Looking to Go on a Vacation? Try a Winery Tour!
Are you looking to go on a vacation or perhaps just a weekend getaway? Maybe a day trip is all you have time for? No matter your budget, available time, or favorite drink, a winery tour can satisfy anyone’s taste.
There are countless tours available for both discerning wine critics and those who are just beginning to explore wine. Wine tours vary by state, region, and country. To make it easier to understand the options, it’s helpful to break them down into categories. There are weekly wine tours covering specific countries, weekend getaway tours through various wineries within a small region, and day trips designed for those who can drive or take a bus to local wineries.
In this article, we’ll explore a French vacation tour, a California weekend getaway, and a New York day trip to give you a taste of the diverse wine experiences that await you.
French Vacation
A tour of French wine country is a dream for many wine enthusiasts, and it typically requires at least a one-week stay. France offers two distinct wine regions to explore.
Deciding to visit France is one thing, but choosing which region to visit can be tricky. In France, tours can be arranged in what’s often called the “ABC” region, which includes Alsace, Burgundy, and Champagne. This region is home to some of the finest wines in the world, as well as breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and local charm. To make the most of your experience, it’s recommended to explore these regions by car or bicycle, as you’ll be traveling along Wine Road, which is home to some of the best wineries in the country. Stroll through rows of grapevines as you journey through history. Many of the wineries offer private tours and tastings, along with retail sales, and the local inns are happy to accommodate travelers.
Reservations for these types of excursions can be made through major travel agencies, with scheduled arrival and departure times set in advance at inns and hotels along your route. Be sure to allow plenty of time to visit each winery, and consider flexible dates in case you decide to stay a little longer at a particular place.
The Bordeaux region of France is another popular destination for wine lovers. Just a few hours from Paris, Bordeaux offers an exciting, all-inclusive vacation. In this region, you can explore the most celebrated wineries in places like Medoc and Saint-Emilion, enjoy gourmet restaurants with unmatched wine cellars, and tour some of the finest chateaus. This holiday is ideal for wining, dining, and romance.
Prices for these wine vacations vary depending on your itinerary, but most begin around $2,000. Consult with your travel agent to customize a trip that fits your budget. The best time to visit is in the spring, when you can enjoy wines from the previous harvest, or in the fall, during the harvest season itself.
Getaway in California
If you don’t have a week to spare, a memorable wine experience in California can be had in just a few days. The Sonoma and Napa Valleys are an easy drive from San Francisco, which lies about 30 miles south of the vineyards. Napa Valley is home to over 300 wineries, and Sonoma is divided into five wine-producing regions with more than 200 wineries. While it would be impossible to explore the entire region in just a few days, you can focus on a select few wineries or concentrate on either Napa or Sonoma.
Many tour companies offer day trips that visit both areas, ranging from 4 to 8 hours. These tours can be in private SUV-driven vehicles or more semi-public formats in small buses. The peak time to visit California’s wine country is from May to October, though keep in mind that the area can get crowded with tourists during this period, which may affect your experience. Many people prefer the off-season, as it offers a different experience, with new wines released and barrel tastings available.
If you’d like to avoid the colder season but still want to visit during a less busy time, consider a weekday trip. Costs can vary based on the time of year. Scheduled weekend tours can cost upwards of $500, while private day trips to each area start at around $50 per hour.
Day Trip in New York
Planning a day trip in one of New York’s wine regions can be incredibly rewarding. Many companies offer tours in the Finger Lakes region, and some visitors may also want to explore the Niagara Falls wine region, with many vineyards located in Canada. Day tours can be customized for couples or large groups, and many companies offer public tours at discounted rates.
Several wineries offer special promotions throughout the year. After the holiday season, many wines are available at discounted rates. There are also Valentine’s Day packages that pair wine with chocolate, and the “Spring Fling” package celebrates the arrival of spring with tropical dishes and wine pairings.
The best time to visit the vineyards of western or central New York is during the spring and summer months, though you’ll need to bundle up if you decide to visit during the colder seasons! Prices typically range from $20 to $40 per person, depending on the length of the tour and what’s included.
No matter where you go, you’re sure to find a winery tour that’s not only right for you but also fun and educational.
