How to Plan a Vineyard Tour

If the mere thought of late summer or early fall grape harvests make your palate dance with delight, it might be time for a trip to a local vineyard. You don't have to live in the Napa Valley of California or even be a seasoned wine expert to enjoy the experience. Great local vineyards can be found everywhere across the country.

Trips to local vineyards are a great way to spend a weekend and sample different types of wine. Not only can the experience be fun, it can also be quite tasty, as most vineyards offer wine tasting as part of  their tours.

• Set your budget for the outing. Vineyard tickets can cost from $5 to over $100.


• Search the Internet for a vineyard in your area or an area you would like to visit.


• Carefully research each vineyard's website you are considering visiting to gather particulars of their operation.


• Once you have made your decision to visit, contact the vineyard to make any necessary reservations or purchase tickets. Furthermore, if you are going out of town for the visit, secure local lodging near the vineyard.


• Select a designated driver or consider hiring a cab for the visit.


• Put together your "vineyard survival pack" which should include, sunscreen, bottled water, a snack and a camera.


• Wear the most comfortable pair of walking shoes you own, as walking will be a major part of your visit.


• Take a lot of photos and enjoy the variety of wines on the day of your visit.