Wine travel is an immersive lifestyle experience that will awaken your vacation palate.
Wine is an agricultural phenomenon that transcends the world. Over 50% of global vineyards are found within Europe and historically has existed here for thousands of years which is why it is referred to as the “Old World”.
Vinitourism offers new opportunities to explore regions’, see the sights and familiarize yourself with cultures and customs that have influenced the creation of celebrated wine regions.
Travel through the area. With exclusive excursions through impressive cities, quaint towns and historic villages that bring you up close with the destinations you want to visit.
Explore local vineyards, enjoy exclusive private tours, participating in tastings and interact with the local wineries in a fun and enjoyable vacation experience.
There is no better way to enjoy local traditions in world renowned wine regions without worrying about how you will get there or missing anything.
We have compiled inspiring wine vacations through some of the unforgettable appellations of Europe. Each itinerary offers the opportunity for you to enjoy some of the world’s renowned “Old World” wine destinations in the most fun and enjoyable way.
Every itinerary offers you the opportunity to cultivate your own travel experience as you dive into and familiarize yourself with the local wines.
Wine itineraries can take you on a new and exciting journey into some amazing destinations that include experiences to be enjoyed by the most discerning luxury traveler.
- Country-club casual experiences with finely appointed accommodations and amenities
- Wine pairing meals and local dining encounters
- Discover the Red, White, Rose, and Sparkling Wines throughout the regions that you are already traveling
- Inclusive amenities and services to fulfill your travel needs
- Multiple guided and on your own excursion options at the sites you want to visit including bicycle and hiking tours
- Special programs including guest lectures, local demonstrations, and local music performances
France
The world’s most famous wine region with history that dates back hundreds of years is located in Bordeaux. The rivers here are the key to exploration. They can transport you from the historic city of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne River through the renowned Medoc wine region. As you travel along both banks of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers journey through the foremost wine experience of the vin world both on land and by river. All the while immersing into the historic regions that make up the Bordeaux region of France.
Familiarize yourself with the dominant basic to high-end red Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based blends of Bordeaux. Sample the lesser-known crisp and acidic white wines blended from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion or sweet wines of the Sauternes region of the left bank.
Also considered among the world’s premier wine region’s the French ‘Bourgogne’, home to the famed dukes and duchesses of France. Within the central-eastern part of France, we can guide you from the Côte-d’Or region into the heart of Burgundy known for both red and white wines.
Enjoy the Chardonnays of flinty Chablis and earthy Côte de Beaune. Sample the complex Pinot Noirs of the Côte de Nuits or the lighter wines of the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais.
During your travels in France you will explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, cathedrals, castles, magnificent gardens, and wine villages that make this area one of the most requested wine experiences.
Visiting France not only offers you insight to one of the largest and oldest wine industries in the world. It provides the opportunity to pair some of the best wines in the world with local dining pleasures while stepping back in time exploring historic cities.
italy
Also considered among the world’s premier wine region’s Italian winemaking has existed for over 3000 years. Using less traditional winemaking methods, you can explore many opportunities to enjoy excellent reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines that are easily drinkable and unforgettable.
Traveling through the mountainous peninsula of Italy and the Mediterranean coast provides many opportunities for indulging in wine making experiences. From the Northern Alps to the Southern flatland to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Each administrative region offers respected and unique wine encounters.
The highest quality wines can be found in the eastern Veneto region. This high producing area is best known for its blended red wines from Corvina and Corvinone grapes and white wines from Garganega and Glera. Bordering the Adriatic sea, the romantic and beautiful cities of Venice and Verona can also be found here.
The most famous wine region of Italy is Tuscany and its well known Chianti region. A primarily red region based on the Sangiovese grape and its many varieties. With historic medieval sites, cobblestone streets and world heritage locations, Tuscany draws visitors to its cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena as much as to its wines.
