Exploring the Best Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours in Europe

For wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts, Collette’s small group Explorations tours offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wine regions of Europe. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany, the renowned vineyards of Portugal and Spain, or the sparkling cellars of Champagne, these tours are designed to connect travellers with the rich flavours, traditions, and cultures that make each region’s wines truly special. Let’s take a closer look at some of the wines you can enjoy on these unforgettable tours.

Tastings in Portugal and Spain: Featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions

Collette’s Flavours of Portugal & Spain tour offers an opportunity to explore two of Europe’s most celebrated wine regions: the Douro Valley in Portugal and Rioja in Spain. Here’s a look at the wine-related highlights:

Douro Valley

Have you ever dreamed about spending two nights on the grounds of a winery in Portugal’s Douro River Valley region? This is your sign to take that small group Explorations trip and immerse yourself in the moment. Enjoy scenic views, local wines, and an intimate connection to the winemaking process by local experts as you sip your way through some of the best varieties. You’ll even get an opportunity to pair your wine tastings with a hands-on cooking class focused on creating petiscos (traditional Portuguese small plates).

Rioja Region

Visit some of the most traditional wine cellars in Spain’s oldest and most prestigious wine-producing region. Learn about the long-standing winemaking methods that have shaped Rioja wines into world-renowned delicacies as you taste a variety of Rioja’s signature reds. This tasting will offer an insider’s look at the complexity and excellence that make Rioja wines so sought after.

Wine Tasting in Italy: Art, Food and Wine of Italy

Italy’s rich history and culinary heritage come together on the small group Explorations tour, Italy’s Treasures. As you explore charming villages, world-class vineyards, and historic landmarks, you’ll not only learn about Italy’s fascinating past but also indulge in its timeless flavours. From savouring wines in Tuscany to experiencing hands-on cooking lessons with local chefs, this journey is the perfect blend of culture and cuisine, offering an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Tuscan Countryside

Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Chianti are just some of the flavours you’ll get to experience and learn about as you make your way through Italy’s most famous wines. Experience a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to prepare classic Tuscan dishes, guided by local chefs who will share their secrets of traditional Italian cooking. Indulge in a delicious meal, paired with a selection of local wines highlighting the rich flavours of the region. Italy’s Treasures delivers an authentic, flavourful experience, with the wines of Tuscany taking center stage alongside Italy’s breathtaking landscapes and culture.

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Tuscany is arguably one of the most famous wine region in the world. Known for its stunning landscapes and world-class wines (like the Chianti), Collette’s Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside small group Explorations tour offers an unforgettable deep dive into the region’s rich wine and food culture.

Sipping Through Tuscany

Surround yourself with the art of wine making at a traditional vineyard in Tuscany, one of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Don’t just sit and sip— explore the cellar and learn about the winemaking process that produces the famous Brunello and other beloved Tuscan wines. As you sip a variety of wines paired with local cheeses, olive oils, and other regional delicacies, soak in views of the Tuscan countryside.

Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos and Crete

Want to explore a lesser-known wine region? Greece may not be as well-known for its wine as some other European countries, but on the small group Explorations tour, Gems of Greece, you’ll get a chance to see and taste the island’s unique wine culture:

Wine Tasting in Crete

Take a seat and experience a memorable wine tasting at a family-run olive mill and winery in Crete. Get an inside look at the island’s rich winemaking traditions and sample flavours made from indigenous Greek grape varieties that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Sip on Vidiano, a full-bodied white with notes of peach and citrus, or Vilana, a crisp, floral wine perfect for warm Mediterranean days. For red wine lovers, try Liatiko, a soft and aromatic variety with hints of dried fruit and spice, or Kotsifali, a rich and earthy red often blended for balance.

Olive Oil Tasting in Crete

As a bonus to wine tasting, enjoy the flavours of high-quality olive oils produced on-site, with a focus on ancient Cretan cultivation methods. Perfectly complement the wines and oils over a charcuterie lunch, featuring local cheeses, meats, and breads—a true taste of Cretan culture.

Wine Tasting in France

On Collette’s Journey Through the Netherlands, Belgium and France tour, a visit to the Champagne region of France is an absolute highlight, especially for sparkling wine enthusiasts. This renowned region, known globally for producing the world’s most celebrated sparkling wines, offers an immersive experience into the artistry behind Champagne production. Do more than deepen your appreciation for Champagne— get a taste of French culture.

Wine Tasting in the Champagne Region

Want a moment to relax? Unwind with a glass of wine as you enter the heart of France’s Champagne region, Reims. Experience a five-course tasting, each course perfectly paired with a glass of the region’s finest Champagne. Choosing a highlight of this Champagne experience is tough, but if we had to pick one, it might be the guided tour and tasting at a nearby maison du Champagne. Get an inside look into how the artisan production methods have made Champagne synonymous with luxury and celebration. With each sip, you’ll deepen your appreciation for the craft and tradition that make this region truly exceptional.

If you’re a wine lover, Collette’s small group Explorations tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore the best vineyards, wine regions, and local culinary traditions across Europe. From the celebrated wine regions of Portugal and Spain to the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany, each tour is designed to connect you with the unique flavours and cultures of these iconic destinations. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply love to enjoy a glass with a good meal, these wine-tasting experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking. So, where to first? Cheers to your next adventure!