What's Your Wine Travel Personality?

Have you ever dropped in at a local winery while on vacation or even close to home? If so, you've experienced enotourism, or wine tourism, a segment of travel that is growing right along with the flourishing wine industry.

Wine Tourism

Wine tourism - traveling to taste local wines - can happen anywhere in the world. From small mom & pop affairs to elaborate country castles, there are wineries in all 50 US states and every corner of the globe.

But wine travel is about more than wine tastings and cellar visits. It can also involve learning about the region, grapes, the harvest, winemaking, local history and traditions, authentic regional cuisine, and more. It can fill an afternoon or a week-long itinerary.

Wine Tours

Wine tours can take place along the winding roads of the Sonoma Valley, along the waterways of Europe on a wine-themed river cruise, or on safari in Africa.

They can be active - involving hiking and cycling; educational - think blending sessions, harvest workshops, and cooking classes. They can center around a festival or pair with a special interest like art, music, or history. In short, there's a wine tour for everybody!

3 Types of Wine Travelers

But what if you're not a serious connoisseur or collector? Does wine travel suit the casual sipper? Forbes magazine says there are three types of wine travelers:

1. The Wine Geeks - they are passionate about wine and are hungry to learn everything they can on the subject. They shape their travels around the wineries and varieties and choose wine-centered experiences. They are savvy connoisseurs with a command of technical wine terminology. Private tours and lengthy conversation with winemakers are highlights of their vacation.

2. The Gastro-Tourist - cuisine is the centerpiece for this traveler. Their bucket list is loaded with culinary experiences that pair perfectly with wine. Not satisfied with traditional dining, they prioritize itineraries that are immersive, interactive, and educational. Market tours, cooking workshops with renown chefs, and Michelin Star dining round out their wish lists.

3. The Casual Wine Tourist - Wine is one thread in the tapestry of their vacation. If traveling through a wine region, they'll visit a winery for a tour or tasting. As a matter of course, they'll visit restaurants, attend wine festivals, and seek out comfortable places for local food specialties and delicious wine as part of the journey.

Whether you're a casual drinker or an amateur wine sommelier, there are many ways to make wine part of your travels. So what's your wine travel personality?