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4 UNIQUE EUROPEAN TOURS FOR WINE LOVERS

You have seen the decorative labels in your local wine store, you have tasted the goodness of wines straight from the shelves but would you like to know more about where these delicious grapes come from? Our tasting tours are designed for wine lovers who love to get to know the grapes and meet the famous wine producers of Europe. Here are a selection of our top picks for wine enthusiasts:

Douro Valley Adventure

The grapes of Northern Portugal avail of a special climate where the valleys of the Douro bask in the sunlight and the winds from the Atlantic ocean sweep through the vineyards. The soil is rich in nutrients providing flavoursome wines for you to try out year round. From the sweetest ports to dry whites that pair well with the fresh fish from the nearby coast, this is an epic wine tasting experience for all to enjoy.

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Burgundy Food and Wine Experience

A world class wine destination Burgundy wines can be found in most reputatable wine stores throughout the world. However, visiting the region is an extra educational journey through the heart of France.

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Alba Wine and Truffle Tour

Luxurious, sensual and memorable are three words to describe a tour through this stunning region of Italy. Our wine and truffle experience in Alba is simply unforgettable. Along the way you will have the chance to meet the wine producers, taste the land and sip of bold vintage wines.  

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Travel through the Vineyards of Tuscany on Two Wheels

Cycling through the Italian countryside is an unforgettable experience. Join the locals to learn about the best wine on offer in the region of Tuscany. On this wine filled adventure you will discover the beautiful landscapes of Italy, taste famous Italian produce and sip the most delicious Italian wines.

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For more information about any of these handpicked tours for wine lovers please contact one of our travel specialists.

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January 5, 2019 orchardsnearme Blog, travel tips, wine-regions , , , , , , ,

New Years Resolutions: Let’s Get Back to Nature in 2019

We are always encouraging people to get back to nature and there is no better time than today. Start planning your green adventure for 2019. We can help you along the way. There is no better way to experience a new place than by giving back to the community and learning ancient traditions of a region. On our fruit filled experiences you will have the chance to speak with the experts, taste local product and get to know the food production methods before they reach the supermarket shelves. Here are some nature tours that will inspire you to go green for 2019:

1. Visit the organic vineyards of Italy
2. Get to know the grape filled fields of France
3. Learn about the delicious local produce in Portugal
4. Go on an Olive Adventure in Greece
5. Discover the orchards of Northern Spain
6. Join others on the fruit trail of Normandy

For more details about any of our fruit and foraging tours please contact one of our travel team.

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December 26, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, travel tips, travel-inspiration , ,
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Go Green for 2019! 10 Ways I can be more Eco-friendly

It is our mission to go green for 2019. We want the world to be more eco-friendly so we can start with a few ideas to help you be more sustainable this year:

Cut down on meat

Did you know that we can reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases by cutting back on our meat consumption. If everyone actively tried to eat less meat we would be giving back to the environment.

Plant a tree

Our friends at Mossy Earth are changing the world one tree at a time. Now you can support their cause. They are some of the most proactive, eco-friendly people we know. They know the trees, get to know the land and invest their time and energy in every forest that they create. In 2018 they planted over 4,000 trees across different regions of Europe. In 2019 we can help them to achieve higher goals and reforest areas devastated by wildfires and badly in need to native tree reforestation.

Reduce Fruit Waste

We talk about this all of time and in 2019 it will be our mission to bring tips for reducing fruit waste to the masses. Follow the simple tips here to reduce your fruit waste at home.

Invest in a Keep Cup

An easy way that you can have a small positive impact on the environment is by investing in a keep cup. By using the same coffee mug each day you are reducing your carbon footprint and reducing our reliance on single use plastics.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Walk instead of taking the car. This little tip applies whether you are at home or abroad. Many of us will opt to take taxis but check out google maps to see how far you are from your destination. If you are planning an outing to a local restaurant maybe it is in walking distance?

Be a responsible traveler

Take action into your own hands and become a responsible tourist. What can you do? Lots really! Responsible travel is all about being aware of the landscape and people around you. Respect local culture, make an effort to speak the local language, don’t damage the landscape, reuse your bathroom towels and be conscious of pollution (both litter and noise) as you go.

Buy fairtrade goods

Always check the label. In Europe we have a fairtrade label that is placed on goods when a farm or production process has been inspected for good standards of environmentally friendly goods and fair employment. Make sure you buy at least some fairtrade items when you are doing your weekly shop.
This will give you a better idea of where your food is coming from and how the people preparing your food are treated.

