method to this madness?

[hotwine]

Nate, every little village in the wine-producing regions of Europe has its own wine festival each year that features tastings of the wines produced in each village. Suggest you determine which country you would like to visit, then contact a travel agent and explain that you would like to visit the wine-producing regions of that country and attend their local wine festivals. Many festivals are held in the fall, at the end of the harvest, so September-October can be a good time to visit. The wines offered for tasting would be from previous harvests. Use the term "wine festival" (or "wein fest" in German) to describe the events you wish to attend. You should be able to find them throughout all of Europe.