Wine tasting tours: Sip, savour & explore

What is a wine tasting tour? It is not only about learning about the craftsmanship of making wine, visiting picturesque vineyards or savouring the best wines in the world, it is also a great way of understanding wines, its pairing with food and travelling to new countries and knowing the local people. A wine tasting tour promises to be a very different, yet memorable experience.

That’s why wine tourism is becoming popular these days because it encompasses culture, history, food and scenery that one can rarely see, otherwise. Participating in a Tuscan wine tour in Italy, a Porto wine tasting tour in Portugal, or a more popular wine tour in the Barossa Valley, can be an experience that you will cherish forever.

The best season to go on wine tasting tours is during harvest time, which is generally late in summer or toward the beginning of autumn. Off-season visits are less crowded and usually intimate but every region has its own time, the fall harvest is popular in Europe, and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

A quick chart on wine tasting tours

Location	Unique Wine Experiences
France	Bordeaux palaces, Burgundy wines, Champagne cellars
Italy	Tuscany vineyards, Chianti towns, Prosecco in Venice
Spain	Ribera del Duero tours, Rioja wine caves, tapas tasting
USA	Napa boutique tours, Sonoma hot air balloon, Oregon wineries
Argentina	Andes wine tours, Mendoza tastings, Salta Torrontés
Chile	Colchagua Carménère, Pacific Sauvignon, Maipo Cabernet
Australia	Barossa Shiraz, Hunter Semillon, Yarra Pinot Noir
New Zealand	Central Otago Pinot Noir, Marlborough Sauvignon
India	Nashik tastings, Bangalore vineyard walks, Pune red tours
Portugal	Douro River cruises, Porto cellars, historic vineyards

Jump to sections

Why wine tasting tours are more than just tasting
Popular wine regions around the world
Types of wine experiences you can choose
Responsible wine tourism
Choosing the right tour for you
Why book with Flying Squirrel Holidays

Wine tasting tours are more than just tasting

Wine tasting tours: Sip, savour & explore

Most tourists believe that wine tasting tours are, as the name suggests, sipping a few goblets of wine. In reality, these tours are much more. Here’s why:

Cultural, historical, and experiential value

Every glass of wine has a story about the land and the people who made it. On wine tasting tours, you can visit old vineyards in France, enjoy a Tuscan wine tour in Italy, or learn about traditional winemaking in Spain. These tours show you the culture, history and art of the region. Walking through sunny vineyards or tasting special wines in hidden cellars makes the experience even more memorable.

Social and environmental roles

Many wineries are family-owned and follow environmentally friendly practices. By joining wine tasting tours, you help support local communities and sustainable farming. Whether you visit small producers in Portugal on a Porto wine tasting tour or explore wineries in the Barossa Valley in Australia, your visit leaves a positive impact. You are helping preserve traditions and protect the environment.

Popular wine regions around the world

The best part of wine-tasting tours is visiting the areas where the finest wines are produced. Every place has a history, a taste, and customs. Wine touring in Tuscany, Italy, is a totally different experience from a Porto wine tasting tour in Portugal or the well-known wine tours in the Barossa Valley in Australia. New to wine, or visiting these areas as a seasoned traveller seeking the greatest wine tasting experience, these are places that you will never forget with every glass of wine.

France

France is popularly known as the capital of wine and it deserves it. Each region is unique and there are sophisticated reds and even sparkling wines that enjoy fame all over the world. It is necessary to visit this place to experience the best wine tasting.

Must do: Experience the lively Bordeaux Wine Festival while tasting world-class wines.

Signature wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wines, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc.
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Château Margaux (Bordeaux), Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy), Moët & Chandon (Champagne), Domaine Huet (Loire).
Unique wine experiences: See big Bordeaux castles, taste rare Burgundy wines, tour underground wine cellars in Champagne, visit the Loire River and make wine stops along the route.
Insider tip: Try Crémant de Loire which is a sparkling wine that is often missed, but it is good quality and of great value.
Food pairing highlights: Bordeaux reds, steaks, Burgundy Pinot Noir, coq au vin, Champagne and oysters, Loire Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese.

