A tipple treat for tourists

Alcohol tourism has gone beyond wine tasting tours in France. Travellers are now off to Italy and the US to explore local spirits

Travelling in search of fine wine has always been popular in the West. Curated experiences for one or several wineries, thanks to the rising expectation of wine lovers, have contributed to the influx. They have become just as popular as short holiday trips since it combines recreation with discovery and learning.

France was always at the forefront when it came to wine tourism but Italy and California in the US are the other two very popular regions. Australia, too, offers great opportunity, especially Hunter and Yarra Valleys, which are close to Sydney and Melbourne.

With young people travelling abroad to study increasing, family visits are often enhanced by a drive through winery areas to add to the travel experience. There are also whisky trails in Scotland, Ireland as well as Kentucky and Tennessee in the US.

This trail includes witnessing the entire process of how whisky is made. Then tipple experts from distilleries regale you with stories at tasting sessions at the site. These tours are just a venue to taste and purchase wine — these days, it is packaged as a complete tourism experience. Another plus is that travelling to these places is a breeze since these locations are a little far off from the city, which I may say, is a respite.

Heading to Octoberfest is getting popular among beer enthusiasts since it promises fresh seasonal beers. Belgium, too, is a haven for beer lovers since this place houses some fantastic craft and monastic breweries. An English beer trail too is recommended since the range of ales, porters and stouts from around the country as well as some from Scotland and Ireland are brilliant.

I’ve been on the American whiskey trail, through Napa and Sonoma Valley and Hunter and Yarra valleys. I have also traipsed through the vineyards around Bordeaux in France and sipped through myriad ales in England. The ancient kvevri wine styles of Georgia in the United States and the host of cheese to try with the wines — each experience is completely unforgettable.

There are much more regions around the world to be discovered as each of these countries offers history, culture, local tipple and great cuisine. South Africa, Argentina and Chile are just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. A chance to get a little of all can only be a slice of heaven on earth. Who wouldn’t want that!

Shatbhi Basu is one of India’s leading mixologists and is currently the liquid expert at Harry’s Bar and Cafe