Everyday Sommelier A p r i l 2 0 1 8 5 5 maison trimbach Vineyard Vacation Take your tastebuds on vacation to these dazzling French vineyards. By Ralph Hersom Are you feeling the stirrings of wanderlust? April is the ideal va- cation-planning season. And the best way to pair sunshine and culture? With a glass of wine, naturally. Pack your bags and jump across the pond to the vine- yards and wineries of France to enjoy some vin en vacances. Every dream French vacation begins with Paris, naturellement. Stretch your legs and your stomach at the city’s finest restau- rants and develop your wine-tasting palette at the bar. For restaurants, may I suggest Le Chateaubriand and L’Arpege. Champagne Kisses The reference point for bubbly in the world? The Champagne region in the northeast of France. A short jaunt from Paris, this region is the perfect first spot to visit and make a toast to a fantastic journey. Dive into the celebrated caves of the region’s oldest and most established Champagne houses such as Louis Roederer, Moet et Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot. Go East On the northeastern corner of France that borders Germany and Switzerland lies the rich cultural region of Alsace in the Rhine River basin. The area has a complicated his- tory as a disputed area between Germany and France. As a result, Alsatian culture is unique–a fact that is reflected in the region’s gastronomy and wine–plus the Alsace hosts no less than 30 Michelin star restaurants! The Germanic influences of the area are evident in the winery’s production meth- ods–and even their names: Domaine Sch- lumberger, Domaine Weinbach, and Mai- son Trimbach are the exemplary vineyards worth planning your trip around. Most produce a white wine made from many of the same grape varietals found in German wines. Especially notable are the dry Ries- lings and aromatic Gewürztraminer wines. Vin et Vélos Head on down to Burgundy to show your love for the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varietals that are grown exclusive- ly in this region. Bicycling in Burgundy is particularly popular, and a great way to work off those cheese and wine calories. Rent a vélo and pedal-power your way to Louis Jadot, Olivier Leflaive, and Maison Joseph Drouhin. Simply Red Last but not least, travel westward to Bor- deaux, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Love red blends? This must be the place. Producers in this region use up to five dif- ferent varietals, including Cabernet Sauvi- gnon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, to make that special Bordeaux blend. With over 120,000 of vineyards, you’re spoiled for choice on touring and tasting op- portunities. My favorites include Château Leoville-Las Cases in St. Julien, Château La Mission Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan, and Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol. n RalphHersomisasommelierandownerofRRHCellarsWine Consultancy.HewasformerlytheCellarmasteratWindows OnTheWorldandWineDirectorofLeCirque2000inNYC.