12 Bucket List–Worthy Wine Experiences for Oenophiles
Think of wine and travel, and a few global destinations come to mind. Italy is usually first, followed by France, Spain, and Northern California. These regions serve up enough wine-tasting outings to satisfy even the most decadent oenophiles. Of course, wine lovers would be remiss to skip Napa County, Tuscany, or Bordeaux, as these reliable wine-producing regions have aged like, well, fine wine.
But there are some additional wine experiences that aren’t quite as well known that you may want to add to your bucket list. From touring the volcanic vineyards of the Greek Islands to sipping your way through Australia, these incredible wine experiences will have you preparing a toast and asking for another round.
1. Pair a flagship Amsterdam canal cruise with wine and cheese
Take to the water on a flagship wooden saloon boat in Amsterdam, known as the “Venice of the North.” Explore the lovely canals crisscrossing the city alongside monuments and architectural gems while nibbling on Dutch cheese and drinking unlimited wine. There are few better water and wine combinations on this side of Venice.
2. Explore the renowned wineries of Australia’s Barossa Valley
South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of the world’s most renowned wine-producing regions outside of Europe. On this experience, spend a full-day wine tasting at multiple Barossa wineries and visit three local attractions: Tanunda, Mengler’s Hill Lookout, and the Whispering Wall, a curved dam that really does whisper.
3. Drink and taste your way through the official home of true Champagne
To claim the name Champagne, the bubbly white wine must be made in the Champagne region of France, not far outside of Paris. On this tour, visit several top regional Champagne houses, learn to discern one type of blonde fizz from another, and top it off with a traditional lunch in a family-run Champagne estate.
4. Raise a glass (or three) in Saint Emilion, a medieval village in the heart of Bordeaux
Bordeaux isn’t all vintage wineries, but you should visit at least one. On this experience, wander the marvelous medieval streets of Saint-Emilion—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—on a guided walk and stop for wine tastings at two chateaux.
5. Sip your way through sun-drenched Santorini
Embrace the laid-back luxury of Santorini with this day-long Greek isle wine adventure. Enjoy tasting about a dozen wines from three island estates—including the indigenous assyrtiko white wine—with tapas and sunset views from a hilltop winery.
6. Get to the heart of Venice’s food and wine scene
There’s much more to Italian food than pizza and pasta, especially in Venice. On this tour, explore The Floating City's foodie hotspots, tasting everything from gelato to fresh seafood and, of course, the full-bodied regional wines. The best part? All the food served on the tour is seasonal.
7. Four-wheel through the Chianti hills to a wine estate and eat a Tuscan meal
There are many ways to explore Tuscany. Hiking, horseback riding, and tour buses are common, but barreling through Chianti vineyards and olive groves on a 4WD minibus is much more fun. Sample at least nine wines, tour a cellar specializing in Chianti classico, and dine on local specialties.
8. See why port wine and Portugal go hand-in-hand
If you can’t visit the Douro River or Porto, Lisbon is the best place for drinking port wine. On this small-group tour, spend half a day savoring Portuguese gourmet food specialties (think pastries, cheese, and local bread), port wine, and even the sour cherry liqueur called ginjinha, which is the official drink of Lisbon.
9. Discover the US Midwest’s wine scene on Lake Michigan
With a wine trail and New England-like natural beauty set on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula is one of the most underrated wine regions in the US—but probably not for long. Hop on a limo-style bus and visit four local wineries to taste various wines, from pinots to sauvignons to rieslings and gewürztraminers.
10. Sample wine and Spanish tapas straight from the source
Few foods pair better with wine than Spanish tapas. In Barcelona, tuck into tasty tapas such as Iberian ham and pan con tomate while exploring the city’s food scene, and enjoy a glass of local wine at every stop. Keep the party going afterward with an optional flamenco show.
11. Visit California’s twin wine country valleys
Napa and Sonoma valleys are the heart of northern California wine country. On this day trip from San Francisco, see them both. Start with a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit wineries for guided tours and tastings, and stop for lunch in Sonoma or Yountville, charming towns full of local wine history.
12. Discover California wine country’s best-kept secret
In SoCal, Temecula is where the best wine flows. Explore the California countryside and wineries near this picture-perfect town located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Sample at least three wines from California’s other top wine-producing region and finish the experience with live music and a tour of the production facilities.
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