Château D'Esclans
The wine destinations to visit for every occasion, according to an expert
Some weekends are made for clinking glasses, making memories and packing the perfect dress. Whether you're celebrating love, plotting a cheeky hen, or just need a little vino therapy, Michelle Lawlor, owner of The Nude Wine Company, has four unforgettable wine getaways.
For the Hens Who Love Bubbles: Prosecco Road Trip
Where to go: Prosecco has two main towns, Valdobbiadene and Congliano. Whilst both are gorgeous, Conegliano is the most accessible of the two, especially for a short trip.
Fly into: Venice Treviso (closer and less faffy than Marco Polo).
What to do: Plan your weekend around the Prosecco Festival (usually held in May), where vineyards throw open their cellars, and the fizz flows freely. Think vineyard picnics, open-air tastings, and plenty of Insta-ready views.
Style tip: Floaty dresses, oversized sunnies and wedges (avoid stilettos, as cobbles + Prosecco = disaster).
Wines to Try: Not all Prosecco is made equal. Make sure you opt for Prosecco that is Brut or Extra Brut and definitely stick to the Spumantes, which are the best quality and value.
For the Lovers: Porto for a Wine Anniversary to Remember
Where to go: Porto, Portugal.
Fly into: Porto Airport (OPO) is handy and close to the action, and its on the tram line straight into the city centre.
What to do: Book a candlelit dinner at Graham’s Lodge at the top of the hill in Porto/Gaia; the sweeping views of the Douro River are epic, especially as night falls. You can opt to arrive early to do a tour of the ancient barrels lining the cellars below. For wine geeks or romantics, a day trip upriver to Pinhao in the Douro Valley is worth it. You can sip Port where it’s born, surrounded by vineyard-covered hills.
Style tip: Casual chic with linen shirts or summer dresses, perfect for riverside strolls and winery tours. Porto is extremely hilly and the streets are cobbled, so classy flat shoes will be a good investment.
Wines to Try: Portuguese wines are so trendy right now, and there are so many versatile wine styles. My go wines would be reds produced from the Barriada region, especially Filipa Pato’s Baga, and it’s hard to look past Vinho Verde as the best white option to enjoy as a perfect thirst quencher.
For When It’s Over: Breaking Up (with Wine) in Lusk, Dublin
Where to go: Lusk, North County Dublin. The DART line will take you there.
Fly into: You’re probably already here.
What to do: Let’s face it, this isn’t Champagne country. But if you’re going to end your relationship, do it with a sea breeze, a dramatic walk, and a bottle of something dry and cold. Rush is home to Ireland’s only seaside vineyard, and that’s just poetic enough for the occasion. If you wanted to make it (even more) memorable, you can open a bottle of the local Lusca wine.
Style tip: Oversized hoodie, sunglasses, and waterproof mascara.
Wines to Try: Preparation is key here. There is no wine shop in Lusk, so you’ll have to go to a wine shop before you get on the train. Go for a half bottle, a glass each is plenty, as you can always drown your sorrows later on. And don’t forget the disposable cups.
For Family Fun with Castles and Bike Rides: Loire Valle
Where to go: Loire Valley, France.
Fly into: Nantes or Tours, both ideal for getting into the heart of wine and châteaux country.
What to do: Rent bikes and cycle the Loire a Vélo Greenway through vineyards and villages. Stop at wineries, picnic by the river, and let the kids run wild in castle gardens. Two must-visits are Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau – both fairy-tale level gorgeous, with wine nearby. If you want to focus more on the wine and less on the cycling, definitely rent e-bikes.
Style tip: Comfy layers, trainers, sun hat, and a light jacket for castle shadows. The French are stylish, even when they are cycling around in 25 degrees heat. Pack spare clothes in the bag in case you spot a nice place for lunch.
Wines to Try: Loire is the homeland of Sauvignon Blanc, and there is so much to choose from, including Sancerre, Touraine and Pouilly Fume. The best finds here are Sancerre Rose made from the Pinot Noir grape, and Cremant de Loire, which is the local sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc.
So whether you’re toasting, ghosting, or just coasting, there’s a wine-soaked weekend with your name on it. The only question is: red, white, or sparkling?
Photography by Château D’Esclans.
Also Read
