The Basics of Planning a Wine Tasting Tour

 

So you’re dreaming of going on a wine tasting tour but you don’t know how to start planning. This isn’t like any other vacation because there will be several things you need to consider and prepare for. What type of wineries would you want to visit? What kind of activities do you wish to get involved in? Are you looking for more private tastings or would you be fine when paired with other travelers?

There are tons of questions you will need to ask yourself when planning a wine tasting tour. In this post, you will get some guidance on the basics so that you can better prepare for a memorable wine tasting experience.

Which Regions do you Plan on Visiting?

Going on a wine tasting tour means you would want to visit some of the world’s more renowned wine regions. But you might have some trouble deciding on which region because there are several options. Inside America, you have the option to visit Napa and Sonoma Valley. Depending on your schedule, you can fit both of these regions in your itinerary for a wine tasting tour.

 

But if you’re looking for a cultural experience, you could try visiting the wine regions of Argentina and Chile. You can enjoy the best malbecs of Mendoza and Colchagua Valley while immersing yourself in a new culture. Or you can go on a wine tasting tour of other wine regions in Italy or France depending on what you’re looking for.

What Time of Year are You Planning Your Wine Tasting Tour?

Spring and summer seasons are the most popular time to go on a wine tasting tour. But this also means wineries will be getting plenty of visitors and you will have to keep up with the pace set by others in your group. If you prefer to take your time enjoying the wines and having a chat with winemakers, your best bet is to consider off-season visits.

Going on a wine tasting tour during winter or early spring will help you avoid the crowd. You will also get an insight into the goings-on of the harvesting and crushing seasons. But some of you may want to go on a wine tasting tour during a specific period of the wine-growing cycle. In such cases, you can conduct some research to plan your visit accordingly.

What Type of Wineries do You Want to Visit?

To truly enjoy your wine tasting tour, it’s best if you limit yourself to three winery visits per day. So can really take the time to enjoy the wines and explore everything the wineries have to offer. Plan ahead and shortlist which wineries you would like to visit. Do you wish to go on a quiet private tasting at a small family-owned winery? Or are you keen on trying the most reputable wineries of the region?

Maybe you wish to visit prestigious wineries but these are often closed to the public. The good news is that a few luxury wine tour agents can make arrangements to grant you exclusive access. And you can go on a luxury wine tasting tour with your family or friends. In addition to this, you could also consider the facilities available at the wineries you plan on visiting. Maybe you wish to visit a winery with a breathtaking view and outdoor seating, for instance.

So depending on your choices, you can research wineries fitting your requirement in the region. And then you can map out your schedule accordingly. Try to throw in a mix of both reputable and lesser-known wineries for the perfect wine tasting tour experience.

Are You Planning for Any Other Activities?

While some travelers may be solely planning for winery and vineyard visits during their wine tasting tour, some may be keen on trying other activities. If you fall in the second category, you might want to research ahead and see if there are any attractions or activities you can check out nearby. There may be parks where you can go on a picnic. Or you can go hiking after lunch.

 

In addition to this, make sure you research ahead for dining facilities nearby. There may be excellent restaurants you could check out after your winery visits. When you arrange for a wine tasting tour with a luxury wine tour agent, you would have everything pre-arranged for you so you can enjoy the best of food and wine in the regions you visit.

Do You Plan on Buying Wine?

In most wineries, there will be a fee for wine tasting. But many of them waive off these charges if you buy wine. And professionals like retailers, distributors, etc. would also get free wine tasting. Some wine tasting tour agents can make arrangements for a luxury wine tasting tour without any additional charges for the wines you taste.

And if you do intend to buy some wine during your wine tasting tour, make sure you bring along some coolers or ice chests to carry the wine. This will prevent the wine from getting exposed to temperature fluctuations, which are especially common in semi-arid regions.

Conclusion

So you have a basic idea what you need to consider and plan ahead for when planning a wine tasting tour. If you don’t know the region well and if you’re new to wine tasting, the best thing to do is consult with a luxury wine tour agent. These agents will help you select the best wineries to visit and also make pre-arrangements for accommodations, appointments for winery visits, and more. So you can have a stress-free wine tasting tour experience in some of the world’s best wine regions.

Did you find these tips helpful? Feel free to leave a comment if you have any doubts or any questions about planning a wine tasting tour. And if you are dreaming of going on a luxury wine tour to renowned wine regions, you can get in touch with us to plan for a luxury wine tour in Chile and Argentina. We can even help you plan for a luxury wine tour in the Napa and Sonoma wine countries.