Travelling is one of the most exciting ways to meet people and learn about different places, food, or culture. Going on a wine tour, in particular, is an excellent way to combine all three aspects. However, if you haven’t been on a wine tour before, you may not know much about it or even what to expect from it.
Before you go on a tour, here are some things you should remember so that your experience will be unique and memorable.
Get the layout of the land
Consider and research the area that you will be visiting for the tour. Many grape varieties do not just grow in Europe anymore and have been exported around the world for cultivation.
In Victoria, the Geelong region has long been considered as an area that is known for its winemaking. Bellarine, on the other hand, which has the most number of wineries, is perfect for day trips from Melbourne. It is celebrated for its Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir, which thrive in the moderately cool and consistent climate. If Bellarine is known for consistency, then Moorabool Valley has some surprises for you as well.
There are the usual varieties like Pinot Noir, but because of the complex terrain, there is more experimentation here. In Moorabool, you will find unique wines like pinot Meunier and cabernet franc. If you want to appreciate wines grown in more adventurous conditions, the winding roads of the Surf Coast might be what you’re looking for. The vineyards in this area have wines with a Mediterranean feel, owing to the sandy earth and proximity to the water.
You might also want to think about whether you want to visit an industrial-size factory with generations of family history, or small businesses that produce fewer bottles a year. With the former, you know exactly what you’re getting, and the latter provides you with a unique souvenir.
Make sure you have a plan
On a guided tour, you will only need to take note of the call times for your tour company’s transportation service. Know that you can even customize your visiting hours, but that mostly depends on the number of people who will be touring with you. When you schedule a trip with a tour company, they can also give suggestions on what vineyards to include in your list when you’re looking to sample specific wines.
For a self-guided tour, on the other hand, you will need to do a bit more planning. Make sure you have a designated driver and check the websites of the wineries you will visit and take note of their contact information. You will have to ask them if they have allotted times for visits, or whether it’s on a first-come-first-served basis.
What to expect during the tour
Although different tours have different experiences, there are aspects of it that you can expect to encounter. For one, all vineyards take you through their wine-making process. From harvest and grape selection to bottling and tasting, you will get to see firsthand how your favourite wine is made.
While it’s easy to get swept into the romance of the moment, with the rows upon rows of grapevines, and the barrels and bottles of wine, don’t forget to bring along several essentials. While Geelong as a whole is a cool region, there are places that get almost no rain and are very dry, so don’t forget to hydrate, and dress for appropriate weather.
If it is your first time on a tour, take note that each place has a wide selection of wines, and tours normally visit up to six wineries. While you are definitely there to enjoy yourself, some people spit the wine out, while others take tiny sips so that you don’t overwhelm yourself.
Conclusion
A wine tour is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself. Planning for a tour takes considerable time and effort. If you’re planning to go on a tour with a reputable tour company, contact Wilsons Wine today to learn about the schedules and various packages. In doing so, you’ll be able to skip the hassles of planning yourself and enjoy your time visiting various wineries around the area to satisfy your wine cravings.
We provide tours of the wineries in the Geelong area, get in touch with us to see how we can help.
