THE 10 BEST United States Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in united states.

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weekend winery tour

  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

weekend winery tour

1. All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour of Paso Robles

weekend winery tour

2. Boutique Winery Experience in the Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country

weekend winery tour

3. The Original 4 Winery Tour with Charcuterie

weekend winery tour

4. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley

weekend winery tour

5. The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour

weekend winery tour

6. Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

weekend winery tour

7. 6 Hour Napa or Sonoma Valley Wine Tour by Private SUV

weekend winery tour

8. All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley

weekend winery tour

9. Luxury Shared Miami River E-Boat Cruise & Wine and Charcuterie

weekend winery tour

10. All-Inclusive Social Wine Tour

weekend winery tour

11. Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included

weekend winery tour

12. Corks & Forks Culinary Tour (Strolling/Historic District)

weekend winery tour

13. "Private Wine Tours of Napa Valley and Sonoma for 2 to 5 people."

weekend winery tour

14. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

weekend winery tour

15. Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

weekend winery tour

16. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

weekend winery tour

17. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

weekend winery tour

18. Sonoma Valley Open Air Wine Trolley Tour

weekend winery tour

19. The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley "Up Valley" Castle Tour

weekend winery tour

20. 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood

weekend winery tour

21. ​All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara

weekend winery tour

22. Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Calaveras County

weekend winery tour

23. Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour

weekend winery tour

24. Semi-Private, Modified "Hop-On Hop-Off" Wine Tasting Tour from Paso Robles

weekend winery tour

25. Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch

weekend winery tour

26. Temecula's Best Wine Tasting Tour

weekend winery tour

27. Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

weekend winery tour

28. Half-Day Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

weekend winery tour

29. Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour

weekend winery tour

30. All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews!

What travelers are saying.

Marina N

These 7 wine regions in the USA offer a perfect weekend getaway

Mar 30, 2023 • 6 min read

weekend winery tour

Pick one of these winemaking regions and plan a romantic weekend getaway © George Rose / Getty Images

Need inspiration for your next romantic getaway? Look no further than your wine glass. 

More than just tastings in a vineyard and purchases of a few cases of that sauvignon blanc you loved, wine touring lets you discover the landscapes in which the grapes are grown, deepening the experience of enjoying a nice white or red, and building a personal connection to each varietal.

We’ve looked to Lonely Planet’s new edition of Wine Trails to adapt these ideas for a wine-touring weekend to remember. For these seven regions in the USA create not only standout wines, but lasting memories, too.

A field of grapevines with a house overlooking Cayuga Lake at Thirsty Owl Wine Company, Ovid, Finger Lakes, New York State, USA

1. Finger Lakes, New York State

Best for rieslings, pinot noirs and gorgeous lakeside views

With its harsh winters, the Finger Lakes of New York State represent one of the furthest limits of winemaking in North America. Winemakers here successfully introduced European vinifera grapes in the ’60s, and today a variety of vines grows along the shores of four of the region’s 11 very long, very deep lakes: Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka and Skaneateles.

A number of winemakers believe that riesling and pinot noir are the finest vehicles to discover and convey the Finger Lakes’ terroirs. Others embrace a host of grapes, and consider questions of method most important: native or laboratory yeast, machine or hand-harvesting, oak or steel. Base yourself at one of the region’s two city hubs, Watkins Glen or Ithaca , and set out to taste for yourself. 

2. Walla Walla, Washington

Best for spectacular scenery, outstanding dining and world-class syrahs

Beneath the Blue Mountains in eastern Washington State , the Walla Walla Valley has become a remarkable story of rural regeneration, its longtime agricultural economy transformed and elevated by the arrival of grape wines. One of Washington’s most celebrated wine regions, Walla Walla is also the state’s best equipped for wine-country travel, with an enticing mix of tasting rooms, charming local restaurants, comfortable B&Bs and luxury hotels.

If you’re in the market for world-class syrah, the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater American Viticultural Area (AVA) has become one of the new hot spots of the region. While tasting through the region, be sure to allow some time to enjoy a walk around and a meal in the town of Walla Walla itself, where some of the state’s best chefs can be found.

Winery employees harvest gradpes at Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, USA

3. The Atlantic Upland, Pennsylvania

Best for a sense of history, weekend festivals and premium dry wines

History is everywhere you turn in Pennsylvania , home to centuries-old farms, Independence Hall , the weathered cabins at Valley Forge and the battlefield of Gettysburg . Winemaking, by contrast, is a newer tradition, legal in the state only since 1968; today, around 300 wineries operate statewide. Many benefit from the rolling terrain spilling off the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains that provides elevation and a drying breeze. Pennsylvania’s diverse topography also produces a variety of climates.

While you’ll find vinifera such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, you’ll also come across samples of hybrids such as chambourcin and traminette, both made in a variety of styles and improving in quality by the year. Meanwhile, Native American grapes such as Niagara and Concord satisfy a local sweet tooth. That said, the greatest gains are being made in the production of premium dry wines, from red and white blends to experimentation with newcomers such as grüner veltliner, albariño, zweigelt and blaufränkisch.

4. Willamette Valley, Oregon

Best for Burgundian expats, Portland hipsters and sublime pinot noirs

Oregon ’s foremost wine region, the Willamette Valley is renowned as one of the best places in the world to grow pinot noir. The numerous Burgundian expats who have enthusiastically established wineries here can attest to this: the delicate, elegant reds they produce bear more than a passing resemblance to the wines of their homeland. White-wine lovers can rest assured too, since pinot gris and chardonnay also perform well here, with aromatic whites from riesling and gewürztraminer getting better with every vintage. 

The valley’s 930 wineries are just south of appealing Portland , an ideal staging post for visits to the region. Eccentricity abounds here, yes – but so does a dazzling array of great restaurants and places to drink. An abundance of organic produce, artisanal coffee, craft beer and street food are evidence of a foodie culture in which wine plays a leading role.

A couple sits in the shade enjoying wine at La Belle Vie winery, Palisade, Colorado, USA

5. Grand Valley, Colorado

Best for mountain vistas, unique terroirs and eager hospitality

With some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the world, Colorado wineries offer soul-stirring vistas of mountains and the Colorado River, plus a refreshing twist on traditional wine styles. The state is home to an eclectic community of grape-growers and winemakers – a passionate, curious bunch who produce iconoclastic wine styles brimming with personality that comes from alkaline soils and thin mountain air.

This unique terroir rewards patience and perseverance, and Colorado’s winemakers have both in spades. On a visit, you’ll be greeted with generous hospitality and an infectious enthusiasm for what’s possible in a place that remains a well-kept secret in the wine world. The Grand Valley AVA is home to vineyards that sit at 4500ft, soaking up the sunshine that radiates off the valley’s chalky Book Cliffs, and providing surprisingly successful conditions for the Bordeaux, Rhône and Italian varieties that thrive here.

6. Sonoma Valley, California

Best for a variety of microclimates, outstanding restaurants and bold, exciting blends

With its diverse patchwork of microclimates and terroirs, the Sonoma Valley is where many of California’s most skilled and forward-thinking winemakers turn out star pinot noirs and chardonnays. While today’s Sonoma is certainly at the cutting edge of the state’s wine scene – thankfully, its wineries largely escaped the ravages of the 2020 Glass Fire – it’s also where California’s first commercial winery was established back in the 1850s. This long history is evidenced in many gnarled old vineyards, some of which are over a century old.

In this part of Northern California – where the climate ranges from baking hot inland to downright cold out on the wet and windy coast – wine and food are embedded in the culture, something evident in the first-rate tasting rooms and restaurants in Healdsburg , the ideal place to base yourself here.

A farmer rides a tractor in fields, with a wall of fog atop of the Santa Ynez Mountain in the distance, Solvang, California, USA

7. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Best for gorgeous road trips, endless sunshine and (naturally) pinot noirs.

This beautiful trail , stretching west of glamorous Santa Barbara , is the west coast’s only well-established winegrowing region fully exposed to the fogs and cool weather of the Pacific. Sunny days with relatively low temperatures make for the longest growing season in California – and produce some of the state’s best pinot noirs (gulped memorably by Miles and Jack in the 2004 film Sideways ).

Other varietals thrive here, too. Vineyards planted closest to the ocean tend to offer lighter-bodied wines, while the warmer temperatures found inland create bolder, more full-bodied reds and whites. Planning tip: given the range of temperatures and elevations, bring a few layers when you set out.

