There’s nothing wrong with having a deep love for wine – especially when you can pass it off as an educational experience. All joking aside, there are certain areas of the world where you can’t just visit and not go on a wine tour – like Chianti or Nice.
It’s like going to Quebec and not trying the poutine. Let us help save you from the potential judgment of your friends, and invite you to try one of our hand-picked “best of” wine tours. Let’s jump right in!
Melbourne, Australia
Famous Wineries: Greenstone, Balgownie Estate, Soumah, Yering Station, Napoleone, Four Pillars
Wines Known For: Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sémillon
Australia is a massive country with a lot to offer, yet Melbourne and the Yarra Valley remain one of the best regions for wine. If you’re looking to escape the city chaos for the day, we highly recommend taking one of these Melbourne wine tasting tours.
Get picked up right from your hotel and head out into the charming Yarra Valley, where if you keep an eye out, you may just see some critters running around!
The vineyards that you visit will depend on the tour, but most will stop at at least 2 different ones. Balgowie Estate is one of the most popular, which is one of the more upscale options overlooking rolling hills. Yering Farm is another, which has a more homey, rustic vibe to it.
At all of them, you’ll learn how they each produce their wines with age-old traditions and occasionally antique wine-making equipment! We loved visiting “Soumah” which is known for its top-notch chardonnays and pinot noir, which draw many similarities to Italian variants, thanks to the similar climates.
Some tours also stop at local dairies and chocolateries, where you’ll get to indulge in their creations, as well.
Rome (to Tuscany)
Famous Wineries: Santa Benedetta, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Azienda Agricola La Lastra, Minardi Frascati
Wines Known For: Vernaccia, Chianti Classico/Superiore, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, Merlot
Rome is known around the world for its incredible Romanesque architecture and dramatic history. However, it can become quite crowded and busy, leaving many to want a moment of tranquility. If you’d like to catch some fresh air and beautiful countryside views, these wine tour from Rome are always a blast!
Each tour varies a bit, but all of them will pick you up from Rome and take you to multiple notable wineries throughout the famed wine region of Tuscany. The Frascati area is actually known for its ancient Roman winemaking methods. Castello Romani also has its own set of traditions in how they make their wine.
No matter where you are, your expert guide will lead you through the estates, vineyards, and teach you about their history of growing grapes, what makes them unique, and other interesting facts.
We loved San Gimignano, which has one of the most interesting backgrounds, and is known for its extremely popular Vernaccia white wine. Aside from learning about wine and seeing the cellars and vineyards, themselves, most tours include lunch, olive oil tastings, or extra stops in places like Siena, Montepulciano, or Orvieto.
Once you’re back in Rome, you’ll be able to take the city’s wine lists by storm (there are plenty of fantastic wine bars, like the Antica Enoteca!).
Chianti (from Florence)
Famous Wineries: Villa le Corti, Località Rignana, Poggio Torselli, Montecchio,
Wines Known For: Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Senesi
If your first encounter with the word was paired with “fava beans”, then perhaps it didn’t initially give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. However, the Chianti region within gorgeous Tuscany is renowned worldwide for its wines of the same name.
Located in the hills between Florence and Siena, it feels like you’ve just stepped into a fairytale. If you’re staying in Florence and would like to explore where these famed wines originate from, we highly recommend booking one of these Chianti wine tours from Florence!
These tours have been proven time and time again to be worth the time and money. You’ll be driven around to various estates and famous vineyards and learn how they produce the red wine that can only be made in this small section of Italy.
Each tour is a little bit different, but there’s something for everybody. Some are more adventurous, with a safari, off-roading vibe. Others are more reserved, with a luxe private car to transport you in style. After all, you deserve the finer things in life.
Most stop at the Villa le Corti: known not only for some of the best organic, vegan wine and olive oil in the world, but for such a stunning estate that many choose to have their weddings here. Località Rignana is another highlight, where you’ll indulge in plenty of cheeses, cold meats, and more opulent wines.
Barcelona
Famous Wineries: Freixenet, El Penedès, Oller del Mas, Bodegas Pinord, Caves Anna d’Codorniu
Wines Known For: Cava, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Trepat
When most of us think of Barcelona, what likely comes to mind is a culture-rich, visually-alluring city. Barna is absolutely all of those things, but it is also surprisingly good at producing wine – particularly, full-bodied, high-in-alcohol varieties. You’re going to absolutely love these winery tours in Barcelona!
What makes this fine selection so much fun, is that they’re never “just” winery tours (though, that would still be worth it). They combine wine tasting and vineyard venturing with electric bike tours, sailing cruises, trips to iconic Montserrat, and so much more!
Considering the area’s bursting with culture, history, and natural beauty, you’d be remiss to not take these up. Many of these vineyards have produced wine since the Middle Ages, with many keeping those traditions as close to the original as possible.
For example, the Premium Cava Winery has been producing sparkling wines since 1385! In-between sips, snack on homemade sausage, olives, tomatoes, and other tasty treats.
From cave chapels and luxe sailboats to learning centuries-old secrets from professional sommeliers and expert vintners, you’re sure to learn about and see sights you never learned about in school. The best part? You don’t even have to go far outside the city center to do it!
Madrid
Famous Wineries: Las Moradas de San Martín, Bodega Saavadra, Bernabeleva, Bodegas Marañones, Valle Yglesias
Wines Known For: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Graciano, Negral, Petit Verdot, Syrah
When the Romans invaded what is know Spain, they brought the wines with them, so I guess that was something nice that they did. While it likely began earlier than that, the first proof of a solid wine-making industry around Madrid dates back to the 13th-century!
