When it comes to wine, France is the country you want to visit if you want to taste expensive and rich flavours. With their century-old traditions, the French are masters in producing high-end liquor. Similar to the South African wines have a unique taste and feel to them. The country is especially protective of its wine estates, vineyards and labels and is famous for its sophisticated alcoholic beverages.

Modern estates from Australia to the Napa Valley are overtaking the old staples. People are turning to the easy-drinking unpretentious blends rather than the crisper, single-variety wines these days. Now, with modern vineyards armed with the latest high-tech distillery equipment, on a relatively inconspicuous estate, a star wine can 'be born'.

If you are on holiday in Europe and want to experience the magic of wine without wasting a single dime, we can help you. Let's check out the best places on the old continent for degustations. While we are at it, we will give you some valuable advice on how to make your experience even better.

What to Expect as a Novice Wine Taster?

If you have never actually been to a proper wine tasting event, there are a few things you should know - 5 things to be exact. These are the steps in which a degustation is conducted - the five S's. They should be executed in that specific order:

• See - It's all in appearance. Is the liquid clear or cloudy? If it's red, it should be a deep shade. The colour and clarity give the taster a hint at the varietal and almost always is proportional to flavour intensity.
• Swirl - Lift the glass and gently swirl the wine. Full-bodied wines tend to be darker. Sweeter ones that are denser will probably leave thick, viscous streaks on the inside of the glass (called legs or tears).
• Sniff - The smell is one of the essential steps to a multi-sensory experience. Tilt the wine glass and allow your nose to fill with the fragrance. This is the full aromatic sensation. The 'nose' of the wine is its bouquet and aroma. What does the smell remind you of? An overwhelming scent of some kind of fruit or herb. Perhaps a spice?
• Sip - Finally, the stage where we get to taste the wine. Take a largish sip and allow the wine to rest on the top of your tongue, and cover the surface of your mouth, immersing the taste buds. By sucking in some air through a small opening of your lips, the oxygen will pass over the wine, releasing more of the depths and complex flavours.
• Savour - After swallowing, you might be surprised at the different taste left on the palate. What is important here is this aftertaste, as well as how long it remains in your mouth. It is called the 'finish'. Some last up to a full minute. Is there one overpowering aroma or flavour, or is it a well-balanced bottle?

So now you know the basic terms and how to perform a proper wine tasting. The question that still lingers is: where to go to practise your newly acquired skills?

Wine Trade Fairs Provide Experience of a Lifetime

For wine producers, merchants, grape growers or anybody in the Horeco sphere, there is no better place to try the drink of Gods than a trade fair. Most expos are open to the public, so even if you are a novice in this sphere, you can still have a good time. However, not all trade shows offer a wine testing area. So now, we will focus solely on those European events that can provide you with this free experience.

ProWein, Germany

We have talked a lot about this exceptional trade fair held annually in Düsseldorf. But until now, we have never focused on the wine testing aspect of the show. Since the ProWein is one of the most famous on the planet, naturally, here you can find liquor from every part of the globe. That is not very surprising. However, you can also taste the best of the best, read the most high-end and expensive wines for free. In fact, vineyards encourage their audience to try out their award-winning wines and experience the unique flavour each one has.

Vinexpo Paris, France

If you are in the city of love during the Vinexpo, you should try your best to visit this fair. The majority of wines are local, so you can experience the power of French vineyards to the fullest. Since smaller, privately owned vineyards battle for the spotlight, the competition for public approval is tight. A special area designated only for wine tasting is created to please both the professional sommeliers and ordinary consumers. In addition, if you feel adventurous, you can visit the WOW - World of Organic Wines: an area solely dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines and spirits.

Vinitaly, Italy

If Chianti or Nebbiolo are more to your taste, then your destiny is to go to Verona to embark on an Italian wine festival of note - Vinitaly. It boasts having the most wine tastings in the world! Each hall is dedicated to a different region of Italy. You can put to the test your newly acquired sommelier knowledge and venture into the fragrant world of wine.

Forum VINI, Germany

This wine trade fair held in Munich can offer you a truly unique experience, as since 2019 you can see something really fascinating. You will be able to experience the champagne disgorgement, or as it’s known in the professional circles - degorgement. This is the process of removing yeast from the champagne bottle, and of course, you can taste as many wine products as you wish during this event.

As you can see, wine expos appeal to all wine lovers. And if you want to have more free time on your hands, you need to carefully plan your next trade fair visit. Don’t waste valuable minutes travelling to and from your hotel. Our experts can find you affordable and well-located accommodations. This way, you can experience the world of wine trade fairs and exquisite degustations longer.