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Ultimate Napa Valley Weekend Itinerary You Should Steal

Hand holding wine glass in front of setting sun with vineyard in the background - napa valley itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you a wine lover making a long-awaited trip to Napa Valley, California?  After all, this warm, mountain-encircled valley is basically the mother of all U.S. wine regions.  Since narrowing down wineries for your Napa Valley itinerary is half the battle, today I am sharing the best stops from my own amazing trips to help you on your way.

During our first February 2019 trip, my husband and I cozied up on heated patios and watched rainbows form over the vineyards. We recently returned for a fall visit, strolling past vines loaded with ripening grapes that were days away from harvest. However, this time we visited a maximum of two wineries a day and did a bit more hiking.

While these trips were very different, they felt equally romantic. The February Napa trip had sweater weather and Valentine’s Day ambiance, while our second trip exploring the mountains and seeing redwood trees was full of wonder and awe.

Below, I have created the perfect Napa Valley itinerary, whether you only want to taste wine or want to mix in some outdoorsy sightseeing. I will suggest two wineries per day, while giving an option for a third winery or potential hike. With that, let’s get into how to have an incredible weekend in Napa Valley, whether you have 2, 3, or even 4 days.

Napa Valley in February: 6 Reasons to Visit 6 Dreamy Wineries to Visit in Napa Budget Breakdown: Real Cost of a Trip to Napa Valley

girl in pink sweater posing in front of a vineyard in napa valley

The Perfect Napa Valley Weekend Itinerary

Get ready for a wondrous weekend of winery hopping and drinking some of the best fermented grapes you’ve had in your life. You’ll start each day with a nice breakfast at a charming inn or hotel, which will be a good base before wine consumption.

This Napa Valley itinerary is relaxed, with no more than three winery visits a day (trust me, that’s more than enough!). You’ll end each evening eating at trendy restaurants featuring creative dishes made with high-end ingredients.

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 1

Hit the ground running upon arrival in Napa Valley so you can maximize your full weekend itinerary, whether long or short. This can mean heading straight for wineries or stopping at one of the best places in California to see redwood trees.

If you prefer to prioritize wine tasting, plan to arrive into Napa Valley early since most wineries close anywhere between 4-6 pm.

Redwoods & Wineries

Would you like to see some redwood trees? If so, a stop at Muir Woods National Monument is easy to do on the way to Napa Valley from the airport.

Otherwise, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to Napa Valley from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), giving you time to schedule one or two wine tastings.

11:00am: Choose Between a Hike or Winery

silver oak vineyards with stone tasting room in the background

Choose between option 1 or 2:

  • See Redwood Trees at Muir Woods: The easiest and most popular way to add redwood tree sightings to your Napa itinerary is to stop at Muir Woods. Although this park is about an hour an a half from Napa Valley, it’s an easy stop on the drive from SFO. Be sure to reserve a parking spot in advance online ($9 per vehicle and $15 entry per person). While this lush park gets very crowded, it’s worth it to hike shady creek-side trails spanning from a half-mile to as long as 11 miles.
  • Visit Silver Oak (Oakville): Kick your trip off at one of Napa’s most famous wineries with outstanding red wine. Silver Oak is a Cabernet Sauvignon paradise, with a grand tasting room surrounded by sprawling vineyards. Reservations required. Tastings of a selection of premium wines start at $60.

3:00pm: Biale (Napa)

Couple standing in front of Biale vineyard with rainbow in the background

Biale is one of my favorite Napa wineries for exceptional Zinfandel.  As our visit was in February, I was initially surprised that this tasting was held outside on their patio, especially on a chilly rainy day. However, the built-in heaters and provided blankets did the trick in making us perfectly comfortable

Our off-season visit also meant that Biale wasn’t crowded at all, and our server actually sat with us and educated us about each wine.  I really valued the personal touch, and the opportunity to learn more about Napa Valley wines.  Meanwhile, the rain was stopping, and a rainbow formed over the vineyard in the background. What a dream!

As a personal aside – Biale holds a special place in my heart, as their Black Chicken Zinfandel has come to be synonymous with crazy, but fun holiday gatherings at my in-law’s.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $50.

5:00pm: Domaine Carneros (Napa)

Grand entrance to Domaine Carneros mansion in Napa

Cap off your first day of wine tastings with bubbly at Domaine Carneros , whose tastings are housed in a marvelous chateau. Ascending the long path and stairs through immaculate gardens for a grand hilltop entrance. 

While the wines matched the elegance of the building, don’t feel like you have to wear a ballgown to come here. My husband and I visited just a few hours after our cross-country flight, and were wearing sweatshirts with jeans. No one judged us.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $40.

Travel Savvy Tip

Be strategic about the order in which you do wine tastings. Each day, we started with the furthest one, and worked our way back towards where we were staying. You will be tired after hours of tastings, and it’ll be nice to be close to your hotel when you’re done.

Dinner in Napa

Keep your first night in Napa Valley casual. For a relaxed sit-down experience, visit Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ in Napa.  Where else besides wine country will you find a smokehouse that is also a wine bar?

For even more cost effective dining that is also delicious, visit the Tacos Garcia food truck in Yountville. My chorizo burrito was filling and oozing with flavorful seasonings and sauces.

vineyard shrouded in fog at Cade Estate Winery

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 2

Fuel up for day two of your Napa Valley itinerary, which features an array of awesome wines and stunning scenery.

Mountain Wine Tastings

11:00am: cade estate winery (angwin).

Brunette girl sipping glass of white wine near infinity pool of Cade Estate Winery in Angwin

If Domaine Carneros has the most stunning building, Cade has the most breathtaking view.  Perched high up in Howell Mountain above the fog line, on a clear day you can see over the valley for miles. 

Admittedly, this is a splurge winery. However, Cade’s tasting is worth it for its wonderful selection red wines with a small cheese pairing, as well as a tour.  Somehow, the beautiful wines hypnotized us into pulling out our credit card to purchase a bottle technically outside our budget.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $100.

1:00pm: Choose Between a Hike or Winery

Girl kneeling next to a stream in Bothe State Park in California

  • Hike in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: If you missed Muir Woods, you can still see redwood trees at this state park conveniently located in Calistoga on the north end of Napa Valley. Hike the easy 3-mile Redwood Trail , which runs along a tranquil creek, or turn it into a more challenging 4.7-mile loop by adding the Coyote Peak Trail .
  • Second Tasting on Howell Mountain: For an efficient wine tasting itinerary, stay on Howell Mountain to visit a second winery in this scenic appellation. To taste sophisticated cabernet sauvignon on the patio of an elegant estate run by Midwesterners, check out O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery . Alternatively, Summit Lake Vineyards is a family-run property where you can taste velvety Zinfandel as friendly dogs stop by for a pet.

4:00pm: Vincent Arroyo (Calistoga)

Grapes dangling from vines in Calistoga - napa valley itinerary

Please don’t overindulge today because you’ll want to save yourself for this tasting! This family run winery offers charm and a nice change of pace from more grandiose, large-scale operations.

The tasting we did at Vincent Arroyo is up there among the best wine tastings I have ever done in Napa ( Travel + Leisure agrees ). The vineyard-lined driveway to the barrel-filled barn housing the tasting was gorgeous during golden hour.

Once inside, we tasted so much wine that this is the first time I’ve ever had to dump any of my tastings! Expect to try (and love) an impressive variety of wines including Vincent Arroyo’s specialty: Petite Sirah. Also be ready to spend; we walked away with six bottles.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $30 .

Remember: there is no need to jam-pack your day with more than two or three wineries.  The tastings are meant to be slow, sit-down experiences, and normally take one to two hours each. 

In addition, wine tastings can really add up monetarily, and it’s not necessary to go broke to get the full experience. You can only drink so much wine in one weekend anyhow – by the end of the day it all begins to taste the same.

Dine in Yountville

The French Laundry is the most famous restaurant in Napa Valley, with three Michelin stars. It’s also the most expensive, with a daily tasting menu costing $390 per person. A lot of people like to check it out at least once for the experience, but there are plenty of other awesome restaurants nearby to visit instead.

Alternatively, you could visit its more affordable sister restaurant Ad Hoc , which sits just a little ways down the street. Known for upscale takes on American comfort food served family-style, the four-course menu changes daily and features luxurious add-on options, like caviar. As we visited on a Sunday night, our menu featured delightful build-your-own ice cream sundaes.

