With so many options out there, a winery vacation is an absolute must for any wine lover. Before you dive into planning your dream wine vacation, there are some critical factors to consider. Let’s hit the highlights of what you need to know to craft an unforgettable wine vacation.
Know What Types of Wine You Like
One of the first things to consider when you’re looking to plan a wine vacation is what wine styles you like. If you love a particular style, it can be a great reason to visit a winery that specializes in that style. Different types are produced in different regions, so knowing which wines you prefer will help you choose your destination. If you’re not sure which wine varieties are your favorites, this can influence your decision as well. Instead of seeking out a winery or region specializing in a particular grape or style, you can look for locations where various types are produced.
Set a Budget for Your Winery Vacation
Before you can consider where you want to take your vacation, you need to set a budget. Your budget should be all-inclusive and take into account your accommodations, winery transportation, and dining options. By setting your budget, you can determine whether you can afford to travel abroad or if staying local is the better option. You may be surprised to discover just how many urban wineries are near you.
Choose Your Region
Wine aficionados are spoiled for choice when it comes to the plethora of regions worldwide that produce a wide variety of wines. Italy, France, and Spain all offer a whole host of wine regions and sub-appellations to explore, making them popular destinations. If you’re thinking of exploring the wineries of Europe, you won’t want to miss out on the fantastic options that Portugal, Germany, and Austria can offer as well. While Europe is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts (accounting for 51% of global wine production), there are many options in the United States and Central and South America. In the United States, many of us think of California when we’re looking for wine vacation spots. While California has many fantastic wine spots, you can explore wineries in many states, including Washington, Oregon, and Virginia.
Wine Tasting vs Winery Tours
Once you’ve set your budget, your region, and chosen the wine styles you’d like to try, it’s time to consider whether you want to indulge in winery tours or wine tastings. A winery tour typically consists of the winery owner, or an employee, guiding you through the vineyard and winery grounds before including a tasting at the end. Not all wineries offer tours but offer tastings instead. Tastings can still lead to a fantastic experience in exploring the different wines that a winery produces. Winery tours are best done at wineries that have exceptional scenery and grounds. Don’t discount wineries without these sights, though; just because the grounds aren’t the most impressive doesn’t mean the wine won’t be exceptional.
Plan for Winery Vacation Success
The options are endless for memorable winery vacations. From local gems to mind-blowing scenes abroad, you won’t want to miss out on the experiences that a wine vacation can offer you. Are you planning a winery vacation? Let us know in the comments below where your favorite wine region is.
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