPS Plan Ahead . Having a plan , even if it ’ s a last-minute one , is a good idea . Some wineries have regular hours for guests ; some require reservations or special arrangements to visit . Find
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