My husband and I also had the best date night at Bottega , an lively, upscale Italian restaurant in Yountville.  We both agree that our plates of fresh pasta were the best dishes of our entire February trip. Booking a reservation in advance is a necessity if you’d like to get a table.

girl photography Napa Valley vineyard at sunset

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 3

Final wine tastings.

girl sipping a wine flight at Duckhorn winery

It’s your last day in Napa, and you’ve got one more full day of wine tastings to go. Drink your morning coffee and let’s get to it!

11:00am: Schramsberg Vineyards for Champagne and Wine Caves

Rows of champagne bottles aging at Schramsberg

A tour and champagne tasting at the Schramsberg caves is one of the most iconic things to do on any Napa Valley itinerary. You’ve likely seen Schramsberg champagne before since this winery distributes all over the country. However, a tasting offers the chance to try five different types of bubbly side by side for thoughtful comparison.

What sends a visit here over the edge is the chance to tour the wine caves and learn about how champagne is made. The caves date back to the 19th century and look like something out of Harry Potter. Indeed, the rows and rows of glass bottles reminded me of the Hall of Prophecy in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Also giving spooky vibes were the thick sheets of lichen covering the stone ceilings, which could easily be mistaken for monstrous spider webs.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $85.

Girl standing beside ancient petrified tree - Napa Valley weekend itinerary

  • Explore the Petrified Forest: This is your chance to see trees that were preserved in a volcanic eruption over three million years ago! Located just 13 minutes from Schramsberg by car, it only takes about an hour to stroll The Petrified Forest’s two half mile loops. You’ll see evidence of an ancient lava flow and the redwood trees that were excavated from the ash.
  • Taste wine at Duck Horn (Saint Helena): One of our favorite tastings from our initial trip to Napa Valley was at Duckhorn .  Our most valuable takeaway was doing a side-by-side tasting of two Cabernets, with one made from grapes grown on the valley floor and the other made from grapes grown on Howell Mountain. This eye opening experience demonstrated how dramatically growing conditions affect the flavor profile of any given wine. Reservations required. Tastings starting at $60.

3:00pm: Grgich Hills Estate (Rutherford)

front garden of Grgich Hills Estate winery

A visit to Grgrich is essential. It was this very winery that helped originally put Napa on the map by beating a French wine in the famed “Paris Tasting” of 1976.

That said, our experience at Grgich was more than a history lesson; it was also a reminder to refer back to a physical Napa Valley itinerary throughout the trip. This is also what inspired us to stick to two daily wine tastings on our next trip.

Basically, we lost track of time and missed our scheduled tour at Grgich. Thus, we had to settle for a counter tasting only.  We still loved this winery and the moderate price point on the bottles, with rows of barrels giving oaky aromas that further engaged our senses. 

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $75.

Napa Valley Sign

napa valley sign in front of a vineyard at sunset

This photo spot is touristy, but essential. The Napa Valley sign is a short four minute drive down Highway 29 from Grgich Hills Estate. It’s a wonderful spot for a quick photo op, and looks especially stunning at sunset.

Have one last elegant meal before leaving wine country. On our initial visit, we finished up at Torc in downtown Napa.  This chic, yet dressed-down restaurant featured delectable menu items like pork belly and mushroom risotto. 

On our subsequent visit, we felt a little more adventurous and let the students at the Culinary Institute of American cap off our trip. The Gatehouse Restaurant on the school’s campus features a coursed menu prepared by future student-chefs two years into their studies.

Dishes like crudo and seared pork loin are prepared with using fresh produce from the school’s garden. You can even add on wine pairings for an elevated experience.

wine walking towards the sunset in a vineyard row in Napa Valley

Getting There

view when driving over golden gate bridge in san francisco

Unless you live close enough to road trip to Napa Valley, the majority of people will fly into San Francisco International Airport.  From there, it is about an hour and a half drive to Napa Valley.  You will likely drive over the Golden Gate Bridge en route, which is pretty cool!

The drive from the airport is easy and straightforward, although their will likely be some slow-downs going through San Francisco.  It was the calm before our exciting winery adventures, which we enjoyed while listening to my California-themed playlist .

Only Have 2 Days in Napa Valley?

If you only have two days available for your Napa Valley itinerary, simply skip the first day of this schedule. Rather than exploring Muir Woods, focus on seeing the best of wine country by exploring estates in the valley and in the surrounding mountains.

Do You Have 4 or 5 Days for Your Napa Valley Itinerary?

Blue waters of the Pacific seen from Point Reyes National Seashore in California

If you have additional time to spend on your Napa Valley trip, here are some additional wineries and unique places to check out in the surrounding area.

  • Venge Vineyards in Calistoga for delicious red wines made from grapes grown in volcanic ash.
  • Mumm Napa in Rutherford to sip bubbly and peruse the adjacent art gallery
  • M.S. Torun is the only winery in Napa that produces more olives than grapes. In fact, the owner, Sid, is the official olive oil provider for The French Laundry. Book a tasting here for an intimate, Mediterranean-feeling escape into the hills while Sid brings you fresh dishes produced on his property.
  • Visit neighboring Sonoma to get acclimated to a new California wine region. We thoroughly enjoyed our tasting and tour at Repris , who paired our wines with an impressive cheese and charcuterie board.
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve gives you a similarly impressive redwood tree experience to Muir Woods, if not better. The difference is there are way less people around and entrance only costs $10 per vehicle.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect last stop of your trip if you don’t mind a trek on your last day. Windy roads lead you into a rural coastal paradise where you can walk scenic hiking trails or descend steep stairs down to the 1870 Point Reyes Light Station.

Where to Stay

exterior of Candlelight Inn hotel in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is made up of various little towns along Highway 29 and the Silverado trail.  Three of the most popular ones to stay in are as follows:

  • Napa: We loved our stay at the charming Candlelight Inn in Napa – especially the breakfast that was included.  Napa is a great base, with a downtown that boasts many lovely restaurants.  However, being located further south, it is not the most convenient for reaching wineries on the north end of Napa Valley. 
  • Yountville: This town is a popular destination for its walkability and easy striking distance to nearby wineries.  Yountville also has boasts of the most famous restaurants in Napa Valley, like the esteemed French Laundry . While hotels here run a bit pricey, Maison Fleurie offers affordability and charm right next to the highly touted Bouchon Bakery .
  • Calistoga: Calistoga is unique from the other towns, with roads that become hilly and windy and great hiking and natural hot spring offerings nearby.  This northern town is not so centrally located in the valley, but is near plenty of terrific wineries, like the gems of Howell Mountain. The Bergson is a cozy hotel, with perks like fireplaces in the rooms and easy walkability to downtown Calistoga. We personally adored the Trailside Inn for seclusion and comfort on a budget.

Choosing Wineries

Bubbly wine flight at Mumm Napa tasting room

I have suggested some amazing wineries above, but of course you can swap these out for your own tastes. However, if you’re like me, the real issue is narrowing down the best ones from a rather large array of choices. After all, Napa Valley has over 500 wineries with tasting rooms you could visit. Yikes!

To combat the overwhelm of our first trip, I first made a list of all the wineries that we were considering and organized them by price and location. I narrowed down to just one or two splurge wineries, and basically played with the list until I was within my desired budget. I tried to arrange our itinerary so that we visited a max of three wineries each day, starting with the farthest out and working our way back to our hotel.

Don’t worry too much about choosing the perfect spots. Almost all the wine in Napa is good and everything is so beautiful. As long as you don’t overdo it, It’s impossible to fail at this!

Now your itinerary is all set for a mesmerizing weekend in Napa Valley.  This visit will be short, but it’s the perfect amount of time for doing some serious wine tasting.  You definitely can’t lose by visiting any of the ones I mentioned above.  After a blur of excitement, you’ll leave wondering when you can return to this magical wine region again.

The ultimate Napa Valley itinerary for the perfect weekend away.  Whether it's your honeymoon, bachelorette party, or simply a vacation, all the best wineries and things to do on a short Napa Valley trip.  Includes suggestions on where to stay and how to choose the best town.  Read more #napavalleyitinerary #napavalley #thingstodoinnapavalley #napavalleyhoneymoon #napavalleyvacation

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napa valley welcome sign at sunset

Thank you! We followed a lot of your guidance on our Napa trip, and loved it!

Yay! That is so great to hear 🙂

This itinerary is fantastic!! How did you get around to the wineries? Are shuttles available, or ride-shares?

Thank you! We did a combination of driving ourselves and using Uber/Lyft (traditional taxis are available as well). Ride-sharing several times a day can get very pricey though, so it’s good to plan out tastings to minimize how often you need to use it. That said, if you’re able to split rides with others, that will definitely help keep costs down!

This is perfect! My best friend and I are planning a trip and this has a lot of fantastic tips.

