A wine tour is a great way to celebrate an occasion, have fun with your friends, family, or host a company event. Wineries are open all year and can accommodate groups of any size. Here are some tips to help you plan.
* Choose a theme: Many wineries have theme weekends throughout the year that celebrate changing seasons, holidays, local happenings and new vintages. Begin with an invitation, then plan all food and entertainment around the theme.
* Location, location, location: Make it convenient and choose your tour destination based on the number of wineries and hotels in one area. New York’s Finger Lakes Region is home to over 200 wineries, all along five designated wine trails. This makes it easy for tourists to explore.
These are some of the travel resources available to you: www.tourcayuga.comVisitors can use this tool to help them map their route, learn about specific trails or find things to do and see along the way. They even have the ability to point you to hidden wineries. There are more than 50 wineries to choose from in other wine-growing regions like Napa, Sonoma Valley, Calif. and the Niagara region, which is located between Western New York State, Ontario, and Southern Ontario.
* Leave it to the professionals: If you don’t know the area, schedule a guided tour. Many bed and Breakfasts and Inns provide overnight packages which include private wine tours (as well picnic lunches and other activities). “wine themed” surprises). Aurora Inn has your attention “Wine Country Getaway”Package at www.aurora-inn.comor 10 Fitch’s “Spoiled Girl’s Getaway Package”at www.10fitch.com.
* Get in on the action: Don’t just taste the wine, be part of the process. For those wineries that you are planning to visit, it is a good idea to call ahead to find out if you can get involved in every step of the process, from picking to the footing. For example, Heart & Hands Wine Company on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in Union Springs, New York, offers an annual “Crush Camp.”You will work alongside the winemaking crew by picking and pressing grapes, as well as performing laboratory analysis and cleaning.
* Make it a lasting memory: Take a photo of your group, and turn it into a unique wine label for your favorite wine bottles, or hand them out as inexpensive souvenirs. Another fun and affordable way to keep your tour alive is with photo coasters. You can host a tasting event in your home. Invite friends to bring their favorites.
Wine tours can be an inexpensive, fun and unique way to spend time with loved ones, friends, or large groups. Book your tour or overnight reservation as soon as possible, especially in peak season from June to October. Avoid crowds by booking your tour or overnight reservation midweek. Most wineries are busiest on Saturdays.
