Tips For Planning A Wine Tasting Tour In England Or Europe

As wine merchants in Great Missenden, we love to visit vineyards around the world to select the very best quality wines for our customers. However, vineyards are now also favourite destinations on the tourist map, offering an insight into the work that goes into producing different types of wines. Of course, tasting the product is a highlight of the experience!

As spring arrives and our thoughts turn to making travel plans for the summer, here are some tips and ideas for planning a day out that combines fresh air, pleasant scenery, interesting learning experiences, and a glass of something special to round it all off.

Wine tours in England

England’s wine industry has blossomed over the past decade, with many vineyards in beautiful countryside locations offering wine tasting tours. Many of the country’s largest wine estates are situated in the counties on the south coast, including Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. 

However, vineyards can also be found in Herefordshire, the Midlands and Welsh Borders, and even in North Yorkshire. Decide if you want to book a package, which is ideal for small groups, and will generally be inclusive of transport, tasting fees, and a tour guide. 

This means that all you need to do is show up and enjoy yourself! Alternatively, you could opt for a self-guided tour and enjoy exploring the destination at your own pace. 

Wine tours in Europe

France

If you have the time and budget to plan a tour further afield, then there are hundreds of prestigious and historic wine producing regions and estates to choose from. The Champagne region of France, just a two hour drive from Paris, is one of the most famous of all. 

Book a tour with Ruinart or Bollinger for a luxury learning and tasting experience if you love quality sparkling wines. 

Spain

If red wine is your passion, then you will love a trip to the La Rioja region of north eastern Spain, amid picturesque rolling landscapes. There are over 500 wineries to choose from, which produce some of the most sought after Spanish wines with tempranillo and Garnacha grapes.

Italy

For lovers of white wine, a visit to the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy is a must-do (although it also produces world-class red wines). Many of the smaller wineries in regions such as Chianti are charming family-run smallholdings set amid gorgeous hills and valleys. 

Italy is also rightly famed for its cuisine, so be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities for delicious wine and food pairings at the many food and drink venues. If you are visiting one of the smaller vineyards, there’s generally no need to book in advance, but make enquiries the day before by phone or email to check availability. 

For larger venues or group tours, it’s probably best to book well in advance. Many estates now offer accommodation in lodges or boutique hotels, and include other attractions such as spa facilities, sculpture trails, high end shopping and arts and crafts.