This is so great to hear! Napa is such an awesome destination with more things to do than meet the eye.

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10 best wine vacations in the U.S. for unforgettable tasting experiences

Looking for a place to unwind with a glass of wine? These U.S. wine regions are the places to seek out.

Photograph: Courtesy Visit Santa Barbara/Kirk Irwin

Erika Mailman

Napa’s an instantly recognizable name for wine travel, with its beautiful wine trail and Mediterranean climate, but there are so many other regions that lend themselves to a delicious wine vacation. Maybe you’re a hardcore wine chaser with a perceptive palate or just someone who enjoys visiting a new place with a glass in hand: either way, you’ll find your happy place with these regions and cities that focus on wine. Although so many of these are set on the west coast, all across the country there are so many pockets of winemaking to explore. Here’s our top 10, but you know we’re just getting started.

RECOMMENDED: Secret U.S. wine regions you need to know about

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U.S. wine regions worth visiting

Willamette Valley | Oregon

1.  Willamette Valley | Oregon

Some say this valley has been producing some of the best pinot noir on Earth over the last half-decade. It boasts 700 different wineries across 150 miles, and alongside its notable pinot varietals it offers heritage and natural wines. Willamette Valley is its own American Viticulture Area with 11 sub-AVAs. There are many ways to enjoy tasting here, including guided and personal tours, wine dinners, and the chance to drift over the vine rows in a helicopter or hot air balloon. Alaska Airlines lets you fly a case of wine home for free from certain cities. Our favorite thing here? The world’s first Queer Wine Fest , now an annual event.

Sonoma County | California

2.  Sonoma County | California

It’s not always easy living in the shadow of a big sister like Napa, but Sonoma County arguably offers a better pace, less crowded tasting rooms and a beautiful historic downtown in the city of Sonoma itself. Visit more than 425 wineries across 60,000 acres of vines (plus dine at Michelin-starred and Zagat-rated restaurants). This county includes 19 American Viticulture Areas ranging from the Russian River Valley to the Petaluma Gap (just designated in 2018), and from Moon Mountain to the Pacific shores at Fort Ross-Seaview. Download the app to start planning your itinerary.

Napa Valley | California

3.  Napa Valley | California

It’s got name recognition for a reason: this incredible valley is world-famous for its vineyards with incredible views, delicious cabernet sauvignons and wine trail with more than 400 wineries and 90 urban tasting rooms. There are several climates within the region that present terroir appropriate for a variety of grapes. Most of the county falls under the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area. Winemaking began here in the mid-1800s, suffered from the twin tragedies of a phylloxera outbreak and then Prohibition—things didn’t get back into full swing until the 1960s. But what a bounce back! In 1976, Napa wines beat out famous French wines and tourism has swelled since then, with a wine train , wine trail, wine castles and more.

Yakima Valley | Washington

4.  Yakima Valley | Washington

Just a few hours from Seattle, this valley offers more than 90 wineries over 70 miles, incorporating six American Viticulture Areas. Known for reds like merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, Yakima Valley also has a craft beer trail in case the sig-oth isn’t into it (perish the thought, but it happens). Check out the Spring Barrel Tasting every April with tastes straight from the barrel or Catch the Crush in the fall with the chance to stomp grapes yourself just like Lucy.

Madera County | California

5.  Madera County | California

This is one of the oldest grape growing regions in the U.S., located near Yosemite National Park , and its American Viticulture Area is one of the oldest in California. It dates to the late 1800s when immigrants from Italy, Armenia and France began farming with expertise brought from abroad. Few of those wineries survived Prohibition but many sprang up afterwards. Known for dessert wines and ports, the Madera region has nine wineries on its wine trail. Notable is Papagni Wines, which began in 1920 when Demetrio Papagni emigrated to Fresno from Bari, Italy, with his son Angelo creating the state of the art winery in Madera in 1973.

Santa Barbara County | California

6.  Santa Barbara County | California

This diverse wine-growing region benefits from the east-west orientation of Santa Barbara’s mountain ranges; the resulting microclimates support more than 80 varietals. Seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) lie within the county. The best introduction is the Urban Wine Trail, with more than 20 wineries that are mostly within walking distance of each other. New ones are being added all the time, and Wine Enthusiast called this county the wine region of the year in 2021. Watch for the inaugural Natural Coast Wine Fest later this month, a natural wine fair featuring Central Coast wine producers. We also love the playful Bingo for Bottles fundraiser events.

Loudoun County | Virginia

7.  Loudoun County | Virginia

Just outside of Washington, D.C., this Virginia county offers nearly 50 wineries with a wine trail map. Loudoun’s known for Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Norton grape varietals. Enjoy barrel tastings, stomping on grapes, vinotherapy spa treatments (where wine pulp and pips are rubbed into your skin), and Vinyasa in the Vines yoga classes. Spanning the counties of Loudoun and Fauquier, the Middleburg AVA was established in 2012 with almost 24 winemakers across 200 square miles.

Wine Islands | British Columbia

8.  Wine Islands | British Columbia

The only thing better than a fantasy island has to be a wine island. This collective of wineries on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands off Canada’s southwest coast has emerged with a great name after plantings in the 1970s and ‘80s have matured: cabernet sauvignon and black muscat, along with around 100 other varieties. These grapes benefit from sea winds and volcanic soil, and now there are more than 30 wineries on the islands. Hot tip: take a five-day wine expedition cruise on a catamaran through the Salish Sea in the fall, with sea lions and surfacing whales as you toast with your onboard sommelier. This Maple Leaf Wines and Islands trip lets you hike, kayak and walk the vineyards with local winemakers. 

Dahlonega | Georgia

9.  Dahlonega | Georgia

Here in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains is an enclave of eight wineries and 12 tasting rooms showcasing the spoils of 100 acres of European, French hybrid and American vines. Watch for the Dahlonega Wine Trail Weekend each August, but visit anytime for tours and tastings. Wander Dahlonega’s charming streets with their National Register status as a historic downtown district, where seven tasting rooms are in walking distance of Dahlonega Historic Square.

Finger Lakes Wine Country| New York

10.  Finger Lakes Wine Country| New York

This 3,000 square mile area incorporates five counties and three wine trails. More than 100 wineries, breweries and distilleries cluster around the beautiful, narrow finger-shaped glacial lakes in New York. This area specializes in aromatic whites like riesling and gewurztraminer, although cool-climate reds like cabernet franc and pinot noir are also doing well. The lakes’ maintenance of a steady temperature gives these grapes a longer growing season and combats the early frost danger. Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake are separate American Viticultural Areas within the larger Finger Lakes AVA.

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Weekend Trips for the Wine Lover

Make the most of a long weekend in top wine regions across the country with these must-do wineries, vineyard tours and festivals.

Shop This Look

Napa Valley, California

Photo By: Hoberman Collection / Contributor

Photo By: George Rose / Contributor

Photo By: Finger Lakes Wine Country

Photo By: Pepper Bridge Winery

Photo By: Pedernales Cellars

Photo By: Barboursville Vineyards

Photo By: Chaddsford Winery

Photo By: Black Star Farms

Napa Valley, California

Sonoma county, california.

About an hour away from Napa,  Sonoma County  is considered more low-key and spread out. However, it holds its own with an equal number of wineries, and the region excels at Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Standouts include the  Francis Ford Coppola Winery , owned by the famous movie director. Not only does the estate produce more than 40 wines at its on-site facility, but the grounds also include two eateries, two swimming pools, a movie gallery and bocce ball courts. Add ongoing wine tastings and wine experiences, and you might not have a chance to visit anywhere else.  Korbel Winery  is a must stop for sparkling wine lovers; 50-minute winery tours cover its wine cellars and conclude with a tasting at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Bike tours are another great way to experience Sonoma’s bucolic countryside:  Wine Country Bikes  offers single and multi-day tours. For the ultimate wine country experience, check out  Sonoma County Grape Camp —three days worth of harvesting grapes, blending wines and eating farm-to-table fare.

Take your pick of ongoing festivals, but if you have to choose, the  Harvest Fair  draws wine aficionados from around the country for a weekend of wine tasting, grape stomping, seminars and more.  

Santa Barbara, California

Finger lakes, new york, willamette valley, oregon.

Oregon has a handful of wine producing centers, but the action centers around the Willamette Valley, which is known for its Pinot Noir. The region counts more than 300 wineries and five wine trails, including one geared toward cycling enthusiasts:  Pedaling for Pinot . Whether or not you follow a trail, many wonderful wineries abound. For example,  Silvan Ridge Winery  was one of the first in 1979, and has since become one of the most beloved. While in its tasting room, also try the 2013 Malbec.

