For you wine lovers out there, few things can beat a well-executed wine holiday that combines exploration, education, and indulgence in equal measure.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious beginner, planning and crafting a well-organised itinerary ensures you get the most out of your experience. From deciding on exactly what you and your group want to get out of it to deciding on the right wine regions and producers to visit, to timing your tastings, and considering transportation options, each detail contributes to a seamless and enjoyable adventure.

This article is designed to give you a few pointers, helping you to navigate the essential aspects of planning, offering tips on choosing wineries, getting around, where to eat, where to stay, and making the most of your wine-tasting journey.

What do you want to get out of the trip?

When you sit yourself down to plan a wine-tasting tour, it’s essential to first consider what you want to achieve from the trip.

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of wine and wine regions and discover new favourites along the way? Or are you simply looking to enjoy great views, a few nice drops and a few good conversations along the way?

Those looking to explore specific wine regions, learn about different grape varieties, or visit particular winemakers can start with that as a base and build the trip around those aspects.

TOP TIPS – Remember it’s not just what YOU want to get out of the trip. Think about the group as a whole. Are you all seasoned wine lovers? Or are some of you along for the ride? Remember to build in activities that everyone can enjoy…including any kids that might be tagging along!

How long have you got?

The duration of your wine-tasting tour significantly impacts the experience, so it’s important to plan accordingly. If you have just a day or a weekend, don’t try and do too much. Focus on a single wine area or a few wineries to make sure you keep it as relaxed as possible and it’s an enjoyable pace for everyone involved. More than two wineries in a day can start to produce grumpy members of your group!

For longer trips, spanning several days or a week, you can attempt to explore multiple areas, or even delve deeper into certain wine-making processes made famous by certain producers, and perhaps even participate in vineyard activities or festivals if your trip coincides with the right time of year.

TOP TIPS – Visiting winery after winery for days on the trip can turn out quite gruelling. If you have an extended trip to a wine region, include a day or two of non-wine activities. Even if it’s as simple as relaxing by a pool with a good book…

How are you getting about?

Transportation is a key consideration when planning a wine trip, as it ensures both safety and convenience. Depending on your preferences and the tour’s scope, you can choose from several options.

When it comes to cars, there are a few options. Those with the budget can look at hiring a driver or booking guided tours, that allow you to relax and fully enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving.

Alternatively, renting a car offers flexibility in your itinerary, but with one rather huge snag. Drinking and driving is not only unwise, but it’s also as illegal in wine regions as anywhere else. You will need a designated driver.

For an eco-friendlier option, many wine regions are now set up for cycling tours. Anyone looking at trips to the likes of Burgundy or Champagne will have a fabulous time on their bikes. That’s not to say other regions aren’t great for cyclists. Bear in mind that many mountainous wine regions require calves of steel to cycle around!

Finally, public transportation is also viable in some regions, such as Stellenbosch’s famed wine tram. Do bear in mind, however, that many wine regions are quite rural and a lack of public transport can limit your access to more remote wineries. Even famous regions like Bordeaux’s Médoc can be tricky without advance planning.

TOP TIPS – If you go for the rental car option, get everyone on the insurance and split the driving on a rota to keep it fair.

Which wineries to visit?

You know what you want, you know how long you’ve got, and you know how you’re getting around. Now it’s time to pad out that itinerary with wineries to visit.

Firstly, are they open to visitors? Some of the most famous wineries in the world are fairly secretive and don’t open to regular punters. Even those who don’t always consider wine tourism to be worth their effort. You may find that you have a more enjoyable time opening bottles with the winemaker at the local producer than following a marketing intern with a clipboard around another room full of stainless-steel tanks!

When deciding, consider the reputation of wineries, focusing on those with unique histories, acclaimed wines, or sustainable practices. Balance well-known estates with smaller, boutique wineries to see what fits you best, as well as which wineries are geographically close to each other to maximise your time.

TOP TIPS – Some wine councils around the world are putting an increased focus on wine tourism and have lots of support for trip planning.The Consejo Regulador of Rioja, for example, have an AI-generated itinerary planner that includes hundreds of wineries that you may not have even considered, and adds seamlessly into your trip schedule.

Where are you staying and eating?

A consideration that can make or break your trip is where you’re staying and what you’re eating.

Of course, it’s much easier to opt for accommodation that is close to wineries, such as charming boutique hotels, vineyard lodges, or bed-and-breakfasts nestled in wine country. Also, remember that many wine regions have one or two larger towns that the wine business has always centred around. These towns will have great options for hotels, hotels that will often have links to surrounding wineries for your visiting inspiration.

When it comes to food, most wine regions have grown, side by side with fabulous food. An increasing number of wineries, especially those more remote, have on-site restaurants, offering farm-to-table dining with perfect wine pairings. But some of the best experiences can be hitting the local bars and restaurants, experiencing local culture and delicacies whilst enjoying great wine lists.

TOP TIPS – Wherever you’re staying, make sure you have a good shower! Visiting vineyards and wineries is brilliant fun, but it can be warm, dusty work. You would want to refresh before bouncing off to the next tasting room or restaurant. When it comes to food, some of the best experiences we had were hitting the local bars and restaurants, and experiencing local culture and delicacies whilst enjoying great local wine lists, trying wines from estates that you can’t fit into your itinerary!

This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge

Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.

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