Wine, Dine and Bike

Honey Wine

Wine country bike rides, fresh air and wine tasting...what could be more DuVine? Well, get ready to add one more delight to your list of things to try during your wine country cycling experience: mead or honey wine.

Few have ever tasted authentic mead or worse, sampled the commercially produced version available in the States and came away with a bad first impression. Be prepared to give mead a chance while visiting abroad because in its proper form, mead is pure pleasure.

Considered the "wine of the gods" by the Greeks, mead is an ancient form of wine. Created from honey rather than grapes, mead has a distinctive flavor and is highly influenced by the type of honey used. Since the flavor of each honey depends on what the bees feed upon, mead is complex and highly differentiated according to the location of production and "recipe" used. Of course, France is famous for many varieties of honey making for a perfect mead experience.

Mead goes by many names but when visiting France ask for hydromel or Chouchenn.

Invest in the Best

Although most wine enthusiasts base their selections solely upon personal preference, there are those who can't resist the opportunity to invest in wine while on their Burgundy France bike tours. In fact, with annual rates of return in the 15 to 20 percent range, wine has demonstrated itself to be a very wise investment. If you are contemplating adding wine to your portfolio keep these tips in mind:

Invest in the best. Very few wines will reach the investment stage. Only the most rare and respected vintage should be included in a serious wine portfolio.

Know your wines. This is not an investment for the novice. Understand popularity, regions, first growth, longevity and vintage before creating your acquisition targets.

Diversify. As with any investment portfolio diversify in order to reduce risk. In the case of wine, diversity can include various regions, types of wine and a blend between traditional or newly emerging markets.

Release Dates. You will need to stay abreast of release dates in order to vie for premium selections.

Storage. Wine must be stored correctly for proper preservation. If you don't have the capacity then research wine storage facilities in your area. Deal only with reputable vendors with established reputations.

Oenophile Gift List

Oenophiles and Sommeliers alike will delight in this gift list to take along during your wine country bike tour. In fact, these gift ideas are so nice chances are you will want to buy two - one for a friend and one to keep!

Wine Tote. France is the perfect place to find an ultra-chic wine tote to please any wine lover. From simple sophisticate to designer luxury, you’ll find a wine tote that compliments every taste.

Map. This is a fantastic way to commemorate the trip - buy a poster sized map of the Burgundy or Bordeaux wineries you visit along the way and have it framed.

Wine Service. Where better to purchase quality wine glasses or decanter than French wine country? From hand blown glass to sleek modern crystal designs there is plenty to select from.

Wine. Don't forget the wine! During your bike tours in Burgundy France there is sure to be that one wine…Why not buy a case to enjoy later? It’s a delightful way to refresh the memory of your DuVine bike tour and share the experience with your friends and family.

Passport Tips

Whether biking Bordeaux or cycling France, here is what you need to know about Passports to avoid problems and ensure a great biking experience.

1. Everyone must have a passport including children under the age of 16.

2. First-time passport applications require an in-person visit. You will need two copies of a passport-size photo, proof of citizenship and photo I.D.

3. You can renew by mail, but plan in advance since it can still take 6 to 8 weeks.

4. Check expiration dates. Even if your passport is still valid, many countries require that the passport remain valid for several months after your planned visit.

5. Carry the number for the U.S. Embassy for the destination(s) you plan to visit at all times. Be prepared in the event you lose your passport or experience other difficulties.

6. U.S. Passport Agency: tel. 202/647-0518.

The Ultimate Scavenger Hunt

What do you get when you combine wine country biking with a love of wine? The ultimate scavenger hunt. In the world of wine there are those that can be had for a price, and those that can barely be found at any price.

Typically produced in very limited numbers, these exclusive wines have gained a reputation and following beyond all expectation. Don't expect to stumble across one of these rare wines without exceptional effort— but plan to have a lot of fun trying!

RomanÉe-Conti 2003, Domaine de la RomanÉe Conti. Pinot Noir. Burgundy, France. The original U.S. allocation of this highly desired wine was zero but there were roughly 200 cases originally produced. Who knows - you might be fortunate enough to find one while taking bike tours in Burgundy France.

1945 Mouton-Rothschild is considered one of the most desired wines of the century. Expect to pay in excess of $12,000 USD if ordered in the states, this wine was located in the Mahler-besse cellars in Bordeaux. That might be worth a stop during your DuVine bike tour!

1961 Palmer, Margaux. Another top pick while you are visiting the Mahler-besse cellar in Bordeaux. Considered a sweet wine, this was even a legend in its own time.

1982 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion. A modern day marvel, this Bordeaux rarity might be a more likely candidate for an "accidental tourist" to stumble upon.

Wine Tasting Guide

Wine country cycling tours are fun, healthy ways to combine your love of biking and love of wine into one unforgettable experience.

• Don't save the best for last. When it comes to wine select your favorites first and then work your way from there. By the end of the day your palette is likely to be more forgiving and much less discerning than usual.
• Eat Regularly. Don't skip breakfast or lunch even if you are busy snacking all day. A full meal assures steady blood sugar and reduces feelings of fatigue.
• Don't drink it all. This isn't a college challenge to see how much you can consume - enjoy the tasting and leave room to spare.
• Buy it if you like it. In fact, buy two. No one has ever come home wishing they hadn't bought their favorite wines, but plenty of people regret not having bought more.

Wine Your Way through France

What is a wine country bike tour without buying wine? Here are a few tips to help you wine your way through France while enjoying every minute of it.

• Seek the Unique. Walk into any store in France and you will find wine but the real treasures are best found in the out of the ordinary locations. During your bike tours in Bordeaux, France take time to explore the local stores and wine galleries.
• Tax Refund. France has a VAT or Value Added Tax of 19.6% but you can request a refund if you spend 175 EU or more on your purchase. To request the refund you must be over 16 and show a valid passport.
• Customs. When leaving France you are allowed to bring home up to $800 of merchandise duty free and $200 duty free mailed gifts. Be sure to keep your receipts!
• Drinking Age. Don't be surprised to see teenagers drinking during your Bordeaux bike tours; the legal drinking age in France is 16 but younger children are also allowed to drink in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.