Wine country · 3-HOUR EXPERIENCES
Every trip has one free day too few. These 8 3-hour experiences justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Ride in an air-conditioned minibus around Martha’s Vineyard with a local guide such as Paul, John, Jim, Harry, or Mark. You’ll see Aquinnah Cliffs, Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, lighthouses, and Jaws filming sites, with two short stops and island stories along the way.
“Comprehensive tour with knowledgeable, courteous guide. Comfortable van. Two restroom breaks during three hour trip.”
Follow guides such as Howard, Tony, Melissa, or David through Sonoma by electric trike. Expect vineyard roads, local history, General Vallejo’s home, Mission San Francisco Solano, a winery tasting at your own cost, and Vella Cheese. Drivers must be 18 or older.
“Educational and fun! Tour guide Howard was very entertaining. He took us to places we could never find on our own!!”
Travel from Colmar with local guide Christopher in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr, with time for village walks, photos, local history, and optional wine tasting arranged around your interests.
“Christopher picked us up at our hotel in Colmar and had a car seat and booster seat all prepared for our children. He drove us along the Alsace wine route to Eguisheim and gave us an informative walking tour of the town. Highlights included learning about the homes of Alsace and trends in building styles over the years and we and our kids alike also loved learning about the giant stork nests on top of the church. We then drove along the wine route to Ribeauville for a wine tasting at Bott Freres and then a private tour of their cellar and production area. Christopher is a great tour guide…”
Ride for three hours from The Shack Restaurant in Quinta do Lago with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide. Expect salt pans, bird-filled wetlands, flamingos, Faro Airport, Faro Island, and mostly easy trails. Bikes, water, a guide, and insurance are included.
“L'interaction avec notre guide João, rempli de connaissances et la découverte du parc bien sûr. Vraiment agréable de rouler à vélo sans trop se presser le long des sentiers bien aménagés pour la plupart. On voit: tourbières, lacs, forêts, plage, marais de sel et de magnifiques oiseaux tels le héron (bleu) cendré. Mon préféré. 😉”
Travel from Avignon with Arnaud to two Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates, tasting at least three wines at each. Compare a traditional 13-grape blend with a modern Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre style in a small group of up to six.
“Our guide Arnaud was fantastic! He was local and had a great relationship with the wineries. Both wineries were great. Lots of tastings at the first winery and good sample sizes. The second winery had fewer tastings and smaller sample sizes. Overall great tour and fantastic guide in a true "bucket list" region for any wine lover.”
Meet at Vicolo di Prataporci 8 for a sommelier-led visit in Frascati. You’ll see the cellars, learn about Malvasia and Castelli Romani grapes, and enjoy three wines, olive oil, and a three-course local meal. The tour is offered in English and Italian.
Let Guillaume from Bordeaux Classic Cars show you Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed center in a vintage Citroën DS before heading south to a Pessac-Léognan wine estate. Your private group can request red or white wine, a family property or grand château, with tasting fees paid separately.
“The winery that was chosen although dates back to the 14th century has been renovated beautifully there was a chateau but is under construction Christophe at the winery was extraordinarily through with his tour bravo”
Meet artist Jeanne at Domaine de Monplaisir near Burie for a private three-hour art session. Learn painting techniques in her studio, work outdoors among Cognac vines, use supplied materials, then visit the cellars. Coffee, tea, or water is offered, and afternoon tea may be included.
“Whilst it was nice to meet Jeanne and hear about her impressive family history, see her work and see the vineyard - it was however disappointing that we didn’t get to paint or sketch ourselves as was advertised would happen as part of this activity. There was no practical hands on experience and this was disappointing and therefore no personal feedback or assistance was given again as advertised in the activity promotion hence the 2 star rating. A pity as Jeanne was a lovely person.”
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Pick a wine country, a cellar or a table under the vines.
