The Best Wine Tasting Holidays
There's no greater pleasure than relaxing with a glass of wine in a wonderful location. A Weinstuben on the banks of the Rhine, an atmospheric bar overlooking the Douro or in the beautiful surroundings of a boutique winery in New Zealand – travel and wine are the perfect combination.
Does wine taste better on holiday?
The feel of warm air on your skin and the vine-clad river banks can make wine taste better. And when it's paired with local cuisine, you're getting the full flavour of the region. Our ability to taste changes with the environment and a holiday offers relaxation making it the perfect time to try new food and drink.
Of course, the best way to learn more about different wines is to taste a few to find a bottle that suits your palate – and remember wine always tastes better when you are drinking it straight from the cellar door. Let us be your wine-tasting guide.
Which countries are best for wine tasting?
Old World versus New World - this is often the question when we talk about wine. Old World wines tend to have a lighter body, lower alcohol and a less fruity flavour. New World wine leans towards a fuller body, higher alcohol and more pronounced fruit flavours, yet it’s not always that cut and dry, and much can depend on the climate and the 'terroir'. French traditions have shaped the tastes of winemakers, and Italy’s influence has spread far and wide, particularly into California. In days gone by, port and madeira were incredibly popular in the USA, and some say that Thomas Jefferson was America’s first winemaker. Germany’s most popular grape, Riesling, has gained popularity worldwide too and grows everywhere from South Africa to the Finger Lakes of New York.
The Best Wine Tasting Tours and Holidays
New Zealand
There are over 700 wineries spread across the landscape of New Zealand and many international connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts claim that their Sauvignon Blanc is the world’s finest. Despite making less than 1% of the world’s wine, the country also produces award-winning Merlot, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style blends.
On North Island, the boutique wineries of Waiheke Island are accessible by a short ferry ride from Auckland, and Hawkes Bay boasts the stunning Art Deco architecture of Napier but it’s also home to some of the country’s finest winemakers.
On South Island, you’ll find New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough, home of the acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc. Many scenes from the hugely successful Lord of The Rings films were shot in Central Otago and this magnificent region of mountains, ravines and crystal clear rivers is also renowned for superb red wine made with Pinot Noir grapes which thrive in the fertile valleys. You can visit the famous wine-producing region on our New Zealand Tour.
“Loads to do and see, great scenery, people are very friendly, food is great.” Clive
France
No wine-tasting guide would be complete without the home of the world’s best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Burgundy is the ultimate wine destination. Vines arrived in these parts these parts from Greece around 600 BC but it was the Cistercian and Benedictine monks who were responsible for the cultivation of the first vineyards in the region. The villages of Burgundy produce some of the world’s most sublime wines and no visit to medieval Beaune would be complete without a cellar visit and tasting.
The Rhône Valley wine region follows the north–south course of the Rhône for 150 miles from Lyon to the Rhône Delta on the Mediterranean coast. Often divided between its northern and southern climes, the Rhône is associated with the purity of Syrah grapes in the cooler northern appellations of Côte Rôtie and Hermitage. Further south Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes are blended in the appellations of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Sun-drenched olive groves, glittering sea and sleepy squares, just the word ‘Provence’ evokes the desire for a glass of rosé. Provencal rosés may all seem similar at first glance, but a range of sub-regions and grape varieties means you’ll find surprising diversity. You can taste the wines synonymous with this region on our Burgundy, the Rhône & Provence river cruise with wine-tasting packages at local vineyards along the Rhône.
View all French river cruises.
And, of course, we couldn't mention French wine without talking about Bordeaux. It is widely regarded as the world's oldest and most prestigious wine-growing region after all. It's often considered the perfect wine country with a temperate oceanic climate - thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean - and its terroir. The soil may be poor and relatively inhospitable for most types of agriculture but it's perfect for growing grapes. As a result, its wineries produce around 2.5 billion dollars worth of wine per year - that's over 900 million bottles - most of which are red wines made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can find out more about what makes Bordeaux special on our Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion tour.