King Estate Winery  produces the most pinot gris in the country, and its pinot noirs, cabernet sauvignons and syrahs also receive high marks from wine professionals.  Willamette Valley Vineyards  and  Sokol Blosser Winery  are other don’t misses for pinot noir. However, the  International Pinot Noir Celebration  is the ultimate pinot noir mecca known the world over. The three-day event, now in its 30th year, features tastings from more than 70 of the world’s best pinot noir producers, vineyard tours, and drinking and dining under the stars.

Walla Walla, Washington

Although Walla Walla’s wine industry didn’t start until the late ‘70s, it’s rapidly built a reputation as one of the top wine regions in the country, and even earned comparisons to Napa. Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are among the wines it does well, and there are more than 100 wineries, spread across four wine regions, in which to try them. The  Walla Walla Wine Alliance  provides a thorough rundown to get oriented.  Leonetti Cellar  was the region’s first commercial winery in 1977.

Woodward Canyon Winery  was another early pioneer—not just in wine production, but in sustainable wine production at that. Pop into its tasting room to sip its acclaimed 2012 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  Pepper Bridge Winery  excels at Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and its tasting room, housed in a small yellow structure straight out of a storybook, is the perfect setting to try them. If you enjoy being the first in the know,  Spring Release Weekend  provides the chance to explore new releases while learning about them directly from the winemakers.

Hill Country, Texas

Charlottesville, virginia, brandywine valley, pennsylvania, leelanau peninsula, michigan, we recommend.

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Best wine vacations.

Gorgeous vineyards, delectable food and (of course) top-notch vino – these are the essentials of a wine vacation. To help you plan a great trip (where wine tours and tastings are just the start), U.S. News tracked down destinations that promise spectacular scenery and a distinguished wine culture to bring you the best wine vacations. Vote for your favorite destination to sip chardonnay or shiraz to help determine next year's rankings. Then, grab a glass, pour some "cab" and start packing. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Tuscany, Italy

Napa valley, loire valley, willamette valley, the finger lakes.

weekend winery tour

Tuscany's world-renowned Chianti classico draws grape-seekers in droves. But another major draw is the destination's verdant countryside, with its picturesque rolling hills, medieval castles and leafy vineyards. Wine connoisseurs won't want to miss a visit to Montepulciano, where Tuscany's classic vino nobile is produced, or Montalcino, home of the country's famous brunello wine. For a heavenly glass of vin santo, another popular varietal, visit Castello del Trebbio, a winery housed in a former palace skirting Florence. Arrive in September to attend some of the region's wine events, such as the Impruneta Grape Festival and the Chianti Classico Expo.

weekend winery tour

Often overlooked in favor of neighboring Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley offers an equally impressive landscape and collection of vineyards perfect for a full-bodied wine vacation. Take a guided bike tour of Sonoma's scenic wineries, then enjoy a tasting at Gundlach Bundschu or Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Be sure to try one of the region's specialties, including pinot noir, zinfandel and chardonnay, while visiting. And with delicious Californian cuisine served at the area's many top-tier restaurants and hotels, you may never want to leave.

weekend winery tour

Bordeaux, France, has established a reputation for its sumptuous reds. In fact, more than 85% of the wine Bordeaux produces is red. Don't leave without trying the cabernet sauvignon or merlot, or seek out a glass that's a blend of both. For the ultimate wine excursion, explore the one-of-a-kind Cité du Vin wine museum or tour the region's famous chateaus – Château La Dominique, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Pape Clément are good starting points. And if you can, splurge on one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay's Le Pressoir d'Argent.

weekend winery tour

For an incredible grape escape, jet to California's wine country. Sitting about 60 miles north of San Francisco, this beautiful valley boasts cozy caverns, picturesque vineyards and more than three dozen types of grapes. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley's rolling hills, or ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. Offering gourmet cuisine and a wine list with roughly 40 wines (including cabernet sauvignon, a Napa specialty), the train gives visitors a chance to stop at select wineries during the scenic excursion. For an especially intimate experience, head to Frog's Leap or O'Brien Estate for the day.

weekend winery tour

This picturesque region of France boasts opulent castles, expansive gardens and lush vineyards, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The gentle Loire River slivers past vineyards that yield some of the finest French vintages, including sweet muscadets, crisp sauvignon blancs and smoky cabernets. Head to Château de Chenonceau's historic wine cellar for a la carte tastings, or sip bubbles in Maison Ackerman's troglodyte caves. If you'd like to explore the area's vineyards at your own pace, trek the Loire Valley Wine Route for an overview of the third-largest wine region in France.

weekend winery tour

So many centuries-old vineyards and medieval villages sprawl across Burgundy's gorgeous countryside that it was granted UNESCO World Heritage distinction in 2015. Sip as much pinot noir and chardonnay (two regional specialties) as your heart desires, or ask a sommelier for their recommendation. Plus, thanks to the variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, you'll have no problem finding delectable French cuisine to pair with your vino. If you're feeling overwhelmed by Burgundy's extensive list of wineries and don't know where to start, consider driving the Grands Crus de Bourgogne Wine Route to experience the region's most esteemed vineyards.

weekend winery tour

Referred to as Oregon's wine country, this 150-mile stretch between Portland and Eugene is home to nearly 700 wineries. The Willamette Valley is considered one of the world's top pinot noir-producing areas. With family-friendly wineries, such as Brooks Wine and Stoller Family Estate, and sophisticated manors like King Estate Winery and Domaine Serene, Willamette Valley appeals to every kind of wine lover. Plus, if you don't have your own set of wheels, you can easily reach the region from Portland with the help of an organized tour.

weekend winery tour

If you're a fan of sweet wine, travel to this city on Portugal's northwestern coast. Porto is home to – you guessed it – port wine, and no visit here is complete without sampling the region's delectable vinho. Book a cellar tour of the prestigious Graham's 1890 Lodge, or listen to the sounds of a Portuguese fado concert at Caves Calém's – all while sipping on a delicious tawny port. Then, after exploring the grand port emporium and multimedia center of Espaço Porto Cruz, make time for a history lesson at the Port Wine Museum.

weekend winery tour

Oenophiles willing to take a short trip south of Cape Town, South Africa, will find the Constantia Valley, the oldest wine-making region in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you can sip sparkling wine as you admire picturesque Table Mountain. Visit Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine farm, or venture farther inland to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, two popular wine destinations. Stellenbosch's Spier Wine Farm is highly regarded, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram makes visiting wineries like Babylonstoren a breeze.

weekend winery tour

As the largest wine producer in the state, New York's idyllic Finger Lakes are a haven for wine enthusiasts. Although wineries can be found throughout the region, first-time visitors will want to head to Cayuga, Keuka, Canandaigua and Seneca lakes, where the highest density of vineyards are located. Enjoy a refreshing riesling, the region's most popular varietal, or try a full-bodied gewürztraminer. If wine tasting is on the agenda, try the selections at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery or Fox Run Vineyards.

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Napa Valley Wineries

Our deep roots produce world-class wine and unforgettable experiences, enjoy intimate wine tastings, expansive outdoor spaces, and behind-the-scenes private tours of wine cellars and caves. plus, 95% of our wineries are family-owned and operated, which means nearly every spot will feel like home..

When you’re ready for a taste of Napa Valley, our wineries are ready to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

With hundreds of wineries to explore, each with its own unique style, setting and history, planning your Napa Valley wine tasting excursion may seem overwhelming. But whether you are visiting just for fun or to delve into that library collection and stock the cellar, there is an experience and price point for everyone.

With wineries updating their tasting areas to create more spacious, intimate settings, capacity is limited and tastings are conducted by appointment only. Some wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day, so it’s best to plan tasting appointments a few weeks ahead of time.

Take a look at the directory below to find the right wineries for your getaway.

#VISITNAPAVALLEY

With hundreds of wineries and miles of the valley to explore, we want you to know there's no wrong way to enjoy Napa Valley  

Can I wear jeans to a winery?

Yes! Jeans are acceptable year-round – we call it wine country casual (for women — sundresses, blouses and skirts, nice jeans, wedges, sandals, etc.; for men – golf shirts, khaki pants, nice jeans, dressier shorts, stylish sneakers, boat shoes, etc.).

A more upscale winery might call for darker denim, and be sure to dress in layers as many winery experiences take place outdoors and tours often take guests through wine caves and chilled cellar areas.

