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Sipping Through Europe: A Train Journey for Wine, Beer, and Cider Lovers

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/23 .. rain-journey-for-wine-beer-and-cider-lovers.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 12:13 GMT by Forbes

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Sipping Through Europe: A Train Journey for Wine, Beer, and Cider Lovers – An In‑Depth Summary

Emily Cappiello’s recent Forbes feature, “Sipping Through Europe: A Train Journey for Wine, Beer, and Cider Lovers,” charts an ambitious rail odyssey that stitches together some of the continent’s most celebrated beverage traditions. Drawing on a mix of personal experience, regional insider tips, and practical travel advice, the article offers a comprehensive blueprint for the discerning traveler who wants to savor terroir‑specific drinks without ever leaving the comfort of a sleeper car or a first‑class lounge.

The Route Blueprint

The journey outlined in the piece spans 10 days and five countries, beginning in London and culminating in Budapest. Cappiello’s itinerary leverages a mix of high‑speed intercity trains—Eurostar, Thalys, TGV, and the premium Railjet—alongside regional services that offer scenic views and convenient access to rural wine and beer regions.

While the route may look linear on a map, Cappiello’s narrative emphasizes how each segment is a micro‑tour in its own right—each city offers a different type of beverage culture, from the rustic farmhouses of the Alsace region to the grand châteaus of Bordeaux, from Munich’s beer halls to the vineyards of Tokaj.

Train Highlights & Practical Tips

1. Eurostar & Thalys: The author stresses the advantage of booking in first‑class (Gold or First Class) for a more spacious, quiet environment—essential for uninterrupted tastings during the journey. Both services also provide onboard Wi‑Fi and a small selection of regional wines, which serve as an introduction to the next destination’s terroir.

2. TGV Transalpine: Cappiello highlights the breathtaking views from the TGV’s panoramic windows when traveling through the Alps. She notes that the TGV’s “SNCF First Class” includes a small “gourmet” lunch featuring a regional cheese and a local wine pairing, making it a convenient pre‑tasting experience.

3. Railjet: The high‑speed German Railjet is praised for its “First Class Lounge” in the carriage, where travelers can sip a glass of Bavarian beer while listening to a curated playlist of local folk music. The Railjet also provides a “cultural corner” with brochures about local breweries and wineries along the route.

4. Night Trains: For overnight segments (e.g., Prague → Berlin → Munich), Cappiello recommends booking a sleeper berth in a “Roomette” for privacy. She points out that the overnight coaches offer a “beer & cheese” bar, ideal for a casual tasting before arriving at a destination.

Destination‑Specific Beverage Experiences

Paris & Champagne
The first stop in Paris serves as a gateway to Champagne. Cappiello encourages a detour to the Marne Valley for a guided tasting of vintage brut. She links to the “Champagne Tourist Office” website for a list of recommended vineyards and booking tips.

Alsace (Strasbourg)
Alsace’s Alsace Wine Route is described as “a living museum of vineyards.” Cappiello details a two‑hour wine‑walking tour in Strasbourg’s “Petite France” quarter, featuring a tasting of Rieslings, and links to the “Alsace Wine & Spa” guide for deeper exploration.

Bordeaux & Beaujolais
The journey from Lyon to Bordeaux is a highlight, with the author attending a “Vineyard & Vineyard” tasting at Château Haut-Brion. The piece also includes a short interlude in the Beaujolais region, where Cappiello samples Gamay and learns about “Béarn’s micro‑breweries” that specialize in natural wine.

Venice & Prosecco
In Venice, the train stops at the Prosecco Hills (Valdobbiadene) for an on‑the‑go tasting. The article links to the “Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG” portal, which offers a map of recommended wineries and their tasting room capacities.

Prague & Czech Pilsner
Prague’s famed Pilsner is described as “the birthplace of lagers.” Cappiello takes the reader through a tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery, explaining the historical significance of the “golden” filtration process. She also links to a PDF guide from the Czech Beer Tourism board detailing other local micro‑breweries.

Munich & Bavarian Hefeweizen
In Munich, the author immerses in the “Hofbräuhaus” tradition. She details a morning tasting of the famed “Hefeweizen” and follows it with a guided stroll through the “Hofbräu‑Keller,” a subterranean beer hall. The piece references the “Munich Beer Guide” online for a list of must‑try breweries.

Vienna & Grüner Veltliner
Vienna’s “Grüner Veltliner” is celebrated for its “spicy, peppery” profile. Cappiello recommends a visit to the “St. Michael’s Vineyard” where guests can enjoy a glass paired with local “Käsekrainer.” She links to the Vienna Wine & Spirits page for a full catalogue of Viennese vineyards.

Budapest & Tokaji
The finale in Budapest offers a tasting of the world‑renowned “Tokaji Aszú.” The author visits a local winery where a winemaker explains the “botrytis” process that gives Tokaji its characteristic sweetness. The article links to the “Tokaj Wine Board” for additional information on vineyard tours and reserve options.

The “Sipping Through Europe” Experience in Context

Beyond the logistical tour, Cappiello frames the journey as an exploration of how rail travel itself can be a vessel for cultural immersion. The article quotes several travelers who found that the slow‑motion scenery of the Alps, the bustling city markets of Vienna, and the quiet vineyards of Bordeaux created a sensory narrative that linked each drink to its landscape.

A notable feature is the emphasis on sustainability. Cappiello discusses the environmental benefits of train travel versus car or plane, noting that the “Rail Europe” network emits significantly less CO₂ per passenger. She also encourages travelers to book “eco‑friendly” accommodations—hotels that partner with local vineyards or breweries—and to support the “Zero‑Waste” initiatives of certain beer festivals along the route.

Practical Advice for the Aspiring “Sipping” Tourist

1. Eurail Pass: The article outlines how a Eurail Global Pass can cover the entire route, with the caveat that some high‑speed services (e.g., Eurostar) require an additional seat reservation fee. Cappiello recommends buying the pass well in advance, especially for the peak summer months.

2. Booking Tours: Many vineyards and breweries require pre‑booking. The author provides links to a handful of reputable tour operators—“Wine & Beer Tours Europe” and “Cider Road Trips”—that specialize in rail‑connected tasting itineraries.

3. Packing Tips: Cappiello suggests a compact, collapsible cooler bag for wine bottles, as most trains allow a limited number of beverage containers per passenger. She also mentions the “First‑Class Lounge” policy of most trains, where passengers can bring a glass or two as part of the dining service.

4. Cultural Etiquette: The article touches on regional customs—cheers in Austria, toasting rituals in Germany, and the etiquette of wine tasting in France. She stresses the importance of learning a few key phrases (“Cheers!”, “Prost!”, “Santé!”) to enhance interaction with locals.

5. Safety & Health: With the mention of the ongoing European travel restrictions and health guidelines, Cappiello advises travelers to keep up to date with the latest EU travel advisories, carry proof of vaccination or a negative test if required, and to purchase travel insurance that covers both rail travel and local experiences.

Final Thoughts

Emily Cappiello’s Forbes article is more than a travel guide; it’s an invitation to experience the rich tapestry of Europe’s beverage heritage through the lens of efficient, scenic rail travel. The piece is well‑structured, offering a day‑by‑day breakdown while interweaving cultural anecdotes, practical advice, and links to deeper resources. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a craft beer aficionado, or simply curious about how to combine train travel with culinary exploration, the article serves as a thorough playbook for a memorable “Sipping Through Europe” adventure.