Check out your local organic fruit store

Organic food stores can be a great source of inspiration. The shelves are packed full of colourful goods and fresh produce for you to enjoy. We also like to promote using the leftovers. We build up so much fruit waste each year that can be put to better use by simply giving it away to others, getting creative with your shopping habits and staying informed about the harvest season.

Ask more questions

Don’t take our word for it. Be inquisitive and ask about the products and services that you plan to use. Getting a bit of background information can give you more insights into the quality of the products and the environment in which they are produced.

Spread the word

Last but not least spread the word about these positive contributions that you can be making to the environment around you. It is easy to adopt one eco-friendly habit but if you tell five friends about this habit than you are making a longer positive impact on the overall environment.

If you have some eco-friendly tips or advice we would love to hear from you. For more information about any of our fruit & foraging tours please get in touch with one of our travel team anytime.

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December 11, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, travel tips , , , , , ,
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PICK YOUR OWN WEDDING WINE IDEAS

Have you recently gotten engaged? Well this is a time for celebration and what better way to celebrate your upcoming happily ever after than a trip to some European vineyards to sample the top wedding wines on offer. You don’t have to wait for your honeymoon for your next getaway and planning your wedding should be fun, exciting and a learning curve.wine-tasting-pick-your-own-wedding-wine-orchards-near-me-tour

From one bride to another, believe me the last few weeks do get a little stressful so the more you enjoy the initial engagement highs the better. A pre-wedding getaway can be just what you and your partner need before you go through with the biggest commitment. It was a friend that suggested these itineraries as she wanted to embark on a wine filled adventure herself. Now we can’t get enough of them.

We have come up with our top tours for picking out your wedding wine. Each itinerary will give you the chance to sip on the local wines, meet the producers and even learn about the production process. What a lovely way to incorporate a personal experience into your wedding drinks.  

Here are the top ‘Pick your own’ wedding wine tours:

BURGUNDY WEDDING WINE ADVENTUREwedding-wine-ideas-france-adventure-orchards-near-me

Bring a touch of class to your wedding menu with luxurious wines from the famous region of Burgundy. If you are considering a burgundy wine than why not plan a tasting experience to learn about the region, meet the producers and see the wines on offer. Home to some of the worlds renowned wines like Domaine Denis Mortet, Domaine Armand Rousseau and Chateaux des Quarts.

Our two day Burgundy wine experience will give you a true taste of the land.

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ROMANTIC DOURO VALLEY VINEYARD EXPERIENCE

This UNESCO listed region of Northern Portugal is one of Europe’s most stunning and fruitful areas. The mild atlantic climate and terraced vineyards make this wine destination extra special. Start your romantic adventure in the lively town of Porto. The next morning you will be picked up by expert guides who will bring you to the heart of the valley to taste the local wines. In the busy wedding planning phase there is always time to stop for a picnic and a glass of vinho.

This two day tour is the perfect combination of food and wine.

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WINES OF TUSCANY WEDDING WINE TOUR

Are you an adventure lover? If you and your fiancé are outdoor enthusiasts than how about a cycle through the heart of romantic Tuscany. You will cycle through some of the most stunning landscapes, passing vineyards and orchards as you pedal. Enjoy staying in the medieval mountain-top villages, tasting the delicious local Italian cuisine and getting the opportunity to sample the best local wines that you can choose for your wedding package.

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LUXURY WINES OF ITALY TOURwedding-wine-engagement-celebration-in-europe

This is a trip to Italy’s premier food and wine region of Alba. Famous for it’s rare white truffles and delicious red wines this tour will bring a bit of luxury to your wedding menu. As home of the Ferrero Rocher and nutella you can incorporate delicious local Italian chocolates and wine into your big day. With our experts guides you will discover all that is on offer over the course of a 4 day trip, staying in the most unique accommodation and farmstays.

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How to choose my wedding wine? Here are a few tips to look out for…

  • Wine professional and good vineyards will provide bulk wine packages for weddings that are good quality and not overly expensive (depending on what you are looking for)
  • Think food rather than season – whites with fish, bold reds with beef
  • Food pairings matter
  • How much will you need?
  • Don’t forget reception drinks

Where will you get your wedding wine? This is the fun part. Let’s go explore and enjoy every moment of this magical time together.

For more information on any of our wedding wine ideas and tours please contact one of our travel specialists.