How do I taste wine?

First of all: Wine should be enjoyed , so don't overthink it – have fun and drink what you like.

If you want to taste like a professional:

  • LOOK at the color and clarity
  • SWIRL to release the aromas
  • SNIFF to prepare your palate
  • SIP and enjoy the complexities
  • Spit into a "dump bucket" if you don't want to get inebriated.

What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit?

There are more than 400 wineries open for tastings and 90 urban tasting rooms in Napa Valley — so which one is right for you? Let us help you decide which picturesque winery is your jam. Napa Valley has a wine experience for everyone who visits.

Are there any Napa Valley wineries that offer free tastings?

No, however, there are wine tasting options that are budget-friendly, and some wineries will waive tasting fees if you purchase wine during your visit.

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Otherwise known as urban wineries, downtown tasting rooms offer similar wine-sampling experience as a winery, just without the...

Plan your wine tasting vacation with our Napa Valley winery map to locate wineries, view appellations, and towns

Wine Tours & Transportation

Sit back and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving. Your options range from private tours in a town...

Find Your Winery Personality

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Appellations

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Although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most widely planted, the Napa Valley holds many surprises for wine lovers...

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Boutique inns.

Nestled among rolling hills, charming neighborhoods, and storied vineyards are the most charming boutique inns

From impeccable design to lavish landscapes, Napa Valley hotels have the creature comforts and amenities for you and your loved ones

A wonderland for grown-ups, Napa Valley resorts cater to outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, bon vivants and those seeking serenity

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5 Wine Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania

Think rest, recreation … and rosé.

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Our top weekend wine trips include a getaway to Nemacolin’s expansive property / Photograph by Jordan Millington

Being the designated driver while your partner gets wine-drunk isn’t the most appealing weekend activity. Fortunately, there’s a way to solve that familiar dilemma — by booking a weekend wine getaway. Whether they’re close to celebrated vineyards or wine destinations all on their own, these hotels across the state will ensure that all in your party can imbibe as much as they want (within reason, of course). Think rest, recreation … and rosé.

Western Pennsylvania isn’t known for its wine culture, but that isn’t stopping Nemacolin, a sprawling luxury resort near Pittsburgh — about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Philly — from popping corks on $10,000-plus bottles. Wine flows throughout this more than 2,200-acre family-owned property, and not just during meals at Lautrec, its elegant French-leaning restaurant. You can also savor prestigious vintages in a private sommelier-led tasting, clink prosecco glasses after a couples massage at the spa, and sip pinot while painting a landscape in the art studio. Any of the glorious grape juice from the 11,000-bottle cellar can be ordered to enjoy throughout the resort. Go ahead: Show off with Nemacolin’s oldest bottle, a 1928 Château Latour that comes in at $11,405, or with Forté Venango, a lovely red port from Lake Erie’s Conneaut Cellars Winery . Rooms from $499. — Sarah Maiellano

weekend winery tour

A bottle of Château Latour at Nemacolin / Photograph by Jordan Millington

The Inn at Grace Winery

  You’ll find this bucolic 35-acre estate in Glen Mills, just 45 minutes outside the city. Cozy up in the seven-bedroom Manor House — part of which is the original 1734 Quaker farmhouse — or opt for a more private stay in any of the nine cottages, including the bi-level Hideaway (the farm’s former carriage house) and the Greenhouse, ideal for a double date or girls’ weekend. When you’ve had your fill of indulging in seasonal three-course dinners, making s’mores around a firepit, playing bocce, and befriending the inn’s horses, donkeys and alpacas, head to the renovated barn to taste wines made from estate-grown or PA-sourced grapes — like crisp chardonnay, sparkling cuvée and oak-aged merlot. Bonus: The grounds (including the vineyard!) are dog-friendly. Rooms from $210. — Laura Brzyski

The Lodge at Woodloch

  No, there’s not a winery on-site at this 500-acre resort in the Poconos, about three hours from Philly. But that doesn’t matter: The adults-only, all-inclusive hideaway has a solid wine program, with a few PA bottles on the restaurant’s list. It’s the work of Leslie Britt, the lodge’s longtime sommelier, who only includes selections from sustainable, bio-dynamic or organic owner-operated vineyards in her lineup. Among them are Berks County-based Maple Springs Vineyard ’s New Leaf white, an American blend used at the resort’s garden dinners (and pairing classes). The blend changes every vintage and pairs well with seafood. While that vineyard isn’t quite next door, a scenic detour is worth the trip. Or enjoy a bottle at the lodge, between your nature-infused explorations (expect trails, a lake and more) and sessions at the expansive woodland spa. Rooms from $454. — Kristen Schott

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

  This mountaintop resort in southwestern Pennsylvania, a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Philly, boasts all things young at heart: a massive Alpine slide built right into the ski slope, an outdoor rock wall, two pools, mini golf, bowling, an arcade. But Seven Springs is perfect for vino lovers looking to unwind — Helen’s, the on-site restaurant, has an award-winning bottle list, and there are nearby wineries like Glades Pike and Greendance , where fruit and berry varietals shine. (They’re worth a sip, we promise.) Mark your calendar for the end of next August to catch the resort’s annual festival featuring 25-plus PA-based wineries — a weekend spent sampling and sipping local blends just steps away from your cozy lodge room, cottage or chalet. Rooms from $169. — Laura Brzyski

weekend winery tour

The Cholula pineapple short ribs with sunny-side egg at Plough, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square’s restaurant / Photograph courtesy of Lancaster Marriott

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square  

There are reasons all your Instagram friends are spending weekends in the city of Lancaster: It’s less than two hours from Philly by car, the ride is scenic, and there’s bounteous sightseeing, shopping and dining to indulge in once you get there (PA wine included). The Lancaster Marriott offers a central base, with its own farm-to-table restaurant and bustling rooftop bar. Walk a few blocks to Deerfoot Downtown , a tasting room of the nano-scale Berks County vineyard, for sublime small-batch chambourcin and award-winning cab franc. Head to nearby wineries Waltz Vineyards for estate-grown semi-sweet moscato and Grandview for Grand Rouge, a premium bordeaux blend aged 22 months in French oak barrels. Don’t want to drive? Local limo services like Unique Limousine and Premier #1 Limousine Service will pick you up from the hotel and ferry you to top spots on the Lancaster County Winery Trail. Prices vary. — Erica Moody

>> Click here to return to The Philadelphian’s Guide to Pennsylvania Wine.

Published as “Grape Routes” in the October issue of Philadelphia magazine.

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15 Tips to Plan the Perfect Wine Tasting Vacation

How to Plan a Wine Tasting Trip | Wine Vacation Planning Tips & Resources | How to Plan a Trip to Wine Country | Winetraveler.com

Planning a wine vacation (what we tend to call a wine tasting trip) is not without its challenges. Plotting the right course for your wine vacation is not only time-consuming, but with so many resources at your fingertips online, it can be quite overwhelming simply determining where to start.

How to Plan the Perfect Wine Tasting Trip in Any Region

To simplify both the planning process and your experience while you’re out wine tasting, we’ve compiled a solid list of “do’s and don’ts.” Essentially, this article offers some of the best tips for planning a successful wine tourism vacation — based on our editorial staff’s experience in planning and partaking in wine tasting tours around the world.

Figure Out How Much Time You Have for a Wine Trip

Before setting a budget or picking a region, you must figure out how much time you have available for the perfect wine travel experience. If you’re working full time, you may only have a week or two of vacation. Determining the length of your trip will also be a contributing factor when determining your budget, which we cover next.

RELATED: Browse and Book Wine Tours All Over The World

Set Your Maximum, All-Inclusive Budget

Deciding how much you’re willing to spend on your wine vacation is a quick way to narrow down your options.

If you’re strapped for cash, you might consider a domestic experience and visit an up-and-coming wine region like the Texas Hill Country , where travel, accommodation and tasting costs are relatively low.

If you have a little more money to burn, and still want to stay domestic, you could head over to one of the more pricey regions in California, such as Napa Valley .

Or perhaps you’re looking for a more authentic and exotic experience, such as wine tasting in Piedmont, Italy, Rioja, Spain or Bordeaux, France. Maybe you want to go as far as New Zealand! All of these are fantastic choices for venturing out and exploring the world through wine, but traveling abroad also tends to cost a bit more.

