Add These Wine-Tasting Tours to your Europe Travel List

If you ask us, one of the best ways to get to know a new place is by tasting local wine, and it's even better if you can sip it while surrounded by the very vines it came from. A good vineyard tour isn't just about what's in your glass, it's about the landscape and the stories of the people who've been growing the grapes and perfecting their craft for generations.
 

Europe's wine regions are some of the most celebrated in the world, and for good reason. The wine traditions here date back thousands of years, and the results are delicious. Not sure where to start? Here's a cheat sheet to get you started.

Wine tasting in Italy is a window into centuries of tradition. Italians take their wine seriously, not just as a drink but as a reflection of their land, history, and culture. Each region has its own unique grapes, methods, and rituals. Perhaps most famous are the rolling Chianti hills in Tuscany. Wine tastings here often involve more than just wine, as food and wine really go hand and hand here. You might just find yourself sampling fresh cheese, pasta with rich sauces, or antipasto spreads alongside every sip.

Some of the most celebrated vineyards and winemaking regions can be found in France, and exploring them feels like stepping into a world where time moves a little slower and every detail matters. From the rolling hills of Languedoc to the lavender-scented landscapes of Provence, and, of course, the prestigious Bordeaux estates, it's less about rushing through tastings and more about soaking in the history and tradition that surrounds you.

Portugal's wine scene has a laid-back energy, and a coastal charm, but don't let that fool you: it's backed by centuries of tradition. Wine lovers will be especially drawn to the Douro Valley, where vineyards take the form of unique, steep terraced hills. Tastings are unpretentious and authentic, almost like Portugal's wine culture is still a bit undiscovered, in the best possible way.

Like so many things in Spain, Spanish wines are all about bold flavors. Made up of many regions including the Ribera del Duero, the Spanish wine tradition dates back thousands of years, all the way to the Phoenicians. While each of the many regions have their own rich flavors, the Ribera del Duero region is where you'll find some of the best tempranillos, perfected over generations.

New to wine, and don't want to seem out of place on a wine tour? Well first of all, know that vineyards and wineries are the best places to learn, and winemakers love sharing their craft and wine knowledge with new and curious people. But if you want an easy way to taste like a pro, just follow the five s's: see, swirl, smell, sip, and savor.
 

See

Your wine tasting experience begins before you taste a single drop. Traditionally, this phase involves looking at your wine in the glass to observe its color, clarity, and 'legs' (streaks on the glass) for clues about it's age, grape, and even alcohol content, but for those totally new to wine, also take a peek at the bottle for more helpful clues about the wine you are about to try, including the varietal, region, year, and, if you're lucky, tasting notes.
 

Swirl

You've almost definitely seen someone swirl a glass of wine before, but you may not have realized that they aren't just fidgeting, they are actually doing this for a couple of reasons that impact the tasting process. The first relates to the 'legs' mentioned above. Swirling the glass and then observing the 'legs' can tell you about the alcohol and sugar content of the wine. The second reason for swirling is that it can aerate the wine, opening up its flavors in a similar way that decanting can, making for the best flavor.
 

Smell

Smell is where your wine tasting truly begins. If you have ever tried eating something with a plugged nose, you know that scent is an essential part of tasting anything, not just wine. Putting your wine glass to you nose for a big sniff might seem silly, but if gives your taste buds their first impression of what you are about to try.
 

Sip

Finally, a true taste! As you sip, let the wine sit on your tongue and breathe through your nose. Feel the wine coat your mouth, and notice the flavors and texture. Can you pick out any familiar flavors? Some common ones for red wine include berry, plum, vanilla, pepper, and even tobacco, while common white flavors include citrus, stone fruit, apple, and spice.
 

Savor

The tasting experience continues after you swallow. Sometimes, the flavors that linger are different than those you picked out initially. Sometimes, the flavor disappears altogether after swallowing. Some wines leave your mouth feeling dry, almost puckered–this is a result of high tannins, which can be a sign of a younger wine.

Don't just take it from us, here's what recent wine tour guests have said:
 

"We really enjoyed the trip. The guide was excellent, ensuring we saw the best of the places we visited. Would highly recommend."
 

"This tour ticks so many boxes, beautiful scenery and historical villages perched on hills, Informative guided tours, free time to explore further, shop or relax with a drink, and a small group that meant elements could be tailored to suit our preferences. On top of this we enjoyed a number of included 3 course meals, all with local produce and free flowing wines. No hotel meals, free evenings we'd eat out at venues with the locals."
 

"Food and wine tour could not have been better. Never really liked many wines but the tastings proved me wrong. The agricultural farms were great and the food fresh and abundant."
 

"An excellent trip with a a varied and well balanced itinerary. Tour leader was fantastic. An excellent selection of wine tastings from a contrasting range of wine makers. Would highly recommend."