BKWine Tours | the wine and food tour specialist

In Tirau, south of Auckland, New Zealand

Per Karlsson — Thu, 07 May 2026 07:26:19 +0000

They do some odd things in New Zealand. For example, gigantic dogs and sheep in corrugated iron. And moses (?). I missed the stork in high heels.

This is in Tirau, south of Auckland, New Zealand. Not far from there, there is also a tea plantation. Yes, tea! On our way sout, heading for wine.

Continue reading: In Tirau, south of Auckland, New Zealand

The post In Tirau, south of Auckland, New Zealand was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

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At Podere Cresci on Waiheke Island, New

Per Karlsson — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:48:56 +0000

Waiheke Island in Auckland Bay, New Zealand, is not a big wine region but it has several interesting wine producers. The biggest is Man O’War but we prefer to go to a smaller one.

Podere Cresci, for example. They are definitely “Italian”. They have a restaurant with some delicious Italian specialities. We had the time for an interesting walk in the vineyard.

Continue reading: At Podere Cresci on Waiheke Island, New

The post At Podere Cresci on Waiheke Island, New was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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Montrachet, Burgundy

Per Karlsson — Sun, 03 May 2026 16:26:22 +0000

Admiring some of the most expensive farmland in the world. Looking out over the vines in the vineyard Le Montrachet in Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy. They produce some of the world’s most highly appreciated chardonnay wines.

The land here is not really something you can put a value on. And a patch hardly ever comes up for sale. If it did, it would probably fetch 5-10 million euro per hectare. Perhaps more, perhaps twice….

Continue reading: Montrachet, Burgundy

The post Montrachet, Burgundy was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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At Bera in Barbaresco, Piedmont

Per Karlsson — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:10:46 +0000

One of our favourite stops in Piedmont is at Bera. They are in Barbaresco but also make a number of other wines. For example, a vineyard barolo.

We had a fabulous tasting of almost all their wines. And met both father and son Bera. What a treat in Piedmont.

Continue reading: At Bera in Barbaresco, Piedmont

The post At Bera in Barbaresco, Piedmont was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

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Domaine Michel Magnien and Frederic Magnien, Morey St Denis, Bourgogne

Per Karlsson — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:14:54 +0000

Sometimes it is not the most famous that impress. Not that Domaine Michel Magnien and Frederic Magnien, Morey St Denis, Bourgogne is a unkwown name. But it is slightly unusual.

Eschewing barrel aging, in favour of amphora and other unusual vessels.
Amd when you taste their wines…, yes they are truly exceptional.

Continue reading: Domaine Michel Magnien and Frederic Magnien, Morey St Denis, Bourgogne

The post Domaine Michel Magnien and Frederic Magnien, Morey St Denis, Bourgogne was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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Time to plan for an autumn tour to Bordeaux or Burgundy-Champagne

Per Karlsson — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:05:32 +0000

We recently completed the last of our winter tours to the southern hemisphere. We did Chile-Argentina in January, South Africa in February, and New Zealand in March. We know many people are interested in the 2027 editions of these tours, so we are working hard to finalise the last details.

You’ll get the info on the 2027 winter wine tours soon! (Yes, you’ll get two special travel mailings this month. Exceptionally. But we know many people are keen to get the info.)

Before that, a few words about our two very, very nice autumn tours in France this year, one very luxurious six-day adventure to Bordeaux just around harvest time (probably) and the Burgundy-Champagne tour that combines two of the world’s most famous wine regions.

It is now time to decide! We would love to have you as our guest on either of these two tours. Book now!

If it is not for you this year, perhaps you have some friends who might be interested. Getting the word out about our tours is difficult. We’re a small team (just Britt and Per). But we’ve been doing this for more than 20 years and have also had time to write 13 wine books. Perhaps you can help us spread the word? Please, tell your wine-interested friends about our tours!

So, now on to the autumn tours, and at the end of the month you’ll get the regular new mail:

Bordeaux Luxury

13-19 September

Experience the pinnacle of French viticulture, the most famous of all wine regions, on this immersive six-night Bordeaux wine tour. Led by award-winning experts, you’ll explore legendary appellations including the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes.

The journey balances visits to prestigious Grand Cru Classé estates with intimate, family-owned wineries, offering a deep dive into both tradition and modern innovation. Highlights include private tastings and lavish, multi-course gourmet lunches hosted at the châteaux (honestly, quite extraordinary).

Based in the elegant city of Bordeaux, you’ll enjoy 4-star luxury and you will have ample time to discover the city’s UNESCO-listed charm and world-class gastronomy.

More info here: Bordeaux, September 13-19, 2026

Book now!

