Are you vacationing in an area where grapes are grown and wine is produced? If so, it's a great idea to go on a wine tour while you are there. Wine tours are excellent ways to not only see the region you're visiting but also learn about its wine culture. If that is not enough to convince you, here are four good reasons to take a wine tour.
1. You'll learn about the area's history.
Most wine tours take you to a few different wineries in the area. You may pass some sights that are historically significant on your way from one winery to another. Some of the wineries will likely also tell you about their history, as well as the overall history of the area as a wine-producing region. This is a low-key and interesting way to learn more about the region you're in without having to walk through a history museum or read a book.
2. You'll get to try unique wines.
Every region where wine has grown has a slightly different climate, which means that the grapes that are well adapted to growing there are different. When you go on a wine tour, you will learn what varieties grow best in that region, and you'll likely get to sample them. Often, this means trying some unique wines. You may get to sample a variety you would not usually come across or purchase at the average wine store. Or, you may try a variety you're familiar with and discover that it tastes quite different when grown in this particular region.
3. You'll learn about winemaking.
Most wineries include some information about winemaking in their tours. Even if you have a general sense of how wine is made, you're sure to pick up some new insight into the process. Learning this information can be a nice mental break from whatever else you're doing while you're in the area.
4. You'll get to meet other people.
Most wine tours are group activities, which means you'll be tasting wine and walking around wineries with a group of other people. This can be a great way to make new friends. You may even want to meet up with the same people later while you're in the area. You already know they share your passion for wine.
When you're visiting a region where wine is made, you definitely owe it to yourself to take a wine tour. Enjoy!