Wine touring in Italy would not be complete without a stop in Fraciacorta. The vineyards spread out from the southern shore of idyllic lake Iseo into a sheltered valley formed by glacial erosion centuries ago. A key  contributing element to the terroir are the amphitheater-shaped shills that flank the vineyards, protecting the vines from harsh winds. The climate is warm and generally sunny, giving rise to riper fruit than one would find in Champagne. Furthermore, the topography and soil types are more diverse than in Champagne. Franciacorta is thus a complex collage of different soils, altitudes and aspects; a winemaker's fantasy come to life.

​After leaving the German Baden wine region, we made our way to France, enjoyed some time in Champagne, and  then made our way to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, in the Côte D'Or department of eastern France. We tasted many outsatnding red and white burgundies, and also enjoyed a superb Boeuf Bourguignion in the acient historic walled city by the hills of the Côte D'Or.