Autumn is the time for wine harvesting in Europe and the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena trails take walkers through some of the most important wine producing regions in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland.
September and October are the idea months to visit these wine producing regions to experience the tradition and culture of the harvest season.
The top 9 Camino routes for wine lovers are:
1. Across La Rioja on the French Way. Its capital, Logrono, is home to a fantastic harvdst festival at the end of September called the Fiesta de la Vendimia.
2. Porto on the Portuguese Way. The home of Port wine, Porto is a wine enthusiasts' paradise. It's also a UNESCO world heritage listed city.
3. Champagne on the Via Francigena. The region is located on the path of the Via Francigena, the Camino to Rome and hosts a festival at the end of harvest time.
4. Chianti in Tuscany and Val d'Orcia. One of the best and most well-known Italian wine-producing regions.
5. Terraced vineyards of Lake Geneva on the Via Francigena. Takes walkers along the scenic Lake Geneva; admire the vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO listed heritage site, and towns of Vevey and Montreaux. A 3-day wine festival in the town of Lutry.
Prices start from €480pps for 6-nights on section 2 of the French Way from Pamplona to Longrono in high season (September-October); €679pps for 6-nights o the Via Francigena walking from San Miniato to Siena.
Book 2 months in advance and get 5 percent off.
Price includes half-board accommodation as standard, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, holiday pack with walking notes and practical information. It doesn't include flights, insurance or airport transfers.
See www.caminoways.com for more information.
