Wine tours are a great way to spend the afternoon exploring local wineries and indulging in delicious wine. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast, or this is your first wine tour, preparing for a wine tour can help you get the most out of the experience! We've outlined the top ten things you should do to prepare for your wine tour:
1. Research Local Wineries and the History of the Area
Start with a history of the region. Websites dedicated to local tourism is a great place to start. In the Napa Valley they have Visit Napa Valley for the Treasure Valley, you'll get great information from The Sunnyslope Wine Trail and The Idaho Wine Commission.
You can take your research a step further, and check out the history of individual wineries. Most tourist website pages, such as the ones mentioned above, have links to the individual wineries. Many of the wine tour company pages, including Western Mountain Wine Tours, also have a page that links to the individual wineries.
Note: if you don't have time to research before you go, or research just isn't your thing, no sweat! The sommeliers at the wineries are a wealth of information!
2. Arrange Safe Transportation
Plan your transportation in advance to ensure you can enjoy your tastings without worrying about driving.
Hire a car service or join a guided wine tour. Regardless of what wine region you are in, there are many options for driving services or guided tours, where you'll have professional drivers and won't have to worry about designating a sober driver in your group or depending on ride-sharing apps in the area.
We have public wine tours you can join, private wine tours, or you can rent our van by the hour for a DIY wine tour, brewery tour, or other events.
Always arrange transportation beforehand, you don't want to be trying to coordinate transportation to different wineries, or home, at the end of the day when things are closing and you have already been consuming alcohol throughout the day.
3. Plan Your Route
Choose a manageable number of wineries to visit in one day (3-4 is ideal).
Use a map to plan your route that minimizes travel time. In many areas, including along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, there are quite a few wineries within a short driving distance, so you won't have to spend a lot of time in between wineries.
Check the opening and closing time of each winery you plan to visit.
Not sure which wineries you want to visit or don't have time to do all the scheduling and planning? Leave it to the experts, and book a Public or Wine Tour with us, and we'll handle everything for you. Tasting Fees are included in these tours as well!
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
If you don't plan on eating during the tour, be sure to eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before the tour.
Bring a water bottle, and drink water in between wine tastings. If you are booking a tour with us, you don't need to worry about bringing water. We will have both still and sparkling water for you to enjoy throughout the tour!
Find out of the wineries have food available, if you plan on eating lunch or dinner during your tour. Not all wineries have kitchens. If you are going on a tour with us, you can order charcuterie boards when you book your tour to eat during the tour! We also provide a large variety of snacks in the tour van.
If you are not going with a tour van that already provides snacks, bring your own snacks or pack a picnic lunch!
5. Plan What You'll Wear
You'll have picturesque wineries and vineyards as a backdrop to take pictures, so keep that in mind when you are planning what to wear.
Dress comfortably. Comfortable sun dresses are a popular option. Wear comfortable shoes, suitable for walking on uneven terrain if you plan on spending a lot of time walking outside around the vineyards.
Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as wineries can be cool. Always check the weather the day before, a bring a rain jacket if rain is expected.
If you are going on a wine tour for a bachelorette party or another special event, consider coordinating outfits with your group! On our tour, we have a fun prop box you can use for pictures that is Western themed to add a fun and unique element to the tour.
6. Understand Tasting Etiquette
You can get the most out of your tastings by following a few simple tips. Swirl the wine to release its aromas before sniffing and tasting.
Take your first sip of wine. Then for your second sip, swish it around your mouth before swallowing.
If you don't want to consume too much wine, you can spit the wine into provided spittoons.
7. Ask Questions
Wineries are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who are passionate about their craft. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to deepen your understanding of wine-making and tasting.
Ask about the winery's history, grape varieties, and production methods.
Inquire about food pairings for the wines you enjoy.
8. Take Notes
With so many flavors and aromas, it can be challenging to remember each wine you taste. Taking notes can help you keep track of your favorites and any wines you want to purchase later.
Bring a small notebook with you, or take notes on your phone.
Write down the name, vintage, and any standout characteristics of each wine.
Write down any interesting facts shared by the winery staff.
9. Bring a Wine Carrier
If you plan on purchasing your favorite wines from the tour to take home, bring your wine carrier with you.
There will be wine carriers available to purchase at the wineries as well, if you'd like a fun souvenir from your trip, or if you don't already have a wine carrier.
A wine carrier will be padded, and able to accommodate multiple bottles. On our wine tours, the tour guide will load the wine for you and keep it secure until the end of your tour!
10. Enjoy Responsibly
Pace yourself and know your limits. You'll visit multiple wineries, so you will have consumed quite a bit of alcohol by the end of the tour.
Don't drink before the tour. You'll want to ensure you have a memorable and pleasant experience, and drinking before the tour can cause you to be over intoxicated by the end of the tour.
Wine tours are a great way to connect with friends and family, while enjoying a picturesque day out at the wineries. By doing a bit of research, dressing comfortably, staying hydrated, and asking questions, you can enhance your appreciation of the wines you taste and the craftsmanship behind them. Most importantly, approach the tour with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. Whether you want to plan your own tour, join a public tour, or book a private wine tour, Western Mountain Wine Tours is here to help! Feel free to give us a call at 208-467-3047, and we can go over the different options. You can also get a wealth of information from our website.
Cheers to your next wine adventure!
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