A Taste For Travel, Food and Drink Holidays
Dec 2nd, 2008 by Janet Schlarbaum
By David Collins
Picture yourself relaxing in the grounds of a vineyard or olive grove, being given the chance to sample traditional cooking using fresh ingredients that are grown on site. Or perhaps you imagine yourself in a country kitchen, trying out the cookery techniques you’ve seen your favourite chefs on television try before washing your creation down with a nice glass of wine.
If this is the sort of image that gets your mouth watering, then a culinary excursion and wine tasting holiday could be just what you’re looking for.
Gourmet and cooking holidays have become popular with those who are looking to take a culinary journey around their country of choice, sampling local cuisine and wines along the way. From the French Riviera to the mountainous regions of Italy, gourmet holidays have become a popular tourist attraction for many countries that are famed for their foodstuffs.
Indeed, Asian cookery has seen an increase in popularity in recent times – particularly through various television shows. For those who are looking to travel further and sample dishes you wouldn’t usually find on a takeaway menu, there are now a variety of holidays to South East Asia to satisfy the most curious of foodies.
Accommodation is usually included in the price, however you may have to organise your own flights and car hire. Many companies will offer the chance to be picked up from the nearest airport as part of your stay. Cooking holidays will usually be based in quaint little cottages, with cooking classes being run throughout the day – ranging from wine tasting sessions to pastry and pasta making.
These workshops are performed under the watchful eye of experienced chefs, who will offer their advice should you be struggling with your preparation. After being given the chance to have a stroll around the local area and take in the scenery, you’ve built up an appetite in time to consume what you’ve prepared for lunch or dinner.
If you don’t fancy stepping into the kitchen to have a go yourself, many centres have are a number of activities – such as cycling and golfing – available in the local area.