RELATED: 22 Amazing Wineries and Experiences To Enjoy in Rioja Spain

This is why it’s best to set a budget before you pick a destination, so you’re not disappointed in case you can’t afford your dream trip (yet). Be sure to consider location, timing, flight, transport, tasting, food and accommodation costs. If I’m flying to a new wine destination, I always  search for flights on Google Flights first and then use that cost as a baseline for wrapping my head around what ultimately the complete experience may cost. Then, I use Airfarewatchdog to send me flight deal alerts when a deal goes on sale immediately. Searching for hotels on TripAdvisor also helps to source the best price by comparing multiple travel sites.

Wine Tasting Trips and Advice | How to Go Wine Tasting Around the World | Winetraveler.com

Narrow Down Your Region

It kind of goes without saying, but an essential step when planning a wine tourism experience is to decide where you want to go. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of “broad” wine regions, within which thousands of sub-appellations exist. One could spend his or her entire life traveling and tasting wine and likely not be able to hit every sub-appellation around the world.

That being said, don’t be too ambitious in choosing your region.

First, start by picking a country. From there, narrow it down to a broad wine region within that country. From there, you can further narrow your trip to specific sub-appellations. Then, within those sub-appellations, you can begin to research individual wineries that suit yours and your fellow travelers’ personal preferences. Let me explain by using Spain as an example:

I’ve decided that I want to visit Spain for a wine vacation. I know that “La Rioja” is a famous wine-growing region within North Central Spain. After doing my research, I now know that there are three sub-appellations within La Rioja — Rioja Baja, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. Now, let’s assume that I have one week allotted for my trip. Again, after doing my research, I know that that’s plenty of time to visit all three sub-appellations in some way shape or form. I may not be able to visit every winery within each sub-appellation, but I should be able to have a pretty immersive experience in each, given the amount of time I would have available to me.

You get the idea. If you have more than one week for a wine vacation, you might also consider visiting multiple “broad” regions within one or two countries. It’s dependent upon your individual situation.

Narrow Down The Kind of Experience You Want – Tips for Planning a Wine Trip

This is another great tip for planning the perfect wine tasting trip. Another way to further narrow down your options and cut through the exorbitant amount of red tape often involved with planning a vacation.

What are you looking to get out of this trip? Are you going by yourself, with a group, with a significant other or spouse? Are you trying to just get drunk? Are you looking for something romantic? Are you looking to integrate an active itinerary with adventure mixed in between tastings?

All of the above are great questions, and each should be answered before you move further on with planning your trip and deciding on individual wineries.

RELATED:   Discover Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Wine Regions

Tips for How to Plan a Wine Tasting Vacation | How to Plan a Wine Tour Vacation | Winetraveler.com

Select the Time of Year for Your Wine Tasting Vacation

For wine professionals, this is a common-sense thing to consider when planning a wine vacation. But as wine tourism in recent years has sky-rocketed to becoming one of the preferred styles of experiential travel, a lot of people are unaware that time of year can have a huge impact on your ultimate experience. Why? Well, for starters, depending on what hemisphere you’re looking to travel to, you might unknowingly arrive in the middle of winter.

RELATED: Advantages and Disadvantages To Visiting Wine Country During Each Season

The Northern Hemisphere experiences Summer generally between June, July, and August. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experiences their Summer between December, January, and February. Also note that grape harvests in the Northern Hemisphere typically occur between September and October, while grape harvesting in the Southern Hemisphere generally occurs between March and April.

The above being said, consider what you’re looking to see in any given wine region and the kind of experience you want. If you want to experience a winery at harvest time, plan accordingly. If you don’t want to be cold, avoid the winter months. If Spring is more your thing and you want to see the vines just starting to bud, you’ll need to consider timing appropriately. You get the idea.

Consider Proximity (Airport, Hotels, Distance Between Wineries)

So now you’ve narrowed down your travel time, budget and general location. It’s time to get more specific.

First, depending on your preferred style of travel, it makes sense to plot a course in relation to how you travel. At this point, you should have a general idea of what flight(s) you’re taking and what airport you’ll be flying into. From there, you can begin to research wineries within whatever sub-appellations are closest to the airport. It’s best to begin selecting wineries, before booking hotels, as many wineries even offer accommodation options,  such as Marques de Riscal in La Rioja .

Proximity, in general, is critical to having a good experience. Maybe you’re looking to spread out your wine tastings to explore a landscape. Maybe you’re planning on drinking a lot so you’d rather not have to drive far. Or, maybe you’ve decided to have someone drive you around the entire time, which offers more flexibility and less worry. You also don’t want to end up dozens of miles from the nearest restaurant or hotel at the end of the day, so think about logistics throughout every step of your planning.

Consider Transportation Options

Taking proximity a step further, deciding on how you want to get around is critical to planning the perfect trip.

I prefer to drive myself and simply be cautious about how much I’ve been drinking when I’m winery touring. Others prefer to avoid this entirely and opt to use buses or pre-planned chauffeur services within whichever region they’re visiting. Additionally, some regions and specific wineries have dedicated guides, who will pick you up from your hotel, take you to lunch and a series of wineries within your preferred region.

It’s best to explore all of these options and be sure not to burn yourself out in one day. You can also mix it up, as we mentioned earlier. Drive yourself one day, use a guide the second day, etc. In any case, remember that ultimately you’ll need to eat, get back safely to your hotel and ultimately leave the region at the end of your trip. So again, think through logistics on a micro-level.

Tours vs. Tastings

Deciding on or mixing up Wine Tours vs. Wine Tastings is also a great way to narrow down your wine vacation experience. First, let’s define a wine tour vs. a wine tasting.

Wine Tours:  Generally, a guided tour by a winery employee or owner who takes you through their grounds and or vineyard property, which also includes tastings at the end.

Wine Tasting:  Generally, flights of wine are poured by bar staff at individual wineries (typically about 1 ounce), which allows the consumer to taste the varying styles of wine produced by the Vintner.

RELATED:   6 Different Wine Tasting Experiences To Try

First of all, some wineries don’t offer tours, so if you run into that you may already be able to knock some off your list. Secondly, wine tastings can be great, but they usually don’t provide a more emotional connection to the winery since you aren’t also visiting the grounds and learning about the winemaking process. Of course, there are many wineries out there that have excellent bar staff and can still offer a phenomenal experience.

A general rule for me on deciding on tours vs. tastings is two-fold. First, I look for wine tours at wineries that have exceptional grounds. A beautiful property is typically worth a tour as long as it isn’t too overpriced. Wineries that have smaller grounds and or unimpressive scenery may make more sense for simply tasting. Keep in mind, just because a winery may not have the most beautiful architecture, landscape or views doesn’t mean that they aren’t producing fantastic wine.

Second, I think it’s critical to try both tours and tastings. Based on the criteria I mentioned above, do your wine tours at fancy or well-known properties, and simply taste at the less impressive ones. This allows for a flexible, more immersive experience.

Reservations

So now you know the difference between a winery tour and a wine tasting. Keep in mind that as you continue planning your trip, you’re also going to need to figure out whether or not reservations are required for a visit in general. Many corporate  and  mom-and-pop wineries only allow visiting when a reservation is made. Conversely, many allow you to simply show up and say “I’m Here, Let me drink.”

Depending on the research you’re doing into visiting a region, you’re probably going to find both. You’ll need to decide whether or not you feel the wineries that require reservations are worth the visit or not. Once you’ve conceded yourself to a reservation, you’re going to need to try your best to make it. For some, this can be stressful having to rush from appointment to appointment. Others prefer the structure. Figure out what kind of experience you want and then book accordingly. I tend to interchange reservations and non-reservation required wineries on most of my trips.

For instance, on the first day, I may just want the freedom to roam with no time constraints. On the second day, perhaps there’s an epic winery I want to visit which requires a reservation, so I stick to a more structured schedule.

Know Your Favorite Style(s) of Wine

Another way to further narrow down the best wine vacation experience is to plan your tours and tastings around your favorite grapes! Consider researching individual wineries, and if possible, buy some of their wines at your local liquor store to get a sense of what they craft. More often than not, wineries will have styles of wine that they’re known for, and you can potentially plan your wine trip based around grape varieties and or blends that you prefer. A good way to figure this out is to use a wine rating application, like Vivino, to scan for wines by a particular winery and see what other consumers have rated them as. If you know you love a good Cabernet Sauvignon, and a winery you’re considering makes a Cabernet but you’re not sure if the quality — look the brand up on Vivino and search for the Cabernet to see where it stands.

RELATED:  Explore the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada

Conversely, you may be a very open-minded traveler and taster, like myself. If that’s the case, it’s still good to know what kind of wine styles are your favorite. When you get to any given region, you can tell your guide or winery staff the style of taste preference you have, and they can attempt to match that flavor preference with a grape variety perhaps you didn’t even know about! It’s this sort of open-mindedness that makes both wine and travel fun.

