It is always such a shame that so many of the things in life that we wish for can be so hard to combine – rich foods and a washboard stomach…life of leisure and endless finances…positive environmental impact and an Aston Martin…
Perhaps one of the most frustrating is a love of flying and the rather negative potential consequences of mixing it with my other great love – wine. Combining the consumption of a few bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and the controls of an AW109 helicopter is never advisable.
Never fear, for here is the world-famous Mr Aristotle…
‘Guide to the Best Aerial Wine Tours In The World’!
Wine Flight & Gourmet Lunch – Tasmania – Australia
Anywhere that has a ‘Batman Bridge’ has to be worth checking out. Departing Launceston, this incredible private flight takes guests through the stunning Tamar Valley in Tasmania and over the world’s first cable-stayed truss bridge. Flying over vineyards and orchards guests land at Josef Chromy wines which has been rated one of the ‘Top 10 Cellar Doors in Australia’ for a unique wine tasting. Guests are then invited to enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking the winery lake before climbing aboard their own private helicopter for the flight home.
Champagne
Paris. Helicopters. Champagne. Michelin starred restaurant. This full day tour from the french capital to the home of Champagne – Reims – ticks all the boxes. Departing from central Paris in a private luxury helicopter guests enjoy VIP champagne tastings. Relax over a 4/5 course gourmet lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant accompanied by more champagne (of course) and elegant wines each carefully selected to compliment the dishes served. After lunch discover the classic flavors of Veuve Cliqout, Ruinart, Billecart and Pommery as guests take a unique tour of these historic Champagne Houses. Finally, guests are transported to one of France’s most famous houses to sample some of the best Millésime bottles in the country, before a private helicopter flight back to Paris.
Helicopter Tour – Central Otago – New Zealand
Departing the Queenstown this private helicopter tours first stop is a remote vantage point to look out over the picturesque valley to get a full appreciation of the dramatic landscape that has inspired artists and skiers alike. What follows, is a tailor-made wine tasting itinerary through the Gibbston Valley based on your own varietal preferences. Chauffeured between three wineries in a luxury car, guests are treated to private tastings of premium New Zealand wines before enjoying a gourmet lunch overlooking some of the regions most beautiful vineyards.
Hot Air Balloon Tour – Yarra Valley – Australia
Ok so the early morning start is not to everyones taste. However, even the most sleep-loving of us will appreciate the reward as you gently float through the air as the sun rises over the beautiful Yarra Valley. Upon landing it is time to enjoy the first tasting of the day – an early morning champagne (hey, it is always midday somewhere in the world…) accompanied by a hearty breakfast at a iconic chateau, home to an impressive collection or historic artifacts. Under the expert guidance of a local guide, explore the surrounding bushland and the breeding and recovery programs for local wildlife. Enjoy a coffee and pastries at a local bakehouse before indulging in a premium wine tasting and private tour behind the scenes of one of the best local wineries. Your second winery stop provides the opportunity to sample vintage wines before selecting a bottle to enjoy on the terrace overlooking the beautiful rolling hills and contemplate where it all went wrong…When ready, you will savour a gourmet 3-course lunch at one of Yarra Valley’s leading restaurants. A chauffeur driven luxury car awaits to transport you back to Melbourne CBD.
Private Flight & Luxury Overnight Stay – Hunter Valley – Australia
Sure, the Hunter Valley is only a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney but that is valuable wine tasting time being wasted…until now. Collected by luxury car from Sydney CBD and transported to Bankstown Airport, guests sink into the leather seats and enjoy a private 30 mins scenic flight on a Cessna 340A Executive turboprop to the Hunter Valley. Upon arrival a chauffeur driven Mercedes awaits as guests enjoy a tailor-made wine tour to four individually selected wineries from large scale producers to boutique artisans. Throughout the day guests enjoy premium tastings of vintage wines before sitting down to indulge in a 2-course gourmet lunch within one of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley. In the evening, guests will stay in a deluxe room or villa at the Crowne Plaza resort before relaxing over a beer paddle and seasonal dinner menu. The next day guests can make full use of the resort facilities or enjoy further tastings before the return flight to Sydney as the sun sets over the rolling hills and the traffic builds in Sydney…
Wine Discovery Tour – Santiago – Chile
Planes, Bikes and Automobiles…met at your Santiago hotel by a private guide guests head to the beautiful Casablanca Valley. First stop is Loma Larga Vineyards, named Winery of the Year 2011 by Wine & Spirits Magazine. After a private tasting and tour of the vineyard, guests experience Casablanca from a whole new angle…the air. Climb into a private helicopter with Loma Larga’s owner for fascinating insights and breathtaking aerial views of Casablanca’s vineyards, landing in the neighbouring San Antonio Valley at the state-of-the-art facilities of Vina Matetic. After a private wine tasting tour, guests can hop on a bike for a scenic 7km ride through the vines to Matetic’s boutique restaurant for one of the finest dining experiences in the region, the location and ambience a perfect setting for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy a 3 course gourmet meal with matching wines before a chauffeur transports you back to Santiago. Perfecto.
Ultimate Wine Tasting – Margaret River – Australia
This is one for the gourmands. A day of pure indulgence in one of Australia’s most picturesque wine regions – after all, how many can boast rolling hills and a stunning Indian Ocean coastline? Collected in Perth, guests are flown in a Piper Navajo luxury turboprop to the Margaret River airport and a private tasting of premium wines within the majestic Voyager Estate winery. Explore the landscaped gardens and Australia’s largest underground wine cellar before meeting some of the winemaking team. Guests are then invited to enjoy a six-course gourmet lunch prepared by Executive Chef Nigel Harvey. Each dish is prepared using seasonal local ingredients and is perfectly complimented by matching Voyager Estate premium wines. The return flight to Perth provides the perfect opportunity to rest as the sunsets over the Ocean. The perfect sundowner.
Paul Kent is the Chief Operating Officer of MrAristotle.com and has managed to overcome any fear of flying he may have had whilst enjoying these wine tours…he just needed the right motivation.
