With lockdown and travel restrictions slowly lifting, now is the perfect time to think about booking vineyard tours. Even if you can’t go straight away, it gives you something to look forward too.
Vineyard tours are a great way to learn more about your favourite wines. You’ll have a chance to meet the makers and hear their story. And you’ll also get an insight into the way that a particular wine is made. Of course, vineyards are also usually in beautiful parts of the world. So, a vineyard tour is your opportunity to enjoy a tasting session in stunning surroundings too.
All of the following vineyard tours are either accepting bookings for now or next year. Many also offer full or partial Covid-19-related refunds. It is absolutely crucial however that you check for yourself that the tour is still operating. Read the small print thoroughly before booking.
We also strongly recommend that you get travel insurance that covers Covid-19-related issues too. There’s a comprehensive list of providers who do that here.
Here is Ideal Wine Company’s guide to the vineyard tours to book right now.
Our expert pick of the best vineyard tours
From the Garden of England to Chianti country, these vineyard tours offer a relaxing and informative experience for any wine lover.
- Kent English wine tasting tour
We’re big fans of English wine. So, we’re keeping things local with our first recommendation. The Kent English Wine Tasting Tour run by English Wine Tasting & Tours visits two of our finest vineyards.
The tour takes in the Chapel Down Winery first. Then, after a hearty lunch at The Bull Inn in Benenden, you will head to either the Hush Heath Estate or Woodchurch Wines for more tastings. Book online here.
- Tour of Champagne
Grape Escapes offer some great ‘self-drive’ wine holidays. You travel around the country in your own car, but they provide transport to their wine tours so you can have a drink safely.
Our pick? This self-drive tour of Champagne, which starts at the beautiful Château de Rilly and takes in some celebrated vineyards.
Grape Escapes promise that all deposits are fully refundable if Covid-19 disrupts your trip. They will also postpone your trip completely free of charge if there is Covid-related issue with your booking.
- A tour of Chianti country
If you’re dreaming of the rolling hills of Italian wine country, then this tour of Tuscany is for you. This tour takes in the best of Chianti country. The package includes a cycle tour through some of the region’s finest vineyards. You’ll have a chance to enjoy expert tastings as well as indulge in some fantastic Tuscan meals along the way.
SmoothRed say that all deposits are fully refundable if Covid-19 disrupts your trip, up until your balance is due. If the worst happens, you can also rearrange your trip free of charge before you’re due to depart.
- Vinho Verde and Port tour
One for lovers of Portuguese wines next. This tour begins in Porto with a trip to the famous Sandeman Port wine lodge. You’ll have a chance to try some of the finest ports in the world, before heading off into the Portuguese countryside.
The tour takes in the Quinta de Santa Maria, which produces sparkling Vinho Verde wine. This is another tour from the excellent Grape Estates, so the same refund policies apply.
- Weinköpfe tour of the Rhine valley
We know there’s much more to German wines than just Riesling. But Riesling is popular for a reason and the cool climate of the Rhine valley produces some sublime examples.
This day-long tour of the Rhine valley is excellent. It takes in three leading winemakers, giving you the chance to sample the best the region has to offer. It also includes a traditional lunch and snacks along the way too.