Italy

Italy has been rated as one of the best places to visit during a wine tour in the entire world due to the combination of history, culture and the amazing landscapes. Each region has its traditional way of making wine. Be it the Tuscan wine tours in the hilly terrain to the places in the north, where one might enjoy sparkling Prosecco, you can have some of the best wine tasting experiences here.

Must do: In Tuscany, do a Brunello tasting at a Montalcino estate while enjoying a farm-to-table lunch overlooking rolling vineyards.

Signature wines: Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Barolo, Barbaresco, Prosecco, Amarone, Nero d’Avola, Grillo
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Toscana), Gaja (Piemonte), Masi (Veneto), Planeta (Sicilia).
Unique wine experiences: Walk through vineyards in Tuscany, Chianti in medieval towns, Prosecco in Venice, and experience the best wine tasting in Piedmont.
Hidden gem:Visit Montepulciano, in Vino Nobile, it is lesser known but worth a visit.
Food pairing highlights: Chianti and steak, Barolo and truffle pasta, Prosecco and cicchetti, Nero d’Avola and grilled meat.

Spain

Spain has a vibrant food culture, and a wine tour in this country makes it even more enjoyable. The bold flavours and longstanding traditions of Rioja, the sparkling wine of Penedes, will find their way to your taste. Spain is the best destination in terms of wine tasting experiences, with numerous winery tours to attend.

Must do: Celebrate the grape harvest at Fiesta de la Vendimia en Ribera del Duero.

Signature wines:Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cariñena, Cava
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Marques de Riscal (Rioja), Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero), Álvaro Palacios (Priorat), Codorníu (Penedés).
Unique wine experiences: Explore wine caves in Rioja, go on winery tours in Ribera del Duero, have the best wine tasting with tapas in Barcelona, and much more.
Hidden gem: Visit Rias Baixas and try fresh whites with seafood.
Food pairing highlights: Tempranillo with roasted lamb, Garnacha with grilled vegetables, Cava with tapas and paella.

If you are planning a wine tasting tour, get in touch with us. From guiding you on where to go to making all arrangements, we will take care of everything.

USA

Napa Valley and Sonoma are the pioneers of wine tasting in the USA. A wine tour in this area will be a combination of modern luxury, family-owned vineyards, and breathtaking views. You can sample bold Cabernets in California or hit boutique winery tastings in Oregon and find something to quench every wine enthusiast’s thirst.

Must do: Enjoy the Napa Valley Harvest Festival amidst stunning vineyard landscapes.

Signature wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Robert Mondavi (Napa), Opus One (Napa), Kendall-Jackson (Sonoma), Domaine Serene (Oregon).
Unique wine experiences: Napa winery by a private plane, hot air balloon in Sonoma, Oregon, boutique wineries, and relaxed vineyard tours in Washington.
Insider tip: Visit Paso Robles for bold blends, smaller crowds, and greater values.
Food pairing highlights: Cabernet and steak, Pinot Noir and salmon, Syrah and barbecue, Chardonnay and lobster.

Argentina

The Malbec of Argentina is known all over the world. A wine tour here is a combination of bold wine, dramatic scenery and warm hospitality. The country has some of the best wine tasting in South America, in the high altitude vineyards of Mendoza and in the underground cellars of Patagonia.

Must do: Take part in Mendoza’s National Grape Harvest Festival and savour Malbecs.

Signature wines: Malbec, Pinot Noir, Torrontés, Syrah
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Catena Zapata (Mendoza), Bodega Norton (Mendoza), Bodega Chacra (Patagonia), Colomé (Salta).
Unique wine experiences: Tours of the vineyards at the base of the Andes, winery tasting in Mendoza, Torrontes tasting in Salta and Pinot Noir in Patagonia.
Insider tip: Try Mendoza sparkling wines; it is surprisingly good and cheap.
Food pairing highlights: Malbec and steak, Torrontes with empanada, Pinot Noir with lamb and Syrah with barbecue.