“An excellent cruise in all ways. The food was outstanding. The tours efficient and well chosen.” Philip
The Alsace region borders France and Germany, the wines are influenced by their German neighbours. Alsatian wine is all about aromas; the producers do not use oak ageing, instead relying on a balance of ripeness and alcohol to bring the flavour. The scent of peaches fills the glass and these wines also come with a tingle of brilliant acidity.
Germany
The Rhine forms the backbone of Germany’s wine-growing regions and the wines of the Rhine valley vary immensely in taste. Riesling and Gewürztraminer are perhaps the most famous grape varieties, and the wines of the region can be made with a blend of grapes too. Wines designated as Kabinett are the lightest and driest wines and Auslese wines are sweet and high in alcohol. There’s still a perception that Germany only makes sweet Liebfraumilch-like wines, but the cool climate is perfect for producing more interesting varieties and Rhine wines are very much back in fashion.
The world’s largest wine vat with a capacity of 219,000 litres sits in a cellar under Heidelberg Castle. The giant barrel is now empty but after exploring the delights of Heidelberg, a glass or two of local Spätlese is a perfect finale to the day. See this and so much more on the Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg river cruise.
“It was relaxing and a wonderful experience. Lovely going down the Rhine taking in all the scenery and lovely colours.” Kennet
Portugal
The Portuguese wine region in the Douro Valley is one of the most alluring wine regions in the world and once the best-kept secret, known only to the Portuguese and wine professionals. The valley is characterised by the steeply terraced vineyards that line the wide and winding river and the white and yellow hacienda-style wineries that punctuate the hillsides. Porto and the Douro are synonymous with port, and you’ll find all the famous producers in Porto where a visit would not be complete without a tasting. Port is heavier than table wine and usually served as a digestif, but the tawny ports can be served as an aperitif too. For something different, try a Porto Tonico - a refreshing mix of white port and tonic water served with ice and a slice.
The Portuguese wine regions on the Douro are Pinhão and Peso da Régua produce excellent table wines which continue to gain popularity. A glass of fruity Douro red is perfect with a selection of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and the light whites pair beautifully with seafood.
There's plenty of opportunity to sample local Portuguese wines on the Douro, Porto & Salamanca river cruise or find out more about the best places to taste port in our blog Port Tasting in Porto.
“Really felt we were being given a taste of life in Portugal. We particularly enjoyed the wine tastings and the day in Salamanca.” Janet
California
From the Sonoma Valley to Santa Barbara, the Napa Valley and beyond, excellent wines are produced in the United States of America. This sun-soaked state produces a diverse portfolio of wines, all with different flavours and characteristics derived from the soil and climate. The first wine grapes in California were planted in San Diego and wines from this region continue to gain recognition around the world for their quality, concentration and rich aromas. Some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon come from the Napa Valley and the reds from Sonoma, made with Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes, are inspired by the wines of Burgundy.
When tasting, what’s particularly interesting is the distinctions of the same or similar varieties; a Chardonnay grown in the Central Valley will taste entirely different from a Chardonnay from Monterey County and this remarkable diversity means that there’s a wine to suit everyone.
Thanks to its proximity to the Napa Valley and Sonoma you’ll be spoilt for choice in San Francisco, so whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious sniff-and-swirler be sure to sample some of California’s finest wines in one of the city’s excellent wine bars.
Visit California on our California & the Golden West tour.
“We experienced some of America´s greatest sights. There was a great variety of cities and natural wonders. The hotels were excellent and the tour guide was very knowledgeable.” John
What is the perfect time of year for wine-tasting?
With something to see in every season, there are no bad times to visit a vineyard. The most popular time to visit a winery is summer when the grapes are still growing, and you can see first-hand how the grapes are grown. If you prefer a cooler climate, a wine-tasting guide during autumn has the added benefit of spectacular natural colours. You get a backstage pass to the busiest time of the year, while vineyards are harvesting and crushing the grapes to create a new vintage.
Sample the wines from your favourite regions with a river cruise, escorted tour or worldwide tour. Book now.
