A Cycling Tour Through Vineyards | Eurobike Cycling blog

Wine is Bottled Poetry

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)

Scottish writer best known for works such as Treasure Island.

Facts About Winemaking

Before sweet grapes can transform into elegant wine, they embark on a journey of careful craftsmanship. Creating exceptional wines requires the skill and experience of a devoted winemaker. It all begins with harvesting the ripe grapes, by hand or machine, each one bursting with flavor. Next, the grapes are gently destemmed, preparing them for pressing. The process then diverges depending on the wine: for white wines, the juice is immediately separated from the skins, while for red wines, the must—the harmonious blend of juice, skins, and seeds—ferments together, drawing out rich color, structure, and tannins.

Fermentation may occur naturally, guided by the yeasts on the grape skins, or with cultivated yeast to ensure consistency. Natural fermentation lends wines a unique, lively character, while controlled fermentation offers reliable finesse. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is clarified, either through gentle filtration or natural settling, before being left to age and develop its bouquet of flavors, often in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. Finally, the wine is bottled, ready either to be enjoyed immediately or to continue evolving gracefully with time.

Provence – Wine Enjoyed Since the Time of the Gauls

Provence is more than just a region in France. It is a promise of endless summers, fragrant lavender fields, and places brimming with energy and inspiration. Beyond purple, the region’s signature color is pink—after all, nearly 90% of its wines are delicate, sun-kissed rosés.

With around 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, the soils are often sparse, and the rolling hills of the Tanneron Massif and the Massif des Maures define the landscape. In addition to the iconic lavender fields, olive and almond trees flourish, while the plains yield cherries, melons, peaches, and apricots. The dominant grape varieties—Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre—form the backbone of the region’s fruity rosés. Provence also produces robust reds, while its whites are light, delicate, and aromatic.

Did you know that the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region—“The Pope’s New Castle”—traces back to Pope Clement V? In 1308, the wine-loving pontiff moved his residence to Avignon. At the time, the wines from the surrounding area were simple, everyday beverages for local villagers—a situation he aimed to improve.

His successor, Pope John XXII, responded by establishing dedicated vineyards, giving the region its iconic name: Vin du Pape, or “Wine of the Pope.”

Provence and Camargue

8 Days

10 ratings

Saint-Paul Abbey in the midst of lavender fields

A Toast to the Palatinate

With around 1,800 hours of sunshine each year and an almost Mediterranean climate, the Palatinate provides ideal conditions for viticulture. It is Germany’s second-largest wine region and boasts a long and proud tradition: as early as 550 B.C., the Celts were already cultivating vines here.

The region is celebrated for its wide variety of wines. Riesling is the most widely planted grape, followed by Pinot Gris, while red wines shine with high-quality Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). Beyond these classics, the Palatinate also produces outstanding sparkling wines.

Did you know that the oldest wine invoice ever discovered in Germany and documented as a contract in Latin, is dated November 18, 1211? This historic document, which you can view at the Mainz City Archive, records the Greiffenclau family relinquishing their claim to the tithe (a ten-percent tax) on the estates of the St. Viktor Foundation—in return, they received around 3,600 liters of wine per year.

Winery tour on the Main

8 Days

8 ratings

Two women and one man at a wine tasting in the Palatinate region on the German Wine Route

Wachtenburg Castle on the German Wine Route with vines in the foreground

Reaching New Heights in South Tyrol

South Tyrol boasts Italy’s northernmost wine-growing region, celebrated for the exceptional quality of its wines. Vineyards climb the slopes along the Adige River, and thanks to the region’s proximity to Austria and Switzerland, some are planted at elevations above 1,000 meters, particularly in the Vinschgau and Eisack Valley.

The terraced vineyards mostly rest on limestone-rich soils, though volcanic soils and weathered ancient rock containing quartz, slate, and mica are also found.

Nearly two-thirds of South Tyrol’s wines are white, with Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco leading the way. Among reds, Pinot Noir, Lagrein, and Vernatsch dominate, with the latter two being native South Tyrolean grape varieties.

Lake Resia – Verona

8 Days

15 ratings

Two women and one man cycling at Lake Kaltern

Market stall selling fresh fruit and wine in Plars, South Tyrol

Farm with apple trees near Ciardes in South Tyrol

Tuscany – More Than Just Chianti

Tuscany, with its rolling hills, is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. The Castello di Brolio winery in Chianti has been producing wine since 1141, making it one of the oldest wineries in existence.

The region’s sparse limestone soils, abundant sunshine, and sufficient rainfall create perfect conditions for crafting exceptional wines. Sangiovese is Tuscany’s primary grape and the most important variety in the Chianti region. A Chianti must contain at least 70% Sangiovese, and it is also a key component in Brunello di Montalcino.

Another standout is the Super Tuscan. Once a rebellious wine, it has risen to star status. First produced in the 1970s, its Sangiovese content falls below the official minimum, while it contains more Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc than regulations allow. Although officially classified as a “table wine,” its quality is exceptional, and it continues to win over enthusiasts worldwide.

Three cyclists on a cycle path amidst fields and hills

Tuscany

8 Days

54 ratings

Piedmont – The Home of Barolo & Barbaresco

Alongside Tuscany, Piedmont ranks among Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, boasting a winemaking tradition that stretches back to antiquity. Its sun-soaked hills provide ideal conditions for viticulture. The region features three distinct landscapes: the Alpine north, the fertile Po Valley, and the rolling hills of the southeast. These varied terrains give rise to an impressive diversity of wines.

The heart of Piedmontese winemaking lies around the town of Alba in the Langhe area, renowned for the prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco, both crafted from the Nebbiolo grape. The name “Nebbiolo” derives from the whitish film that forms on the red grapes at harvest. Everyday favorites include the approachable Barbera and Dolcetto wines, while the region’s whites are dominated by Arneis and Moscato Bianco.

Cyclists in Piedmont, Monviso in the background

Piedmont Loop Tour

8 Days

20 ratings

Cycle path through the vineyard in Piedmont

Southern Styria – Cycling from Buschenschank to Buschenschank

Southern Styria is a region of gentle hills, dense forests, and charming villages creating an enchanting landscape that makes cycling all the more enjoyable. Warm summers and mild winters create the perfect conditions for viticulture.

The leading grape variety here, perhaps unexpectedly, is Sauvignon Blanc. While it ranks only eighth in popularity across Austria, it reigns supreme in Styria. Thanks to the lean soils and mild climate, Styrian Sauvignon Blanc is known for its fresh, fruity character. It’s often aged in wooden barrels, a method that’s unusual for this variety, but unmistakably Styrian.

To experience authentic Austrian wine culture, be sure to take a break at a Buschenschank. These seasonal wine taverns serve estate-grown wines and simple regional dishes. A Buschen, a bundle of twigs hung above the entrance, signals that the Buschenschank is open, often accompanied by a sign reading ausgesteckt (open for business).