WINE
Switzerland, Italy & France
DISCOVER THE VARIED WINE GROWING REGIONS OF SWITZERLAND, NORTHERN ITALY AND EASTERN FRANCE
Europe’s viticulture tradition is renowned around the world, but very little is known about Swiss wine, despite it being a major part of the agricultural economy, and a way of life. Perhaps this is also due to the fact that less than 1% of Swiss wine ever leaves the country, as the people are very patriotic about their consumption, preferring their local varietals to those from their neighboring countries, and even other cantons in Switzerland.
Traversing the Lavaux wine-growing region along the northern shore of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), and you’ll soon see why it was dedicated a UNESCO heritage site, for its 1000 year-old vineyards inconceivably stacked from the lake shore to the mountains. Or along the Swiss Rhône Valley, home to the densest concentration of viticulture in this tiny alpine nation, a micro climate thriving in the shadow 4000m peaks – an extreme terroir to say the least.
Of course we also love to explore the wine regions in the neighboring regions of France & Italy, especially combined with a cycling or hiking itinerary. Road biking through the Cote d’Or in Burgundy with visits to Grand Cru cellars, mountain biking the remote trails of the Valle d’Aosta and discovering unique local varietals like Prié Blanc and Fumin Rouge, hiking in the Dolomites UNESCO world heritage region and sampling the renowned whites of the Sud Tirol at mountain top rifugios. Or taking the slow road on a food and wine itinerary through Piedmont sampling the best of the SlowFood movement, homemade agnolotti dal plin or Brasato al Barolo paired perfectly with a local glass of Barbera or Barolo. We are spoiled for choices in just a short radius from our Alpine base to discover the great wines of Western Europe.
Highlights
- Discover unique mountain varietals in the Swiss Rhone Valley, Valle d’Aosta Italy and the Sud Tirol, where Italy meets Austria
- Visit renowned vineyards and ancient cellars in the Cote d’Or region of Burgundy
- Sample Moscato d’Asti in the Contratto “cathedral”, one of the great historic wine houses of the Langhe - Piedmont
- “Cave Ouvertes” (Open Cellars) in Canton Valais & Vaud, ride or walk between dozens of small family-run wineries in the Swiss-Romande
- Partake in the Vendange (wine harvest) at a small vineyard during harvest season
- Let us create a custom cycling or hiking proposal, exploring your favorite wine region of Western Europe
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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