These Are the Best Places to Go for Winery Getaways!
Every year, Americans consume over 900 million gallons of wine!
Are you an oenophile? Do you want to pair your love of wine with a fun vacation? If you answered yes to either of these questions, a getaway to a great winery might be just what you need.
Winery Getaways
Whether you want to travel alone or with your closest friends, there are lots of places you can visit if you want to experience some incredible wine in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Read on to learn about some of this year’s hottest winery getaways!
Tuscany, Italy
Italy is home to some of the world’s best vineyards, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Tuscany is at the top of this list. While in Tuscany, you must try its world-famous Chianti Classico.
In addition to sipping on some incredible wine, you’ll also get stunning views. The rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany are different from any other landscape in the world.
If you only take one international wine vacation in your life, it has to be to Tuscany.
Napa Valley, California
If you’re interested in sticking a bit closer to home, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Napa Valley, California.
Located about 65 miles outside of San Francisco, Napa Valley is filled with gorgeous vineyards with over three dozen different types of grapes. In Napa Valley, you’ll also find many stunning hotels so you can relax in style after a day at the vineyard.
Bordeaux, France
If you want to go abroad for your wine vacation, another great location to consider is Bordeaux, France. Known for its incredible red wines, Bordeaux is the place to go if you love a good merlot or cabernet sauvignon.
While you’re there, consider splurging on a meal at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. Le Pressoir d’Argent — one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants — is an excellent option if you’re looking for an incredible meal.
Asheville, North Carolina
When most people think of wine getaways, they don’t think of North Carolina. In reality, though, the city of Asheville is a great place to visit if you want to try some delicious wine in a gorgeous atmosphere.
In Asheville, you can sample a variety of incredible wines, including the following:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
One of the must-visit wineries in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. Burntshirt Vineyards is another excellent option, as is Overmountain Vineyards.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is home to roughly 200 wineries that grow everything from Pinot Gris to Pinot Noir. While in Vancouver, if you want a luxurious experience, you might want to take a helicopter tour over the vineyards. SKY helicopter tours include personal tastes and unforgettable views, all with the guidance of a professional sommelier. What could be better?
Woodinville, Washington
Located in the Sammamish River Valley, Woodinville, Washington, it is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms.
While you’re here, you can taste all kinds of delicious wines, beer, and spirits. You also get to enjoy incredible food in a unique, scenic atmosphere. This is a great place to visit if you want a relaxed winery getaway experience.
Santorini, Greece
Wine with a stunning ocean view? What more could you ask for?
Santorini is home to various vineyards and wineries, all with a fabulous view of the Mediterranean. The grapes on the island taste different from those elsewhere, thanks to the volcanic terrain. This is the place to go if you want to taste unique wines while enjoying delicious Greek cuisine.
Styria, Austria
Styria is Austria’s southernmost wine region. Located between the Slovenian border and the city of Vienna, Styria is known as the country’s green heart. This is the place to visit if you love white wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc.
While here, you can also relax at various spas and hotels and dine at some incredible restaurants. Whether you prefer tavern-style restaurants or more high-end options, there’s something for everyone, and delicious wine is served.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you’re looking for an affordable international wine experience, make Cape Town your getaway of choice.
This small city has an incredible selection of wines and delicious cuisine in a stunning atmosphere. So whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a full-bodied red, you’ll find something here that suits your tastes.
Things to Consider When Planning Winery Getaways
Are you eager to plan your wine getaway? Do you want to stick to a budget while also making sure you have an enjoyable experience? If so, be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Set your budget before you begin planning
- Decide which wineries you want to visit before you leave (and research their prices)
- Use sites like Skyscanner to get the best deals on flights
- Decide how you will get around (rental car, Uber, walking?)
- Plan your trip during the off-season for better prices and fewer crowds
- Stay in an Airbnb to avoid the cost of a hotel
- Go grocery shopping and eat out just once per day
- Avoid traveling on weekends or holidays
Instead of making your first trip international, you might consider starting with a getaway a bit closer to home. These domestic trips will be more affordable, but you’ll still enjoy the luxurious wine vacation experience.
Want to Learn About Other Great Getaways?
You love wine, and you love traveling. So why have you never thought to put the two together before? You have plenty of information to help you plan great winery getaways. Do you need help planning other trips, though? If so, we’ve got you covered.
Check out the travel section of our site today for all kinds of helpful information on everything from booking hotels to finding the cheapest flights.
With over 20+ years of experience in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Diana has developed a great understanding of Marketing Strategy, Brand Development, Customer Success, Public Relations and Management. Her internal drive for developing others and external brands, has allowed her to work in some of the largest cities in the world including Milan, Paris, NY, Mexico, and the Middle East. This experience has been fundamental to Diana’s success and ability to communicate cross-culturally.
