How to Plan for a Wine Tasting Tour in Hunter Valley

more than a year ago

You might be skilled in preparing for a vacation, but that doesn’t mean you’ll know how to plan for a holiday involving wine tours. Special consideration must be given to your choice of clothing and footwear, how much money you’ll set aside for each tour, and transportation. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur and want to be well-prepared for an upcoming vacation planned around vineyards, you might like to take the following actions.

Choose a Tour Provider

When you decide to embark on wine tours of the Hunter Valley, it’s often a good idea to choose a reputable tour provider you can trust. Ensure they are a Quality Tourism accredited business and pay close attention to their touring area and whether they incorporate some of the best wineries in the area. In Hunter Valley, some of the best wine tour businesses allow you to explore high-quality wineries in Lovedale, Rothbury, Cessnock, and surrounding areas.

How to Plan for a Wine Tasting Tour in Hunter Valley © szabolcs-toth-unsplash — How to Plan for a Wine Tasting Tour in Hunter Valley © Szabolcs Toth / Unsplash

Set a Budget

It can be easy to overspend on wine tours, especially when there are so many delicious wines and other beverages to try. While challenging not to spend your entire vacation balance in one vineyard, consider setting yourself a budget. The more you stick to a budget, the easier it might be to ensure you purchase the best products from each vineyard and still have plenty left over for sightseeing.

Dress for the Occasion

Touring wineries involves walking around vineyards to learn about where grapes are grown, being outside in the elements, and entering climate-controlled areas. Think about clothing that will ensure your comfort in all environments while still allowing you to meet any establishment’s dress codes. Comfortable, supportive footwear can be essential for avoiding sore feet at the end of a long day, while dark-colored, breathable garments can often be preferred if you’re worried about red wine stains and the intense Australian sun.

Research Tasting Techniques

If you’ve only ever enjoyed wine in the comfort of your own home, you might not be familiar with the most appropriate way to taste and smell wine to ensure the best experience. Consider doing research before participating in a vineyard tour to maximize your experience.

For example, you might learn about the importance of holding the stem of the glass and swirling the wine before you drink it, as well as smelling the wine while you drink it to learn about the notes. Some vineyards also recommend not wearing perfume or cologne to ensure you pick up as many delicate flavors as possible.

Have a Transport Plan

Most of the best wine tasting companies take care of all your transport requirements, with pick-up services from main centers or even your accommodation. If you’re joining a tour that doesn’t offer transport, consider allocating a sober driver or exploring your public transportation options in advance. In the absence of tour buses, you might be able to rely on public buses, rideshare services, courtesy vehicles from your accommodation providers, and taxis.

Wine tasting tours can be the highlight of any vacation, but planning can be pivotal to their success. Take the time to explore these points above, and you might be in the best position to enjoy a wine tasting experience that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Australia