Tips for Planning a Wine Vacation | How to Plan a Wine Tasting Tour | The Best Wine Travel Trip Guide | How to Figure Out a Wine Route | Winetraveler.com

Familiarize Yourself with What the Region is Known For

At this point in your wine vacation planning, you’ve probably learned a decent amount about whatever region it is you’re visiting. Below, we’ll quickly list off a few other things you should familiarize yourself with before your visit.

What grape(s) is the region best known for?

When does the region harvest their grapes?

Have I done my research on the general history of the wine region?

Should I familiarize myself with local winemaking practices so I can appreciate the region more?

What is the average cost for a bottle of wine in the region?

What is the average cost of a tour in the region?

What is the average cost of a tasting in the region?

Generally, how does ‘tipping’ work in the region?

Consider the Climate, Pack Accordingly

Again, touching on what we mentioned earlier regarding the time of year when planning a wine vacation — be conscious of the general climate and weather conditions. Make sure you pack appropriate seasonal clothing and also take into account driving conditions if you are renting a car.

Also, it makes sense to get a free Travel Insurance quote  from a trusted provider to protect yourself from any “What If’s” that may arise on your trip. It could save a lot of money.

Using a Guide to Plan it For You

There are several companies out there that offer all-inclusive, guided packages for wine tours all over the world. Additionally, many of the appellations themselves are essentially marketing hubs and can offer recommendations or pre-packed itineraries you can simply follow along with.

Having your wine vacation planned for you comes with both its ups and downs. On one hand, the logistics are largely taken care of. On the other hand, you may be sacrificing your freedom. This comes down to the kind of traveler you are. Make sure to research your preferred region extensively and search around for possible package options. Many regions also have their own websites, which often mention guides, travel agents or wineries you can contact ahead of time to book your trip for you. We list a number of guided wine tours right here that can be customizable.

Know Where You’re Eating Ahead of Time

At this point, there’s a good chance you’ve got your general itinerary down. You know where you’re flying into and out of, what wineries you’re visiting and where you’re staying. But did you select restaurants ahead of time? Many wine travelers are guilty of omitting or completely forgetting about eating. Trust me, when you’re out on the road in the middle of a beautiful landscape, it’s easy to forget. At the same time, you don’t want to be stranded and have no idea where to go eat. Locating a restaurant on the spot can be incredibly time-consuming. Be sure to research restaurants in the area and have them marked down on your itinerary, with addresses and phone numbers so you can quickly navigate and pull an audible if necessary.

Additionally, be sure to pack some snacks that aren’t too light. If you’re on a tight schedule, you may not have time to have as big a meal as you’d like. As you’ll be drinking, it’s important to keep a base of food in your stomach to slow the absorption of alcohol.

Bringing Wine Home with You

Many wine tourists stumble (literally) across a beautiful style of wine they tried at a tasting or on a wine tour. It’s very common for these consumers to want to bring a few bottles home with them. Consider this ahead of time, and either bring a suitcase that allows for wine storage while traveling or set some money aside in your overall budget to account for purchasing wine and potentially having it shipped home. If you’re looking for a good suitcase to transport wine back home with you, check out this highly-rated 12 bottle case .

Travel Connected

Some people are going to disagree with me on this. Many travelers prefer to be “unplugged” from their digital lives that they’re so consumed by at home. If that’s you, ignore this tip. However, I do advise having some form of connectivity when traveling, especially abroad. Having a GPS and or a general, interactive map can be invaluable to saving you both time and money as you navigate a foreign region. Also, you may get to a point where you don’t know where to eat, or you get a flat tire, or you run out of gas (which happened to me in British Columbia recently). Save yourself that hassle and have some form of an emergency contact. Many carriers, such as Verizon, now offer pretty great deals on getting service abroad. For as little as $10 a day in Europe ($2 / day in Canada), I was able to have access to 8 Gigs of data throughout my entire trip.

Read Reviews

At this point, your trip should be pretty much booked and you should be pretty excited. However, if you’re still unsure about certain aspects, don’t be afraid to look up reviews! Whether it’s of the wineries, hotels, restaurants, whatever you may be unsure about — reviews are incredibly helpful. We frequently review itineraries, wines and individual wineries here at Winetraveler, so keep an eye on our app — which integrates reviews from multiple sources.

You can also browse our database of wineries around the world and filter down to wineries in certain regions that fit your travel preferences.

Questions? Ask away in the comment section below! We’re here to help make your wine tasting vacation experience the best it can be.

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Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, comments ( 13 ).

It really helped when you mentioned how it is recommended to set up a budget when planning a wine tasting tour. I can understand that doing this can help you not only choose the best tour for your pocket but also make the most of it. My sister was talking about how she was planning a bachelorette party wine tasting, so I wanted to look into it.

Setting a budget is always a great starting point because it helps you determine the limitations of your trip from the beginning. From there, you can drill down realistically how many places you can afford to visit depending on the kind of experiences you want.

definitely a good part for my planing to wine tasting , thank you so much

No problem! Let us know if you have any more questions!

I like the planning tips you recommend in the article like making reservations and researching which wineries you want to visit. A lot of times you don’t have the time to see and taste everything. Be sure and determine exactly how you want to spend your time.

Yes! Before planning any wine vacation it’s best to go into it with your travel preferences in mind. Research can be a pain, there’s a ton of information out there. But luckily here at Winetraveler we help you plan your perfect trip in minutes :).

[…] the 6 main ways to go wine tasting at a winery and or vineyard so you can be prepared and better plan your next wine vacation. Note that these methods vary by winery, and every option we mention may not be available depending […]

It was really nice how you said that winery tour includes having the owner or a winery employee take the tourists around the grounds or through the orchard of the property and can include tastings in the end. So, I guess what I really do want to do is to have a winery tour. I like wine, but I’m not really into tasting every single wine available in the cellar. I just want to see and feel the atmosphere of a winery. Thanks! I’ll get myself scheduled for a tour right away.

Tours always provide a more intimate and custom-tailored experience. I really recommend them especially if you can speak with the the vineyard ahead of time, lock down a price and confirm the kind if experience you’d like. If you visit during the less trafficked months (Winter –> Early Spring), you can sometimes get them for free as a walk-in experience too.

[…] you are new to planning a wine vacation, you might be unaware of the right time for the experience. The Northern Hemisphere grape […]

My family and I are planning to try wine tasting for our bonding. We’ll make sure to figure out how much time we have available for the wine tasting, so everything we’ll run smoothly. I just have to look for a perfect wine vineyard tour, so we may begin this exciting activity!

My boyfriend and I are planning to go on a wine tasting trip this coming weekend at Long Island. Thanks for your helpful tips on how to plan for this kind of trip. I like what you said about deciding on or mixing up wine tours and wine tastings since this can also be a great way to narrow down our overall wine vacation experience. I shall then talk to my boyfriend about that.

[…] Organizing the perfect wine tour for a special occasion or just because is not as difficult as one might believe. The following offers some helpful tips that will assist individuals in creating the wine tour of their dreams. […]

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    Verde Valley Wine Tour-Great Day!! Beth was incredible as our driver. A very good experience …. Discover the history and passion behind every bottle with the best wine tours in United States. With some of the most beautiful vineyard landscapes, wine tastings and tours are a fantastic experience for all. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor.

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    3. Napa Valley | California. It’s got name recognition for a reason: this incredible valley is world-famous for its vineyards with incredible views, delicious cabernet sauvignons and wine trail ...

  5. Weekend Trips for the Wine Lover | Travel Channel

    The U.S. ranks in the top five of wine producing countries, and California leads the way among the states. There are 12 distinct wine regions, and each one is worth a weekend visit. However, first-time visitors should start with the world-famous Napa Valley, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Napa is a wine-soaked paradise with more than 400 ...

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    Go ahead: Show off with Nemacolin’s oldest bottle, a 1928 Château Latour that comes in at $11,405, or with Forté Venango, a lovely red port from Lake Erie’s Conneaut Cellars Winery. Rooms ...

  9. 15 Tips for Planning the Perfect Wine Tasting Trip • Winetraveler

    Wine Tours: Generally, a guided tour by a winery employee or owner who takes you through their grounds and or vineyard property, which also includes tastings at the end. Wine Tasting: Generally, flights of wine are poured by bar staff at individual wineries (typically about 1 ounce), which allows the consumer to taste the varying styles of wine ...

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