Sicily may be an island in the Mediterranean Sea, but its reach in the wine world is wide. Sicily is second to the Veneto region for production volume of it’s locally grown Nero d’Avola low tannic and aromatic red wines and most famous fortified export, Marsala. As you visit explore the cobble-stoned streets of Palermo that has existed since Greek times and walk the vineyards through the heart of famed wine appellations that border one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Etna and it’s nearby town of Taormina.
Visiting Italy is a menagerie of riches. Seeing the ancient ruins, enjoying the scenery and fantastic cities, and having delicious culinary experiences all topped with spectacular wines is why this is Europe’s #1 visited destination.
SPAIN
Discovering the wines of Spain is a journey that takes you through multiple regions with travel experiences that are not centered around wine but are wine inclusive. As the largest acreage of vines in the world and third largest exporter of wine the mountainous Spanish countryside can offer many vin based opportunities.
Travel through the Eastern autonomous community of Catalonia, the largest producer of high quality wines is in Northern Catalonia. Priorat, north of the city of Barcelona and its key grape Garnacha is one of only two Spanish regions granted top wine status. South of the city of Barcelona, is where the traditional method sparkling wines of cava are produced.
Rioja, in northern central Spain, offers the most notable wines of the country and was the first to be designated superior status. With its award winning Tempranillo, the region expands into the autonomous Basque country and the popular foodie city of San Sebastian along the Atlantic Ocean.
Not to be missed is the southwestern region of Andalusia. The former Moorish region of Spain features fantastic historic landmarks, palaces, and mosques, and the sherry-producing region of Jerez. The production of fortified wine, Sherry is grown among some of the top seaports along the Costa del Sol.
Traveling Spain is a captivating experience for both wine lovers and travelers. With so much to see, the many options for visiting key sites provide a variety of activities to fit all types of adventures.
Portugal
Visiting the Iberian peninsula begins in the beautiful and vibrant city of Lisbon. After a memorable visit of ornate architecture, transfer to the northern coast of Portugal to Porto, the city of bridges. Porto is the gateway into Portugal’s historic port wine route.
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. This region is recognized for its production of Portuguese regionally popular fortified Port wines grown on hilly terraced vineyards along the Douro river.
For unfortified wines there are some great opportunities to enjoy the Vinho Verde “Green” wines of northern Portugal. Complex and full-bodied red wines of the mountainous Dão region or fresh and crisp white wines of the region surrounding Lisbon.
Explore the sites, tour the cathedrals and farms, visit the magnificent gardens, and walk the vineyards of historic family owned quintas that make this region a highly requested river cruise experience.
With many options for visiting uniquely Portuguese sites and alternatives for hiking throughout area to immerse in the regional highlights and landmarks only Portugal can offer.
Germany
Germany is a beautiful country and location of some of the coldest wine vineyards in the world. The majority of grapes are grown along the riverbanks in the southern and western regions of the country. The riverbanks are where you will find some of the most prominent wines of the slated soils of Germany and provide the best opportunities to visit them.
Within the Rhineland of Germany, the Mosel River flows from the mountains of Northern France into Luxembourg and through Southern Germany. Considered by many to be the most beautiful river in Germany, it is the country’s oldest wine region. The third-largest growth area of Germany is a breathtaking experience where the best of the best of Riesling wines are grown on the sloped terraced vineyards.
The Rheingau is as famous as the Mosel region for its growth of Riesling and Pinot Grigio (Spatburgunder) wines. As a UNESCO World Heritage Region, the Rhine Gorge features vineyards found along the scenic Rhine River sitting among the famous medieval castles of the Rhine Castle Trail.
The wine routes that run along the rivers lead you to key wineries, UNESCO Heritage sites, Roman monuments and medieval castles. Walk the streets of the romantic towns and charming villages. The natural beauty from the surrounding areas of forests and valleys offer additional activities with plenty of options for exploration and immersion.
Immerse in the World’s Key Wine Regions Guided by a Wine Travel Expert