The Burgundy & Champagne Grand Tour

September 23 – October 1

This nine-day Grand Tour Burgundy-Champagne offers an exclusive exploration of two of France’s most prestigious terroirs. Beginning in the historic heart of Burgundy, you’ll spend four nights in Beaune, traversing the Côte d’Or to sample world-class pinot noir and chardonnay from legendary Grand Cru vineyards (yes, you could call it a deep dive in Burgundy!). You will not only taste and drink the wines but also walk in the vineyards and feel the magic soil.

The journey then moves north to Champagne, after a quick visit to Chablis, for four nights in Reims. From the chalky cellars of world-famous houses to the confidential estates of boutique “grower’s champagne” producers, you’ll experience the full spectrum of sparkling wine.

The focus is the small growers, so difficult to find but so outstanding. With expert-led tastings and daily gastronomic lunches at private estates or regional restaurants, this extended itinerary perfectly blends luxury with enjoyment with with deep viticultural insight. What else would you expect from people who have written 13 wine books?

More info here: Burgundy and Champagne, September 23 – October 1, 2026

Click on the links in the text above to get all the details and to book.

Book your BKWine wine tour now!

And, as mentioned, you will soon get the full details of the 2027 Chile-Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand tours.

Both of us, Britt & Per, look forward to meeting you in person!

Hope to see you there,

Britt & Per Karlsson

BKWine

Upcoming tours:

BKWine is also one of the world’s leading wine tour operators. Here’s what we currently have on our scheduled wine tour program:

Bordeaux, 13-19 September
Burgundy and Champagne, 23 September – 1 October

–

Chile-Argentina, 11-24 January 2027
South Africa, 14-24 February 2027
New Zealand, 10-25 March 2027

We also make custom designed wine tours with unique contents for those who want a very special wine experience.

Continue reading: Time to plan for an autumn tour to Bordeaux or Burgundy-Champagne

The post Time to plan for an autumn tour to Bordeaux or Burgundy-Champagne was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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Take a few days in Auckland when you arrive for the New Zealand wine tour

Per Karlsson — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:35:45 +0000

If it is good weather, you’ll get brilliant views of the sea and of Auckland when you arrive in New Zealand.

Auckand is not a very big city but do take a few days in Auckland when you arrive for the New Zealand wine tour. Walk around and discover some of the famous sights, and not so famous – like some beautiful university buildings or the speakers’ corner.

Continue reading: Take a few days in Auckland when you arrive for the New Zealand wine tour

The post Take a few days in Auckland when you arrive for the New Zealand wine tour was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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Chile and Argentina, an adventure tour with world-class wines, food and spectacular landscapes | wine tour

Per Karlsson — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:52:19 +0000

Touring South America is a great adventure. During our wine tour in January, we explore the two giants of the region, Argentina and Chile, neighbours separated by the mighty Andes. Today, both countries make top-class wines. We start in Argentina and, after a week, cross the Andes Mountains into Chile, a passage that offers unforgettable views. Our lunch that day will be at 3000 m (9000 ft) altitude.

We will taste wines that showcase the countries’ wine traditions, as well as the innovative initiatives that exist today. We meet exciting winemakers and enjoy lunches that are often barbecues in the garden with treats such as juicy meat, freshly baked empanadas, and other local specialities.

In Mendoza, we experience high altitude vineyards, while the Chilean coast offers a cooler climate and elegant, fresh wines. In the Colchagua Valley, we encounter the classic Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. And enjoy (or are introduced to) the pisco sour rite.

In Buenos Aires, we learn about the history of tango through a superb tango show, and in the legendary port city of Valparaíso, we enjoy incredible street art.

Between all the visits and tastings, we also have time to get to know the cities/towns where we stay during the trip, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Santa Cruz and Santiago. In Chile, a pisco sour as an aperitif always feels right.

Come on this exciting wine tour to Argentina and Chile with Britt and Per of BKWine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators (*).

Chile-Argentina, 11-24 January 2027

Book now!

(*) And the only one who has authored 13 award-winning wine books.

More inspiration: You can get an even better feeling for what you will experience on this tour if you visit the latest tour’s own Facebook group. Lots of pictures and videos from the tour: See pictures and videos from Chile and Argentina in the latest wine tour’s Facebook group.

Wine Travel at Its Finest

When you travel with BKWine, you travel with true wine authorities: Britt and Per Karlsson. For over 20 years, we have personally created and led hundreds of tours for thousands of wine lovers across Europe, South Africa, South America, and Oceania. We are the authors of 13 award-winning books, recognised by the Swedish Academy of Gastronomy, Gourmand International, and the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Our publications are frequently used as core material in both professional and enthusiast wine education.

Our expertise is globally recognised. We have been named “Best Wine Guide” and “Best Wine Tour Operator” by the Wine Travel Awards, and our journeys have been hailed as the “World’s Top Wine Tours” by the world’s leading travel media. Beyond our tours, we write in-depth on wine for BKWine Magazine and are regular contributors to Forbes.com and frequently serve as expert judges in prestigious international wine competitions. We have also acted as speakers and advisors on wine tourism for organisations, regions and nations including the UN (UNWTO), The World Bank, Vinitaly, Ukraine, the Languedoc and others.

Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled wine and culinary experience. The gastronomy on our tours is legendary. Because we personally design every itinerary and have visited thousands of estates over the decades, we know exactly where to find the most authentic people and the most unique, hidden gems. We don’t always take you to “the big and famous”—that would be too easy. Instead, we focus on unique rencontres: meaningful encounters with people, wine, and food.

We aren’t here to sell you bottles; we are here to provide a profound wine experience and memories that last a lifetime—all while ensuring you have a truly wonderful time. When you choose BKWine, you are travelling with the experts, with Britt and Per, who created the journey, ensuring you receive the very best experience possible.

Continue reading: Chile and Argentina, an adventure tour with world-class wines, food and spectacular landscapes | wine tour

The post Chile and Argentina, an adventure tour with world-class wines, food and spectacular landscapes | wine tour was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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On BKWine’s Wine Photography: Photography on Wine, Food and Travel | BKWine Photography

Burgundy, a treasure trove, and Champagne that combines technology and delicious soul | wine tour

Per Karlsson — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:39:46 +0000

Burgundy and Champagne, what can be a better combination for a tour with top-notch French wine and food? We start in Burgundy and finish with Champagne!

Burgundy is a treasure trove of fantastic wines. But, as with other treasure troves, you need a certain talent to search so that you find the right ones. The big, famous “negociants” (wine houses) that usually find their way into international distribution chains and stores around the world are often reliable (today more than in the past), but it is when you look further to smaller, more artisanal producers that you find the real gems (as befits a treasure trove).

If you have unlimited money, there are great celebrities that are easy to find – after all, here we have some of the world’s most expensive wines and most highly valued vineyards. But for the rest of us, there is also plenty to choose from, of fantastic quality – chardonnay and pinot noir, and sometimes another grape too, césar, pinot gris… – and at reasonable prices, if you know where to look.

We have been travelling in Burgundy for well over twenty years and have also written a book about Burgundy (plus 12 other wine books) so we have some experience and contacts. As, of course, you will benefit from and enjoy on this trip.

The Burgundy “leg” of this tour is filled with extraordinary wines and genuine Burgundian gastronomy (our lunch with 8 grand crus is legendary). The landscape is pastoral and the villages have charm oozing from their stone walls.

We then travel north, make a “transit” stop, but oh, how nice!, with some delicious wine in Chablis on the way to Champagne.

Champagne is one of the most “technical” wines. Making sparkling wine with the so-called traditional method, including a second fermentation in the bottle, is far more complicated than making a regular still wine.

It is also to a large extent the work in the cellar that determines the character and taste of the champagne. So to really understand champagne, it is good to have a grasp of how it is made, because this makes a difference. You can get that best by visiting Champagne and letting yourself be guided by someone who has written one of the most comprehensive and fact-filled books about Champagne (the region) and champagne (the wine): namely, us at BKWine.

But what makes champagne an exciting wine is of course the “soul” of the wine. Although much stems from the work in the wine cellar, the most important things are

which grapes are used,
where in Champagne they grew, and, of course,
the winemaker.

A wine dominated by chardonnay is completely different from one made mainly of pinot noir. But don’t forget pinot meunier (to give this grape its correct and full name); previously overlooked, today a grape that produces some of the most exciting wines.

You’ll get a deep dive into all of this, plus you’ll get to enjoy a number of outstanding gastronomic meals, of course accompanied by delicious champagnes. Truly divine!

A nine-day extravaganza in Burgundy and Champagne.

Come on this exceptional tour to two of the world’s most respected wine regions with BKWine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators (*).

Burgundy – Champagne Grand Tour, 23 September – 1 October

Book now!

(*) And the only one who has authored 13 award-winning wine books.

Wine Travel at Its Finest

Continue reading: Burgundy, a treasure trove, and Champagne that combines technology and delicious soul | wine tour

The post Burgundy, a treasure trove, and Champagne that combines technology and delicious soul | wine tour was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Per Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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On BKWine’s Wine Photography: Photography on Wine, Food and Travel | BKWine Photography

Riddling by hand at Champagne Michel Tixier

Britt Karlsson — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:21:16 +0000

At small producer Champagne Michel Tixier in Chigny-les-Roses in Montagne de Reims, the riddling is made by hand.

Continue reading: Riddling by hand at Champagne Michel Tixier

The post Riddling by hand at Champagne Michel Tixier was originally published on BKWine Tours and written by Britt Karlsson. Copyright BKWine and BKWine Tours. If you see it published elsewhere in full it has been republished without our permission.

BKWine Tours - Discover and Enjoy Wine with Us, the Real Wine Experience

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BKWine Magazine, on wine, travel and gastronomy
On BKWine’s Wine Photography: Photography on Wine, Food and Travel | BKWine Photography