Catalonia’s beer scene, Ketel One Distillery tours, Florence’s best gelato, and more delicious travels
This week, our featured Insider Travel Ideas come from Europe, where incredible culinary experiences abound. From beer in Catalonia to Ketel One Distillery tours and tips for finding Florence’s best gelato – here’s a roundup of 5 food & drink experiences you’ll love in Europe!Fantastic Food & Wine in Roanne, France
This ancient French city is often bypassed by visitors – but it’s not-to-be-missed for food and wine fans. For one thing, it’s home to one of the world’s most famous restaurants: the three Michelin star Maison Troisgros. It’s also a chocolate-lover’s paradise, with master chocolatier Francois Pralus presiding over his artisan factory. Just north of Roanne, travelers will also find the vineyards and wineries of the Cote Roannais, in addition to charming local churches, a silk museum, and a Franciscan cloister. Discover more of Roanne’s best food & wine experiences here!
Microbreweries and Beer Festivals in Catalonia, Spain
You may not usually associate Spain with beer, but it’s time to start. Catalonia now hosts a bevy of beer festivals, including the Barcelona Beer Festival in April and La Fira del Poblenou de Cerveses Artesanes in July. The Mostra de Cervesa Artesana is held in Mediona in June, while the Fira de la Cervesa Artesana takes place in August in Vilafranca del Penedes. In addition, microbrews are popping up in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (a suburb of Barcelona); Ale & Hop serves an all-vegetarian menu to accompany craft brews on tap, while an array of tapas and tall pints at El Vaso de Oro makes it a popular spot. Get more suggestions on where to sample Catalonia’s emerging beer scene here!
Gelato in Florence: Tips for Tasting the Best!
Gelato aficionados, listen up – we’ve got local advice on finding the best gelato in Florence. What are the most important tips? Stay away from ornate display cases – they’re most likely tourist traps selling inauthentic gelato. And if the pistachio gelato is bright green? Leave! It’s a sign that the shop uses artificial ingredients and additives. Get more tasting tips and gelato shop recommendations here!
Visit the Ketel One Distillery in Holland
The family-run Nolet Distillery – where Ketel One is produced – has been making high-quality spirits in Schiedam, Holland, since 1691. Pretty impressive, right? The distillery (which is about an hour from Amsterdam) offers regular tours that feature a glimpse into the Ketel One production process, a documentary about the Nolet family, and maybe a taste or two! Learn more about the Distillery’s history and tours here!
Wine Tasting in Off-the-Beaten-Path Tuscany
Ever been to Elba Island? Part of an archipelago in Tuscany made up of seven islands, it’s where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814. Today, it combines excellent wine, Italian history, and dreamy island scenery at the Azienda Agricola La Chiusa estate. With vineyards that overlook the waters of Portoferraio, it’s a special treat for wine lovers in Italy. Be sure to try the region’s special Aleatico Dell’Elba, a red wine made from the Aleatico grape varietal, and the traditional passito (raisin) wine. Discover more of Elba Island’s wine-tasting highlights – plus tips on how to get there – here!
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