Every wine connoisseur yearns for the opportunity to embark on a globe-trotting adventure, unveiling the timeless allure of the most celebrated wine regions worldwide. From vast rolling vineyards to ancient wineries, there is much to discover when visiting areas renowned for viniculture. However, any overseas excursion takes careful planning and forethought – after all, you will want to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable wine tour to immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary flavours and traditions.
Set Yourself A Budget
The first step in planning any trip is determining your budget. Your budget will define almost every aspect of your trip, including your accommodation, your activities and how much you are able to spend on the most important factor – wine. A wine tour is a perfect excuse to push the boat out and sample some truly extraordinary varieties, many of which won’t be cheap. However, you may be able to cut costs in other ways, such as maintaining flexibility regarding your travel schedule.
Pick Your Regions
Consider the specific wine regions you’ve always wanted to visit. For instance, if you’re partial to a bottle of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, the beautiful French region of Bordeaux would be a dream destination, where over 90% of the wine is made using one of the aforementioned grape varieties. Other popular wine regions include Piedmont, an area of Italy bordering France and Switzerland famous for its production of Barolo and Barbaresco, and California, USA, home to the world’s largest wine brand, Gallo.
Bring A Friend – Or Don’t
Travelling with a friend can result in lifelong memories; however, travelling alone can be a unique experience. While it may seem initially overwhelming, solo travel can increase your confidence and help you discover more about yourself. That said, sharing your experience with a loved one can be equally rewarding. You could either bring a fellow connoisseur who shares your passion for fine wine or a friend thus far uninitiated to the world of wine, potentially transforming them into a devoted enthusiast.
Book Everything In Advance
During the peak tourist season, accommodation and activities book up quickly. Leaving everything until the last minute may result in disappointment, so ensure you book as much in advance as possible. This may include winery tours, wine-tasting events, restaurant reservations and winemaking experience days. Moreover, the further in advance you book accommodation, the more options you will have available to you, so you won’t have to settle for subpar or excessively pricey rooms in awkward locations.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
What better excuse will you ever have to step out of your comfort zone and try new varieties of wine than while in the heart of a world-renowned winemaking region? Avoid sticking to tried and tested favourites; instead, keep an open mind. For example, the Côtes du Rhône allocation has far more to offer than Châteauneuf-du-Pape – in fact, it is home to 21 grape varieties, including Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah. If you tend to go for dry wines, why not expand your palate and try some sweet wines in the Bordeaux region of Sauternes or sample some Riesling from the Rhine River Valley?
Don’t Over-Plan
Although planning ahead will help you avoid disappointment, overplanning a trip can ruin it. Unless you thrive on sticking to a strict schedule, a trip to a stunning wine region is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You may find that the best experiences occur serendipitously. Keep an eye out for local events such as farmer’s markets and festivals, which are free of charge and welcome to all, locals and tourists alike.
Embrace The Local Culture
Embracing the local culture of a wine region is the best way to truly immerse yourself in its beauty and charm. When it comes to enjoying fine wine, sampling the local cuisine is absolutely necessary. Book yourself into a nearby restaurant specialising in classic regional dishes served alongside the region’s celebrated wine varieties. You could also take some time out of wine appreciation to visit local galleries, museums, chapels and historical sites of interest. Do some research before you travel and look for recommendations on sites like TripAdvisor.
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