Chile

Chile is an amazing place to take a wine tour, with both coast and mountain ranges. The country has become a popular destination for the best wine tasting trips in South America due to its reds and fresh whites.

Must do: Explore the Curicó Grape Harvest Festival and taste the best Carménère.

Signature wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah.
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Concha y Toro (Maipo), Montes (Colchagua), Matetic (Casablanca), Errazuriz (Aconcagua).
Unique wine experiences: Winery tours of Carménère in Colchagua, Sauvignon Blanc by the Pacific coast, Cabernet in Maipo and Syrah in Aconcagua.
Insider tip: Visit small organic wineries in Bio-Bio Valley to taste some different flavors.
Food pairing highlights: Cabernet and roast beef, Carmenere and spicy meals, Sauvignon and seafood, and Syrah with grilled lamb.

Australia

Australia is known worldwide for Shiraz and conducts one of the most popular wine tours, the Barossa Valley wine tours. The tour is a combination of sunny landscapes, bold reds and friendly cellar doors. This is where travellers usually begin when they are looking at the best wine tasting in the Southern Hemisphere.

Must do: Attend the Margaret River Gourmet Escape for Shiraz and gourmet delights.

Signature wines: Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc.
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Penfolds (Barossa), Henschke (Barossa), Tyrrells (Hunter), Vasse Felix (Margaret River).
Unique wine experiences: Wine tasting in Barossa for Shiraz, in Hunter Valley for Semillon, in Yarra for Pinot Noir and in Margaret River for Cabernet.
Insider tip: Sip Sparkling Shiraz in Barossa-less crowded and memorable.
Food pairing highlights: Wine and barbecue with Shiraz, wine and seafood, Pinot Noir, wine and duck, Cabernet, wine and lamb.

Check this out: Maldives Resorts With Private Pool – Flying Squirrel Holidays

New Zealand

New Zealand is a small nation with a huge wine reputation. Here, a wine tour means verdant scenery, salty sea air, and one of the best wine tasting experiences, particularly for lovers of Sauvignon Blanc.

Must do: Join the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival where you can enjoy tastings from 40 wineries and exotic local food.

Signature wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer.
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Cloudy Bay (Marlborough), Felton Road (Central Otago), Craggy Range (Hawke’s Bay), Millton Vineyards (Gisborne).
Unique wine experiences: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, organic wines, these are the highlights of Marlborough, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, respectively.
Insider tip: Try Central Otago Pinot Noir, a delicate, complex, and world-class experience.
Food pairing highlights: Shellfish, lamb, venison, chicken, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay.

India

India is not the first country that would come to mind when you think about a wine tour, yet the country is gaining recognition rather fast. Areas such as Nashik and Bangalore are already making award-winning wine and tourists are finding some of the best wine tasting experiences in Asia.

Must do: The SulaFest in Nashik is a must visit in February for tastings, fun and lively music.

Signature wines: Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Sangiovese.
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Sula Vineyards (Nashik), Grover Zampa (Bangalore), Fratelli Wines (Pune), KRSMA Estates (Hampi).
Unique wine experiences: Stay at a stunning resort inside the Sula Vineyards in Nashik. Vineyard walks around Bangalore, red wine tours in Pune, red wine tours in Hampi Hills.
Insider tip: Try grape stomping at Soma Vine Village in Nashik and go for a village stay.
Food pairing highlights: Keebar and Shiraz, curries and Chenin Blanc, tandoori chicken and Sangiovese.

Portugal

Portugal offers a rich wine culture with centuries-old traditions, stunning landscapes and world-famous Port wine. A Porto wine tasting tour in Portugal or exploring the Douro Valley vineyards gives travellers a perfect blend of history, scenery and flavor. Every glass tells a story of local heritage and craftsmanship.

Must do: Experience the Douro Valley Wine Harvest Festival among historic vineyards.

