When most people think of wine, they think of vineyards dotting the rolling hillsides of picturesque countries like France and Italy.
While those destinations are certainly worth a visit, there’s no need to limit yourself to just those areas when planning your wine tour because, with a little bit of careful planning, you can create an amazing wine-tasting experience right in your backyard.
Let’s explore the five planning tips to help you get started.
Decide on a theme for your tour
Do you want to focus on red wines, white wines, or sparkling wines? Or perhaps you’d prefer to stick to a certain region, such as Napa Valley or Bordeaux? Many wine tours in Burgundy focus on the Pinot Noir grapes that are grown in the region. Maybe you’d like to sample some of the local food and wine pairings in a particular area. Whatever direction you take, it’s important to decide on a theme before planning your tour so that you can make sure your itinerary aligns with your preferences.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to narrow down your focus too much, there are plenty of wine tours that encompass a variety of different types. Whether you’re looking to sample wines from all over the world or just a few select regions, you can have an enjoyable and educational experience.
Set a Budget for Your Tour
No matter the size or scope of your tour, it’s important to set a budget and stay within it. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind what you can realistically afford based on your budget. It’s also important to factor in any additional costs such as transportation, lodging, meals, and tasting fees. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to plan for unexpected costs that may pop up during your tour.
Make sure to research ahead of time so that you can find the best deals and get the most bang for your buck. Many wineries offer discounts or special packages to groups, so be sure to take advantage of those if they apply.
Choose an Itinerary That Works For You
Once you’ve decided on a theme and set a budget, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. When choosing the wineries that you want to visit, make sure to pick places that will be a good fit for your group. Are you looking for a relaxed atmosphere or something more lively? Do you want to focus on wine education or just have fun and sample different wines?
You should also consider the distance between wineries and the time it will take to get from one destination to another. If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, you may want to limit yourself to just a few stops instead of trying to visit too many places in one day.
Depending on how long your tour is, you’ll need to consider whether will you be traveling by car or public transportation. If you’re traveling by car, make sure that you have a designated driver and plan out your route ahead of time.
Book Your Accommodations Early
If you’re staying in one location for the duration of the tour, make sure to book a hotel or rental property early so that you can get the best rates. Many wineries offer lodging packages that include discounted rates on wine, so be sure to ask about those as well.
However, if you’re traveling from place to place, it’s important to book your accommodations in advance so that you can get the best deals and avoid any last-minute problems. If you plan on visiting more than one winery, you may want to look into booking a tour package that includes hotel stays, meals, and transportation.
Set Aside Time for Exploration
While it’s important to plan out your itinerary ahead of time, it’s also important to leave room for spontaneity and exploration. Set aside some time on your tour to visit some of the smaller, less-known wineries. You never know what hidden gems you might find!
It’s also a good idea to plan some leisure activities in between stops so that you can truly enjoy your tour. Maybe you’ll want to take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards or sample some local cuisine. Whatever activities you choose, make sure to leave time for them so that you can have an unforgettable experience.
In Conclusion
When planning a wine tour, there are a few things to consider to make sure it is perfect for you. First, decide on the focus of your tour- whether you want to sample wines from all over or just a few select regions.
Next, set a budget and make sure to research wineries ahead of time for deals and packages. Once you have an itinerary planned, be sure to leave room for spontaneity and exploration.
Finally, book your accommodations early and enjoy your unforgettable wine tour!