Needless to say, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their vinos (specifically, vino tinto), and perfect them, they have. There are a lot of reputable wineries around Madrid, so make it easy on yourself and book one of these Madrid winery tours.
All transportation is included, along with an expert guide who will lead you through various wineries. At each location, you’ll learn about each winery’s unique methods of creating their concoctions.
Most of the tours will take you to Ribera Del Duero, which is one of the major wine regions in northern Spain. Aside from the local wine, take a trip through its gastronomical history and check out the natural landscapes, underground caves, and more!
Colmenar de Oreja is a gorgeous traditional village also known for its wines, along with its impressive architecture and dramatic history. Thanks to its fertile land, it’s known as one of the top producers of wines, oils, and artisan cheeses, and you’ll taste them all!
We appreciated how each tour displayed both modern and ancient techniques, a wide variety of styles, and extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Paris
Famous Wineries: Le Clos Montmartre, Aux Negociants, Maison Givas, Vintegraal, Chapitre, Cave Balthazar
Wines Known For: Bordeaux, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, Cabertnet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Most know Paris as an epicenter of history, art, fashion, sophistication, and unique architecture. However, wine also forms a large part of Parisian culture. If you’d like to understand it better, you have to sign up for one of the best wine tasting tours in Paris.
These tours are quite a bit different from the others on this guide, seeing as you won’t even need to hop on a vehicle to partake in them. If you’re short on time, there are even tours just 1.5 hours long, packing in a lot of knowledge and fun along the way!
Each tour varies a bit – some will take you on a stroll through Montmartre to learn about the wine, it’s rather Bohemian history, and amazing art community. All the while, you’ll get to make various stops to try fresh cheeses, charcuterie, wine (of course), pastries, and chocolate. It’s a wonderful crash course in French culture, and everything is absolutely delectable.
Others offer more of a classroom setting, where you’ll learn in-depth about all things “Parisian wine” from an expert sommelier. Of course, it wouldn’t be Paris without a fabulous atmosphere to match. These classes take place in dark and elegant cellars with a gorgeous tasting room for your group.
Nice
Famous Wineries: Chateau de Bellet, Chateau de Cremat, Domaine de Toasc, Domaine Saint Jean
Wines Known For: Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Tibouren, Chardonnay
Nice is a favorite vacation spot for Europeans, thanks to its pristine Mediterranean beaches, laidback vibe, picturesque city center, and pleasant climate year-round. However, we feel you’d really be missing out if you didn’t also check out its globally-recognized wine country.
These Nice wine tours vary in length and content, though most seem to cover 3 top-notch wineries. If you ever wanted to be “that friend” who knows all about wine, you’re well on your way to being a connoisseur!
Who doesn’t love a good rosé? If you’re not already, we bet you will be after making your way through Provence. However, you’ll learn about and try all kinds of wonderful red and white varietals. Perhaps see the charming village of Opio, with a 15th-century, still-operating mill and try local snacks with their original olive oil!
All along the way, you’ll pass by fortresses, castles, cathedrals, waterfalls, rolling hills, and famous pieces of art. What we loved about these tours is that they really transmit the concept that winemaking isn’t just about the process – it really is an artform and a way of life for many. So, put on a comfy pair of walking shoes, because you’re about to have an amazing day!
San Francisco (Napa, Sonoma)
Famous Wineries: Domaine Chandon, Benzinger Winery, Madonna Estate, Sutter Home, Sebastiani, Andretti
Wines Known For: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Rosé
San Francisco itself is an ultra-busy, packed city full of tech companies, world-class restaurants, beautiful views, and amazing music. However, if you’re in the city, you can’t pass up a trip to the fabled Napa and Sonoma wineries! Not to mention, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy a more temperate climate than right on the bay.
These San Francisco winery tours are just so comfortable and enjoyable in every way. The wine region is simply beautiful, with wide, open plains, green rolling hills, and colorful foliage that perfectly sets the tone for enjoying a tasting (or 10) of some of the best wine in the world.
Here, they take wine very seriously, but are never arrogant. Rather, we found each location’s staff to be welcoming and eager to share their knowledge. As you probably know by know, each tour varies, but you’ll likely stop at the famous Benzinger Winery and the Domaine Chandon.
Want to do something really special? Try one of the personalized tours made for very small, private groups. No need to rush, nor waste time seeing things you aren’t interested in. Rather, allow your guide to expertly curate an experience based off of your specific interests!
Florence
Famous Wineries: Villa Medici di Lilliano, Castello del Trebio, Poggio La Noce, Poggiopiano
Wines Known For: Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino
Ah, Florence: the birthplace of the Renaissance. There’s a never-ending supply of breathtaking art, intricate architecture, and history lessons found here. However, we feel you’d be remiss to not try one of these Florence wine tasting tours.
Take a day to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city and head out into the majestic Tuscan countryside to clear the mind and fill the soul. These guys are genuine experts on flavor, and they don’t mess around when it comes to food or wine. In fact, you’ll become an expert yourself on how to pair them!
Most of the renowned wineries on the agenda are housed in rustic villas, where you’ll feel like you’ve just been welcomed in by an old friend. Tour local olive mills, venture through underground tunnels, and stroll through the gorgeous gardens. You may even get the chance to explore a nearly 1,000-year-old Tuscan Castle looming over the vineyards and cellars!
Learn about the wine making methods practiced here, try Focaccia bread, chocolate, gelato, truffles (best in the world in this region), and much more. With small group sizes only, these intimate experiences are sure to make a lasting impact on you and the rest of your party.
