14 Insider Tips on Planning Your Wine Country Getaway

Thinking of planning a trip to wine country? We’ve got you covered. After years of helping wine enthusiasts create their ultimate getaways, we have compiled a list of tips that are critical to planning a successful trip.

A wine tasting vacation has unique challenges; don’t waste time and money by failing to plan properly. Here are our top tips you can’t miss:

1. Research.

No matter which region you are visiting, there are many different options for accommodations, wine tastings, restaurants and other activities.  It is important to learn about the offerings in advance to prevent disappointment on your trip.  With respect to accommodations, be sure to know not just the general hotel information, but also the location.  Do you want a full service resort in a quiet setting, or a small boutique property located in town?  Perhaps a family run B&B or a sprawling private villa?  All can be great options - it just depends on your personal taste and budget.  When it comes to visiting wineries, research is perhaps even more critical.  Find the wineries that are the "must visit" for the region as well as the smaller, under-the-radar properties.  Learn about all of the different tasting experiences, from a simple tasting flight at the bar to an extended library tasting in a cellar.  Great resources beyond a standard google search are the wine and food magazines as well as wine bloggers who routinely profile different wine regions.

2. Plan itinerary ahead of time.

Many wineries and restaurants require advance reservations - sometimes, well in advance.  Each property may offer tastings at certain times only, which needs to be coordinated with your other activities.  Be sure to cluster tastings together in same geographic area, accounting for travel time due to traffic. There is no sense in wasting precious vacation time driving all around the region.  And, don't over commit - leave room in your schedule for exploring.

3. Plan different types of tastings each day. 

Wineries offer all sorts of unique experiences.  Taking a production tour over and over is bound to become boring and repetitive even for the biggest wine geek.  Mix it up and plan varying experiences each day.  Balance an educational tour and tasting with an upbeat, casual tasting at the bar.  Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing in the cellar followed by a library tasting outside on the terrace. Variety is key to keeping the experience fresh, interesting and fun.

4. Plan your trip near a city to combine the best of both worlds. 

Paris, Florence and Bordeaux are just a few cities located near wine country.  Not only do they offer an incredible experience, they often have international airports.  Consider staying a few days to explore museums, shops and galleries before heading to the country.

5. Pack appropriately. 

Dressing in layers is important as wine caves are chilly as well as mornings, even in summer.  Many wine regions cool down significantly at night, which is called the diurnal swing. This term relates to the variation in temperature from the warmest to the coolest part of the day.  In the best wine regions, there is a significant diurnal swing where the heat of the day promotes sugar ripening and the cooler evenings preserve the balance of acidity.  All this to say that you need to be prepared for a variety of temperatures.  Flat shoes or wedges are important for walking through the vineyards - you can leave the stilettos at home.  Avoid wearing perfume, strong lotions or cologne - any strong smell will interfere with the wines' aromas, and your neighbor at the tasting bar may not appreciate it.  And finally, do not wear white!  Experience has taught me that red wine and white clothing are not a great pairing (pun intended :)). 

6. Hire a designated driver.

Do not underestimate the effects of wine tasting, particularly when starting at 10am!  All those tastes add up quickly - drinking and driving is a bad idea. A private driver is a fantastic option, and when split by a group it can be economical. Many drivers are locals who can give you an insider perspective and suggest places unknown to visitors. You can also hire a driver to drive your car or rental car.  And ride sharing services or taxis are available in many areas. 

7. Pack snacks and a cooler. 

As we are all aware, it is important to eat when drinking alcohol. Nuts and cheese are great options as the protein helps balance the sugar from the wine.  A cooler allows you to keep your snacks cool - but it also enables you to appropriately store any wine purchases.  There's nothing worse than ruining your fabulous bottle of wine by leaving it in a hot car.

8. Take in the natural beauty.

Make time to spend outdoors hot air ballooning, hiking, kayaking - or just going for a walk through the vineyard. Cycling is especially popular in wine country. Some hotels offer complimentary bicycles or you can rent a bike or e-bike from a cycle shop. You can also choose to join a cycle tour visiting wineries along the way.

9. Look beyond the wine.

Wine country is home to a variety of artisan foods, hand crafted beers and distilled liquors. Visit an olive orchard and taste different varieties of olive oil. Learn to make your own cheese on a dairy farm. Take a hands-on cooking class or learn how to make whisky.

10. Delve deep - take the opportunity to learn.

There is no substitute for personally experiencing wine where it is made. Take your knowledge to the next level and learn about sparkling wine production, food and wine pairing or proper cellaring. Take a walk through the vineyards with the vineyard manager to learn more about the terroir and its impact on growing grapes.

11. Prepare how you will get wine purchases home. 

Each country and U.S. state has its own laws, so be sure to do your research or call the winery ahead of time.  Most wineries will be able to assist in shipping wine, depending on the local laws. One great option is a wine suitcase that you can check as luggage. 

12. Head to the spa.

There are many renowned spas located in wine country. Not only are they set among idyllic rolling vineyards, they will offer unique services such as a wine bath or grapeseed facial. There are few things better than a massage outdoors among the vines!

13. Think outside the box.

You can have a wine country getaway on a river cruise! Some of the best wine regions in the world are situated along rivers, such as the Rhône, Mosel and Danube. Sail along the river in a luxurious ship and visit many different areas - all without having to pack and unpack.

14. Use a travel advisor. 

Asking friends or neighbors for their recommendations is not the best way to plan a trip.  People will recommend the places THEY enjoyed the most or where their friend works.  They may not have the same tastes as you, the same budget or the same prior experiences.  What is unique and cool to one person can be ho-hum to another.  That's where an independent travel advisor comes in.  Our job is to learn your likes and dislikes, to ask the right questions and to learn what is important to you.  We have the knowledge, the expertise and the contacts to match you with unforgettable experiences - the ultimate wine country getaway designed for you.

If you are thinking of planning a trip to wine country, send us a note to get some expert advice on the ideal trip for you!