Raising a Glass to the Season: Exploring European Wines

Prosecco and Aperol in Seiser Alm

As the snow is starting to melt and we bid farewell to another ski season in Europe, it’s time to raise a glass to the unforgettable memories made on the trails. Cheers! Prost! Chin chin! Santé! Throughout the winter, every Lumi trip involves skiing, camaraderie, culture, and, of course, sampling of the signature dishes and drinks that each country we visit has to offer. During our Farewell Reception at the end of the trip, we come together, share stories, and toast to the journey that everyone has experienced together. Now, as we celebrate an end to the season, we invite you to join us in raising a glass - not just to the past winter, but also to the adventures that await next season!

What ingredient is needed for a proper toast? Of course, a glass of local wine can never go wrong. Wine is a fitting way to mark these occasions, as it showcases the culture, history and landscape of the regions we explore. Just as each destination offers its own unique skiing experience, the local wines reflect the character and tradition of the area. Let’s take a little stroll (or ski!) through the various regions and their delicious wines on our Lumi trips.

Lumi's hotel in Switzerland on the Seefeld & Engadin trip is reknown for their extensive wine bar

Tyrolean Charm in a Glass: Grüner Veltliner in Seefeld, Austria

Austria’s Seefeld region is a paradise for cross-country skiers, with its extensive trail network, stunning alpine scenery and warm Tyrolean hospitality. Seefeld is a popular stop on three Lumi trips: Seefeld & Seiser Alm Sight-Skiing, Marcialonga & König Ludwig Lauf and Seefeld & Engadin. The ideal wine to pair with our Seefeld trips? Grüner Veltliner – Austria’s most famous white wine. Just like Seefeld’s trails - both welcoming and full of character - Grüner Veltliner offers a refreshing and lively experience, with hints of citrus and white pepper. After a day on the snow, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a glass of this crisp white while soaking in the charm of the Austrian Alps, perhaps paired with a Wiener Schnitzel. Did you know most wines in Austria come from the eastern part, close to Vienna (aka Wien in German, which is also the namesake for the schnitzel)?

Sampling French wines in Les Rousses on the Jura trip

Red Wine, Blue Skies and White Snow: Pinot Noir in Les Rousses, France

The Jura Mountains, home to the Transjurassienne ski event and Lumi’s France Transju’ Trip based in the village of Les Rousses, offer a rich blend of rolling landscapes and deep skiing heritage. Looking for something red? You’ve come to the ideal place. The region’s signature wine is Pinot Noir. This elegant red is light yet complex, much like the trails of Les Rousses - offering both smooth glides and technical sections that keep skiers engaged. A glass of Pinot Noir, with its earthy aromas and red berry flavors, is the perfect way to toast an incredible journey through the French Jura. This local wine pairs wonderfully with the Comté cheese of the Jura, which ages in a centuries old fortress that guests visit on the France Jura trip. And let’s be real, is there a more beautiful combo than red wine, blue skies and a snowy landscape? Perhaps that’s the inspiration for the colors on the French flag

Skiing in the Dolomites is a great way to work up a thirst

Ski High, Sip Slow: The Magic of Amarone & the Dolomites, Italy

Skiing through the breathtaking Dolomites is an experience like no other - majestic peaks, sun-kissed trails, and Italian cuisine at its finest. To match this grandeur, we turn to Amarone, one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, Amarone is much like the Dolomites themselves - bold and unforgettable. With notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, this wine is the perfect reward after a long day gliding through Italy’s snowy paradise. Taste the combination for yourself on Lumi’s Seefeld & Seiser Alm trip, while skiing beneath the iconic Schlern dolomite formation in Seiser Alm.

Italy's Girlan wines are a Lumi guest favorite in Cavalese

Bavarian Brews & Nordic Skis: A Perfect Pairing in Oberammergau

Not a wine drinker? Don’t worry, we also have something for you. The Marcialonga & König Ludwig Lauf trip takes us to the picturesque town of Oberammergau, where Bavarian charm and world-class skiing combine for a taste of the local culture. While we’ve been raising our glasses of wine across Europe, but in Bavaria, the drink of choice is undoubtedly beer. Here, brewing tradition runs deep, and there’s nothing more fitting than a stein of locally brewed beer after (or during!) a day on the trails. From crisp lagers to hearty wheat beers, Bavaria offers some of the finest brews in the world - a perfect way to celebrate an incredible ski trip. The König Ludwig Lauf starts across from the picturesque Ettal Monastery, where local monks have been honing their craft brews for centuries.

Skiers glide past the Ettal Monastry at the start of the König Ludwig Lauf in Germany

So, whether you’re toasting with white, red or even a Bavarian beer, cross-country skiing in Europe offers a whole new world for your eyes, legs and tastebuds to explore. We look forward to welcoming you (again) next winter. Here’s to exploring new trails, creating more memories, and perhaps even discovering your new favorite wine (or beer) along the way.

Remember, this Monday, March 31 is the last day to save $300/person on all 2026 Lumi trips. Reach out today to secure your spot!

Prost, santé, salute and cheers to the adventures ahead!

See you on the trail,

Garrott Kuzzy
garrott@lumiexperiences.com
Founder, Lumi Experiences

Raising a glass to the sunny skies in Slovenia