Four Unique Ways to Go Wine Tasting

If you’re a wine lover, whether you’re a true sommelier or just a casual sipper, you’ve probably been to
wine tastings at every vineyard in your region. Plus, the average wine tasting event follows the same
formula, and can get a little boring, even at the most beautiful wineries. This list will help you come up
with a unique, special idea for your next wine tasting trip, and you’ll be sure to have a lot of fun along the
way.

1. Go International
Travelling is a wonderful way to experience all the great wines of the world. If you’ve already tasted all the
wine that California has to offer, you might enjoy a trip to Bordeaux for your next glass of red wine, or to
Tuscany for some Chianti. A big trip to Europe might be out of your budget, but variety can still be
experienced by taking a Singapore cruise, stopping along the shoreline to experience the unique varieties
that region has to offer. You may have to leave your comfort zone, but you’ll have an unforgettable
experience and maybe find your new favorite wines.

2. Move Under Ground and Up In the Air
This may not be an experience for the claustrophobic wine lover, but going to an underground winery is
an unforgettable and extremely unique experience. Try Jarvis Caves in Napa Valley, California to be
surrounded by geodes and an underground spring, or the Fritz Underground Winery to combine the
gorgeous upper ground views with the calming atmosphere of the storage caves. Forget all your previous
conceptions of what wineries should be like. The caves are sure to be an incredible time, and different
from anything you’ve seen before.
If below ground isn’t your ideal place to taste wine, perhaps you’d enjoy a scenic flight with Flying M Air in
Washington, taking you through breathtaking scenery before you land for a tasting at the final destination.
Or take the tram at Sterling Vineyards to get an incredible, 360 degree view of the landscape. Airborne
wine tastings are the perfect location for a proposal, bonding with friends, or just treating yourself to an
unforgettable experience.

3. Make a Day of It
Some wine tasting experiences may only last as long as it takes for you to finish your wine and move on,
but others are a day-long experience, full of educational tours and endless grounds that could be
explored for hours. Some, like Hall Wines in Rutherford, California, are like museums to the art of
winemaking, and should be given your full attention for the majority of your wine tasting excursion.
Another way to extend your wine tasting experience is to book five to six different wineries for the same
day, particularly if you’re in wine country. Taste a few drinks at each, and book a car or bus to take you to
each location. That way, you can come away from your vacation knowing you experienced everything the
region had to offer, and you’ll be an experienced wine taster by the end of your trip.

4. Take a Safari 
The combination of a fast moving vehicle and a glass of wine may not seem ideal, but a wine tasting
safari can be an incredible experience. Observe giraffes, zebras, alpacas and more in their natural habitat
while you sip on the Malibu Wine Safari, stopping at various wineries along the way to experience the
region’s offerings. Some tours even allow guests to pet and feed the animals, so you may be able to
experience wildlife like never before.

Whatever you choose for your next wine tasting trip, you’ll never regret leaving your comfort zone for one
of these options. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to make memories that will last a lifetime, and see
some of the most beautiful locations on earth. If you feel like doing some wine tasting that’s not at a
cruise, a place I highly recommend is at ayza in New York City. Highly recommend to check them out and
do some wine tasting, book at pp@ayzanyc.com. Regardless, pack your bags and get ready for an
unforgettable experience, and a whole lot of delicious wine.

 

By Lindsey Patterson