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November 25, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, fruit picking, travel tips, travel-inspiration, wine-regions , , ,
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7 Must try Foods in Portugal

Would you like to get a taste of the Portuguese cuisine at its best? Everywhere in the world has dishes that connect the people to the land and bring us closer to the culture of a region. Getting a taste for the local flavours with some delicious dishes is one of the top ways to get to know a country and its history. Here are our top 6 must-try foods in Portugal:

Petiscosbacalau-portugal-cod-fish-dish-portuguese-foods

The Portuguese version of the famous Spanish tapas, these mouthwatering bites are the perfect accompliment to a local beer or glass of Vinho Verde on the day by the harbour in Porto. Try the Bolinhos de Bacalhau (mini fish balls), presunto (a local traditional ham), Salada de polvo (octopus salad), Caracóis (tiny snails of the sea).

Caldo Verde

This traditional Portuguese soup translates to green broth and it eaten throughout the year. You will find it as a staple on most restaurants in portugal. When you taste it you will get a real taste of the Portuguese countryside. Often eaten as a starter course this is the perfect way to get a flavour of Portuguese cuisine. The main ingrediants include Kale, onion, garlic, potatoes and chorizo. Here’s a traditional Caldo Verde recipe from Portuguese Insider Tia Maria

Bacalhau

More of a key ingrediant than a dish, Bacalhau is held close in the hearts of all locals in Portugal. Whether grilling it in the summer months or baking it in the winter, this fish is certainly on our list of must-try foods in Portugal.must-try-portuguese-foods-orchards-near-me

Arroz de Tamboril

This dish also known as monkfish rice would be a savoured delicacy in other parts of the world but the readily available fish across the regions of Portugal make this a deliciously accessible meal. It is a traditional dish appreciated by locals. Key ingredients of Arroz de Tamboril includes monkfish, onion, cilantro, garlic, tomato, paprika and pepper.

Sopa de Cação

A heart warming soup filled with delicious vegetables that will fill you to the brim with energy. Yes please! 

Ameijoas a bulhao Pato

Offered in most restaurant along the Atlantic coast of Portugal this is the perfect dish of shellfish on a summers day. Clam are cooked in oil, garlic, cilantro and a dash (or three) of white wine. Being so close to the sea it would be a shame not to sample the delicious seafood. Simply put this is a meal of cockles (clams) in a tasty white wine sauce. The secret is in the picking and the Portuguese shellfish farmers have made an art out of this. An extra benefit is that they are rich in fatty acids containing Omega 3 which has many health benefits.pastel-de-natal-portuguese-food-portugal-orchards-near-me

Pastel De Natal

Last but not least the world famous Portuguese pastry of Pastel de Natal. This custard filled tart will have your mouth watering for days. Crispy on the outside, warm and creamy on the inside. What’s not to love? You will find these in bakeries and restaurants throughout Portugal. Each region has its own twist on the classic dish but all are delightful to eat.

Bom apetite from Portugal!

THE FLAVOURS OF PORTUGAL TOURS

These are just six of the many dishes to sample on your next Portuguese adventure. If you have any must-try foods in Portugal to add to the list please let us know.

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November 14, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, travel tips, Uncategorized , , ,
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10 Reasons to fall in love with Fruit Picking

There is nothing we love better than being out in the fields getting back to nature. Why have we abandoned our roots? Let’s reconnect with the land and fall in love with fruit picking. Here are just a few reasons we think fruit picking will give you time for reflection and get you back to basics:

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For more details on any of our fruit filled adventures please contact one of our fruit loving team.

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November 13, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, fruit picking, nature, travel tips , ,
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Get our latest Brochure

We are very excited to launch our brand new Orchard Experiences brochure.

Our useful snapshot of all of the top orchard adventures on offer with OrchardsNearme.com. From fruit picking tours to food filled city tours to cycling nature trails that take you off the beaten track. You will find everything you need for your next orchard adventure in Europe.

Inside you will find:

  • Our fruity stories from experiences by the team
  • The top orchard tours
  • The types of tours on offer
  • Some useful fruit picking tips and advice
  • When is the best time to go
  • Travel inspiration for your next European experience

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October 13, 2018 orchardsnearme Blog, travel tips
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REASONS TO GET BACK TO NATURE

I don’t know about you but everytime we get outdoors we feel a renewed sense of self. I feel the wind in my face, smell the freshly mowed fields and have a chance to make some head space for new thoughts. So why should be get back to nature and spend a little more time outdoors. Here are eight great reasons we think nature has it’s benefits:

  • Stress Buster
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Calming effect – Better mood
  • Increases attention and sharpens your focus
  • Relax and reflect
  • Renewed creativity
  • Strengthen Immunity
  • Lose weight

The above list is by no means definitive. Every positive reason to get back to nature can be associated with looking after your mental health and well-being. Nature provides an escape from your daily routine, an excuse to get off the screens that invade our everyday and a way to reconnect with the world around us.

October 9, 2018 orchardsnearme nature, travel tips, Uncategorized , , ,
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