Signature wines: Port, Vinho Verde, Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, Douro reds
Top wineries & vineyards to visit: Quinta do Noval (Douro), Graham’s (Porto), Niepoort (Douro), Quinta da Aveleda (Vinho Verde)
Unique wine experiences: Cruise the Douro River while sampling wines, explore hidden cellars in Porto, visit centuries-old vineyards with panoramic views.
Insider tip: Try lesser-known fortified wines from the Dão region for a unique tasting experience
Food pairing highlights: Port with chocolate desserts, Vinho Verde with seafood, Touriga Nacional with roasted meats, Alvarinho with fresh salads

Types of wine experiences you can choose from

Today, a wine tour is not just about drinking some wine in a glass. Globally, whether you are on a Tuscan wine tour in Italy or a Porto wine tasting tour in Portugal, or a wine tour Barossa Valley in Australia, there are numerous varieties of experiences that any traveller can prefer. In addition to the wine tasting best, you may want to take a more adventurous route. Here are some suggestions:

Guided tours & tastings

Traditional winery tours and guided tours.
Start with picking grapes and enjoy the process of making wine.
Choose between different kinds of wines (usually it’s between 3-4 varieties) to taste at each place.

Vineyard walks and harvesting

Take a walk through the vineyards and view where the grapes develop.
Participate in harvest time, gather grapes with local people.

Cooking classes with wine pairing

Practical lessons in collaboration with local chefs.
Know how to make local food, and complement it with wines.

Luxury/private experiences

Private wine tour and personal guide.
Unique and specialty tastings.
Commonly included on luxury wine tasting tours in Napa, Bordeaux, or Porto.

Adventure-based wine tours

Go on bicycle tours of vineyards, hot air ballooning, or jeep tours.
Adventure wine tours are popular in Barossa Valley and New Zealand.

Responsible wine tourism

It is not just what is in the glass that makes a good wine tour, but also about respecting the land, people and the tradition behind every bottle. Vineyards can suffer harm if you are visiting and littering or resources are not used sustainably. Choose wineries that recycle, are eco-friendly, use local produce and employ local people. You can stay in eco-friendly accommodation too and buy directly from family-owned vineyards to support them directly. It’s here that you find the cute small wine bottles to take back home as a memento.

Choosing the right tour for you

Each tourist is seeking something different in a wine tasting tour. Here are some of the ways you can choose the one that is best suited for you:

For beginners: Guided wine tasting, short hiking tours in the vineyards, introduction to the various types of wine.
For enthusiasts: Tours of the most popular regions, tours of cellars and interviews with winemakers.
For families: Open space vineyards and eat-in tours where children are not prohibited.
For luxury seekers: Private tours, rare vintages and chosen pairings with fine dining.

Why book with Flying Squirrel Holidays

At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we believe that wine tasting tours should not be as basic as drinking a glass of wine. Our team will design an adventure that not only takes you to wineries, but to lesser-known vineyards or cellars that are hidden gems. Along the way, interact with local people, try local food and discover the tradition involved in the art of wine making. Whether you are on a grand vacation in Napa or a country walk in India, we make sure your wine experience is personalized, captivating and memorable.

Our team organizes tours which suit your taste and purpose.

Customized tours: From a quick getaway to detailed wine trails across countries.
Vineyard access: Private visits to the vineyard, secret spots and unique winery tours.
Smooth planning: We handle all the details, and you do not need to worry about anything; just have fun on the trip.
Unforgettable moments: Be it trekking through Tuscan hills or savouring bold reds in Argentina, the experience will be one of a kind.

Give us a call at +91 33 4052 5777 or log on to www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance for a wine tasting tour?
Most wineries recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and any guided experiences.

Is there an age restriction for wine tasting?
Yes, you must be of legal drinking age in the country you are visiting (e.g., 21 in the U.S., 18 in most of Europe).

How much wine will I taste during a tour?
Typically, tastings include 3–6 wine samples, each ranging from 30–60 ml, so you can enjoy multiple wines without overconsumption.

Can I eat or bring food during the tasting?
Most tours provide small food pairings (cheese, olives, or bread). Outside food is usually not allowed, but check with each winery.

Are wine tours suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Wine tasting tours are designed for all levels, and guides often explain grape varieties, wine-making processes, and tasting techniques.