LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2025

GRAPE GETAWAYS

European Tastes Becoming acquainted with millennia-old European wine culture and its many modern, sustainable sensibilities brings variety to your wine knowledge.

Cruise to European Vineyards

Taking an ocean or river cruise that docks near wine-producing regions can be a fun and unex pected way to experience wine travel. Multiple cruise lines also have specific wine-related ele ments on their itineraries, either through an in-depth culinary focus or vineyard shore excur sions. Two big benefits here: You only unpack once and you don’t have to do any of the driving. VIA THE MEDITERRANEAN Cruise ships docking in Marseille set you up for touring excur sions through the vineyards of Provence. Experience charming tasting rooms, olive groves and lavender fields. DOWN THE DANUBE River cruises that stop in Vienna let you explore the nearby Wachau Valley. And in the hills overlooking the city, Wieninger at Nussberg upholds the Austrian buschenschank tradition of serv ing tastings alongside regional dishes and charcuterie.

ITALY: PIEDMONT

Italy has a history of viticulture that dates back to 8th century BC, making travel here a history lesson as well as a relaxing retreat. Nowhere is this more evident than in Piedmont, which has more DOCG wines than any other region. Stops can include the historic Marchesi di Barolo and Fontanafredda wineries, both noted for their Barolo and Barbaresco.

WINES TO TRY Noted for firm tannins and high acidity, wines from the hilly landscape and varied soils of Piedmont have great depth and nuanced minerality, evolving into complex, layered wines with time.

Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 250696, $21.95 Bersano Costalunga Barbera D’Asti DOCG LCBO 348680, $16.95 Michele Chiarlo Palas Barolo LCBO 31810, $39.95

HUNT FOR TRUFFLES White truffles are leg endary in the Alba region, well-known for its guided foraging and truffle-themed dining experiences.

POP INTO THE PALACE Must-see cultural sights in Turin include the stunning 16th-century Palazzo Reale di Torino and the handsomely embellished Palazzo Madama.

OUT ON THE AEGEAN Greek island voyages that

include Santorini put you within a short drive of the volcanic wines of Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCENTIUS/E+ VIA GETTY IMAGES (ITALY BACKGROUND IMAGE, LEFT); KYPROS/MOMENT UNRELEASED VIA GETTY IMAGES (CRUISE SHIP)

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———————— TRAVEL 2025