Visiting Vineyards: Why more people are going on wine tours

Those who are living the good life know that wines are an integral part of every meal—a glass of wine will turn what would otherwise be a mediocre dish into an exquisite dining experience. Wine-drinking is also closely associated with certain health benefits, and this is why the drink is gaining more popularity as time goes. Nowadays, a fad has emerged among wine connoisseurs who also love seeing the world: wine tours. Curiosity got the better of wine enthusiasts, so they embark on journeys to vineyards in order to sample variants offered by winemakers. Europe is still the best place for a wine tour, according to an article on CNN Travel, because its vineyards are “full of character”.

Why do people go on wine tours? Wine.co.za stated some reasons, and the first one is rooted in education—tours are structured to show wine-making as an art. Ever wondered how the sweet liquor inside your favourite M&S bottle of wine came to be? Go on a trip to a winery to have a basic idea. Taking a wine tour is also a great way of discovering wines which we haven’t tasted before. It’s also an opportunity to make new friends who are as passionate about wines as we are. It will also satisfy our wanderlust, because the tour will give us a glimpse of the history, tourism and culture of the place we’re visiting.

There are also unwritten rules during wine-tasting, and the Finger Lakes Wine Country website gave us a few tips. We should first marvel at the clarity, intensity, and colour of the wine we’re about to taste, then swirl our wineglass to release the aroma. Smelling the wine is the start of the tasting experience. Sip the liquor; do not gulp. Savour its flavour as it hits every taste bud, and be at liberty to spit the wine if it’s not found suitable. Lastly, assess the wine by keeping score on a wine journal, which can be a guide for future purchases.