Eat and drink your way through autumn
Published: September 22, 2011
Sure, it was heartbreaking to see the summer come and go so soon, but the fall season is also a wonderful time to travel throughout central and southern Europe. Hotel prices have come down, crowds have thinned, and the odds of encountering a heat wave are pretty low this time of the year. Plus, if you have friends stateside who keep promising to get over to travel around Europe with you, they are likely to snap up cheaper airfares than they ever could have at the height of summer. Fall is also the top season for harvest and wine festivals. But what to do and where to go? The choice this time of the year is staggering. Here are some food- and wine-based events throughout Europe to tempt your palate and wet your whistle:
Belgium: The country celebrates its love affair with beer throughout the year, and autumn’s no exception. A couple of events beer lovers might wish to check out include Brassigaume, taking place Oct. 15-16 this year in the town of Marbehan. Rather than a massive beer bash, some 20 master brewers from small independent operations present the best of their beers, along with warm meals featuring -- of course -- beer in their preparation. Busy that weekend? Another small-scale venture is the Weekend of Belgian Beers in Limburg on Nov. 11-13.
Czech Republic: Check out what lies beyond the borders of Prague this autumn at a couple of different events -- Karlstejn Vintage, held Sept. 24-25 on the Karlstejn castle grounds, is a wine and medieval fest rolled into one. The Wenceslas Festival takes place in conjunction with a folklore festival in the amazingly picturesque Český Krumlov on Sept. 23-25. Enjoy a wine pressing demonstration and Moravian specialties on Sept. 24.
France: When is Paris not to love? The Fête des Vendages, or Grape Harvest Festival runs Oct. 5-9. Over a hundred tents sprawl throughout Montmartre, in the shadow of the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, creating a village-like atmosphere in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Sample delicacies from throughout the various regions of France -- and wash them down with a swig of wine. There’s more to do than eat and drink -- enjoy parades, fireworks, concerts and other cultural activities.
Germany: Not everyone has the stamina to face up to Munich’s Oktoberfest every year! But the good news is that countless other cities, and even the tiniest villages, host Oktoberfest-themed celebrations. Frankfurt hosts one that runs through Oct. 8; Mainz celebrates Oct. 6-16; Konstanz throws a bash through Oct. 3; and Cologne’s version of the same begins Sept. 24 and runs through Oct. 8. Stuttgart’s massive beer and people’s fest has an identity of its very own, the Cannsttatter Volksfest, and runs Sept. 23 through Oct. 9.
Hungary: Many plan a trip to Budapest not knowing exactly what to expect but come back raving about it. Its cultural offerings are seemingly boundless, prices are wallet-friendly, and it’s not overrun with tourists. Spend a lazy afternoon socializing with new-found friends on the lovely grounds of Buda Castle at the Pálinka and Sausage Festival, held Oct. 6-9. The plum brandy might go down harshly, but coupled with spicy sausage or a goulash cooked in an iron cauldron over an open fire, you’ll manage. Every year there’s a special guest country, and this year it’s Russia, so look for some tasty vodkas on offer as well.
Italy: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to one of Europe’s biggest chocolate fests. Eurochocolate runs Oct. 14-23 in Perugia, in the beautiful Umbria region.
Switzerland: when it comes to wine fests, the “biggie” is the Grape Harvest Festival in Neuchatel, held Sept. 23-25. Setting this one apart from others is a procession of floats bedecked in flowers, taking place on Sunday afternoon. Lots of smaller wine festivals take place at this time of year as well. For a list, see myswitzerland.com. if you’re one to plan ahead, mark your calendar for the dates Oct. 29- Nov. 13, when the Basel Autumn Fair takes place.
