Nationwide, more and more people are getting vaccinated, and that means wine tours are resurfacing in summer 2021. In fact, in many regions, demand is so high that there are more wine events and wine tours on the books this summer than during the average year.
If a wine tour is in your near future, learn how to make the experience a truly memorable one. Here are some tips and pointers to get you started.
Ask Questions
Make your wine tour an unforgettable one by asking questions. Ask questions to learn and to make the most of your experience. If you do not understand the technicalities of wine-making or wine-tasting, a wine tour is a perfect opportunity to ask. Talk to your tour guide or sommelier about taste, body, aroma, color, and more.
Asking questions can also be a great way to enhance your experience. Ask if there are any foods or delicacies that pair well with each wine. That may give you ideas for meals to enjoy after your wine tour, or wineries may even have small food samples, like chocolates, pastries, and cheese, on hand for you to taste with your wine.
Another tip: ask if they have any exclusive wines that are not available to the general public. According to Reader\’s Digest, many wineries provide older wines that aren\’t necessarily available at the winery for more than a couple of months.
Don\’t Be Afraid to Try New Wines
Many people decide that they prefer a certain type of wine, like red wine, white wine, or sweet wine — and stick to it. This can limit your experience — particularly during a wine tour.
Be open to trying something new. According to Wine Spectator, in a blind taste test, even the most experienced wine aficionados cannot distinguish between some reds and some whites. Try the wines that come most heartily recommended by the vineyard, not just your favorites.
Choose the Best Wineries
For a truly unforgettable experience, choose the best wineries. Exactly what that means is up to you. Decide where your priorities lie. Depending on your preferences, you may focus on wineries with the best scenery, wineries with the finest wines and vintages, or even on wineries that go above and beyond and deliver a cultural experience in addition to your typical wine tasting. If you are looking for something along those lines, some wineries also offer historical tours, grand architecture, art exhibitions, and live music.
Visit Off-Season
The most popular time frame to book a wine tour is late August through October. For the best possible experience, visit outside these months. That way, your guide, and your sommelier will be able to devote their full attention to your tour and your questions. Tasting rooms will be less crowded, giving you the opportunity to truly take your time and soak in the experience. Check wineries\’ website for off-season hours.
Whenever possible, it is less expensive to visit wineries early in the day or during the middle of the week than it is to visit during the late afternoon, evenings, and weekends. Once again, booking during off-hours will give you more time to fully appreciate your wine tasting.
Give Everyone the Opportunity to Kick Back and Relax
Take the pressure off. Book a limousine service for your wine tour. That way, a chauffeur can safely transport you and your party members to and from the vineyards along the way.
Designating a single party as a safe chauffeur can be an unpredictable experience. While wine tastings focus on sampling wines, not overindulging, spending all day touring wineries can sneak up on you. Work with a trusted limousine service, and everyone can take part without worrying.
After over a year of navigating the coronavirus pandemic, it is safe to enjoy wine tours again. Book a wine tour and make it an unforgettable experience by asking questions, trying something new, enjoying the scenery and/or cultural experience, and by booking a quality limousine service in lieu of appointing a designated chauffeur. Contact RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation today to learn more about our limousine services.
