Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a casual vino drinker who wants to combine the experience of tasting some great wines with travel, then there are some fabulous vineyards to visit across Europe.
There is something incredibly relaxing in sipping a glass of wine in the sunshine against the backdrop of a beautiful vineyard, enjoying peace, quiet and a stunning view. If you are looking for a holiday that provides something a little different this year, then why not book a break in a famous European wine-producing region?
From exploring the Rhône region of France by rail to a cycling break based at an Italian vineyard, there are plenty of holiday options.
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Reasons to book a wine-tasting holiday
Wine-tasting holidays can be combined with plenty of other activities, such as walking or cycling tours. Depending on what you want from your holiday, you can pick a relaxing self-guided trip or book an itinerary with a professional sommelier who can educate and entertain you on all things wine-related.
One of the best things about a wine tour is learning how to pair the wines with local dishes and
So, be prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy the majestic vineyards with a lazy summer break in some of the world’s best wine-producing countries.
Biking in Bordeaux
Home to over 6,000 vineyards which produce more than 9,000 varieties, Bordeaux offers wine lovers the classic French wine-drinking holiday.
Embark on a leisurely, self-guided biking holiday through the vineyards of Bordeaux as the trail leads you eastwards between overnight hotel stopovers with many wine-tasting opportunities in and around the pretty towns and villages of this cycle-friendly area.
The itinerary is very flexible and takes in the historic wine-producing regions of St Emilion, Garonne and Rauzan, through ornate estates, rolling countryside and sweeping vineyards, where you can sample the local cuisine to fuel up for the next stage of your journey.
A 6-night break including accommodation, meals and cycle hire costs from £995 per person, based on two people sharing.
Photo by Mario La Pergola on Unsplash
Wine-tasting breaks in Rioja
Discover the world-famous wines of Rioja and explore the region’s premier vineyards on this four-day short break in Northern Spain.
Enjoy red, white and rose Rioja wines, including Tempranillo, a red grape which contributes to the ageing potential of the wine and Viura, a grape that is often blended with Garnacha Blanca to produce a white Rioja.
The tour is guided by a local Spanish wine enthusiast who will share their extensive knowledge of the wine region, and of course, recommend the best wines to sample. At the wineries, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a glass tapped straight from the barrel with a simple lunch of tapas, before visiting the centuries-old wine cellar and an afternoon wine-tasting session overlooking the vines.
Prices start from £510 per person and include bed, breakfast and evening meals.
Beautiful Lake Balaton in Hungary
Most people who visit Hungary explore no further than the capital of Budapest. However, wine drinkers who are seeking a relaxing break should venture further afield to the largest lake in Europe – Lake Balaton.
Surrounding the lake, nestled in the hills, are several sweeping vineyards, where you can book a wine tasting experience to enjoy while you take in the picture-perfect view. We recommend the recently renovated Laposa Birtok wine terrace, which offers a range of Hungarian wines, including a refreshing Laposa rose.
Enjoy your tipples with a gourmet cheese platter, a basked of bread and a bowl of olives for utter bliss!
There are lots of hotels around the lake within the Badacsony area, which is one of the prettiest and best places for visiting vineyards. Book a room at the Bonvino Hotel and stay right in the heart of the wine-making region.
Photo by rikkia hughes on Unsplash
Vino in rural Veneto
Step back in time and enjoy an easy cycling holiday through an undiscovered corner of Italy with a stay on a family-run farm and vineyard in the village of Villaganzeria. The pace of life is slow, with ancient villas, tranquil lakes, and acres of countryside with gentle circular cycling routes. The area is also famed for its abundance of red Tai Rosso grapes, as it is the only region outside of Hungary where the grape is grown.
The farm is a working vineyard, lined with olive groves and cherry orchards, and the accommodation is simple, yet charming. The family is friendly and will often encourage visitors to get involved with fruit picking – or let them try the local grappa from the neighbouring distillery!
All the food is produced on the farm according to what is in season – and of course – the wines come straight from their own vineyards.
Prices for a seven-night holiday start from £1,329 per person, including flights.
Explore the Rhône Valley by rail
This six-day railway adventure takes you to some of the most revered vineyards in France, including the La Chapelle estate, where excellent wine has been produced for over two hundred years.
Guests can simply sit back and enjoy the view as the train winds its way down the Rhône Valley from Lyon to the pretty village of Condrieu in the south, taking in five wineries along the way. Accommodation includes a series of stunning boutique hotels and all the wine-tasting tours.
During the day, an English-speaking guide will accompany you to tours and tastings, with lunch included, in the famed wine-making villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras.
Prices start from £1,421 per person and include 4* accommodation, rail travel and local taxi transfers to your hotels.
Book now for summer 2022
We’re convinced that there is no better way to enjoy a summer holiday than visiting a scenic location and learning everything about the local wines from the experts.
Summer is the best time to visit a vineyard to experience sunny, warm weather and the excitement of the harvest – so get booking today.
