Kansas State University
Historical Wine Regions Study Catalonia & Provence
Spring 2020
Spain & France
Enjoy Studies abroad was pleased to welcome and host 12 students from Kansas State University (KSU), from March 7-15, 2020. C. M., Wine specialist, Sommelier and Instructor at the Hospitality Management Department, with her husband J. M., Director of Education Abroad, organized the trip as part of a Faculty Led Program from KSU. The students had a wonderful 10 day program consisting of many viticulture related activities and tours designed to teach them all about wine in Catalonia, Spain and in Côte du Rhône, near Avignon in Provence. They also learned about different fermentation systems from an oenologist perspective.
We started our program in Barcelona, where we stayed 5 days. We enjoyed a TAPAS tasting menu, explored the most important sights near the Gothic Quarter as well as enjoyed some chocolate tastings, and some xurros!
We also had time for some other Cultural visits and a day dedicated to cava (sparkling wine) and its champenoise method of elaboration.
Then we have travelled to a very different location: Avignon. Much more quiet and relaxed during free time, it was the perfect location to visit two renowned Wine Apellations, and to also taste their most emblematic wines, so they could compare with Spanish wines. Using similar types of grapes, the wines of this area are very different due to the “terroir” influence on the fruit.
We also explored the Luberon area, and the first Capital of Provence: Aix-en-Provence with its fountains and young and relaxed atmosphere.
Gastronomy was also part of this program. Very typical meals were organized to let the students enjoy traditional cuisine from both regions with their local wines.
What most students were surprised by was that travelling just a few miles from one region and country to another in Europe they would be in a totally different culture, with different techniques and approaches to wine making.
See our pictures:
