There’s more to wine than just red and white. From the unique flavors of each region to the distinctive taste of a vintage blend, wine lovers know the libation’s complexity. Inspired by the sweet nectar, our team at Expedia Viewfinder partnered with Wines.com to highlight ways to indulge in a wine-centric vacation. We targeted wine and food festivals, production tours, and vineyard cruises to help travelers build a wine-focused itinerary.

And there are countless festivals that celebrate this duo. For example, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in Australia is a mecca for foodies and oenophiles. Held during February and March, this event boasts hundreds of vendors serving up local cuisine, ethnic favorites, and boutique wines grown in Victoria. Attend this grape-inspired festival and enjoy formal meals with wine pairings, live music, and wine lectures.

Travel to Chianti, Italy, to further entice your palate. Known for its namesake red wine, the Chianti region is the perfect place to set off on a tour of traditional Tuscan cuisine and delicious red wines. These tours invite guests to dip warm ciabatta breads into freshly pressed olive oils, nosh on Salumi cured meats, and indulge in red wines made from Sangiovese and Merlot grapes.

Wine History Tours
For travelers looking to learn about the historical side of making wine, visit the Franciscan Estate in California’s Napa Valley, which is a top viticultural destination in the United States. The Franciscan Estate, located in the town of St. Helena, lets visitors experience how varietal blends are mixed to create the unique flavors of each individual winery. Throughout St. Helena, vineyards and wineries offer tours, tastings, and classes designed to enhance knowledge about wine production.

Travel across the pond and visit the Schloss Johannisberg in Geisenheim, Germany, to further turn back the hands of time. As the first Riesling wine estate in the world, this former castle transformed into a winery, which has produced harvest wines since the end of the 18th century. Get a taste of history and fine wines at this historical stop. The vineyard’s subterranean wine cellar is filled with aged bottles, eager to serve up one-of-a-kind tastes and blends.

A cruise adds a splash of adventure to every wine tour. Climb aboard a canal boat and cruise through Burgundy, France, to see a different side of the wine region. This route soars past the medieval architecture and picturesque destinations like Gien, Auxerre, and Dijon. The cruiseline stops at the Chateau de Bazoches for tasting and tours, where visitors can marvel at the famed Chablis vineyards and sample delicious French cuisine.

For longer wine cruises, sail away on one of the multi-day trips to vineyards in Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice, and other European destinations. Sip on wine as the ship pulls into port and then venture around the grape-laden regions of Dunham Cellars, Grgich Hills Estate, Duckhorn Vineyards, and more.

Whether you’re traveling through Napa Valley, California, or Burgundy, France, spice up your journey with these ambrosia-themed activities. With food pairings, history lessons, and cruises, you’re certain to please your palate during your next wine-based adventure.