Wine Tasting Around the World

If you’re a wine enthusiast—or even just wine-curious—this tour offers a chance to explore rare varietals from around the globe without leaving California. Priced at $60 per person, it lasts about a day and promises an intimate, educational, and flavorful journey. Led by knowledgeable hosts, you’ll sample eight wines from different countries, each carefully paired with cheeses and gourmet accoutrements that elevate the tasting.

Two things we especially appreciate are the focus on small, lesser-known producers—wines you won’t find in most stores—and the unique inclusion of creative crafting activities alongside tastings. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines education with fun, making complex wines accessible and memorable.

A potential consideration is that you must call ahead to make reservations, which can be a bit of a barrier if you’re someone who prefers spontaneous bookings. Also, since it’s a small-group experience limited to 10 people, securing your spot early is advisable.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love discovering new wines and are eager to learn about lesser-known regions and varietals. If you enjoy pairing wine with gourmet foods or want a more interactive, behind-the-scenes look at small producers, this experience will suit you beautifully.

Key Points

• Unique varietals from top and lesser-known countries like France, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and South Africa
• Focus on small producers, offering wines you won’t find in typical markets
• Guided tastings with detailed explanations of aromas, flavors, and history
• Includes pairings with cheeses and gourmet items that enhance each wine
• Small groups (up to 10) ensure personalized attention and a more engaging experience
• Creative activities complement the tasting, adding an interactive element

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to excite your palate while expanding your knowledge about international wines. It’s held in California, but the wines come from around the world, giving you a taste of global terroirs without the travel.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

The core of the experience is tasting eight different wines selected from a list of 24 options. This flexibility allows the host to tailor the experience to the group’s preferences or to highlight specific regions. You’ll sample wines from countries like France, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and South Africa, many of which are seldom seen outside their local markets or boutique shops.

Your guide will walk you through each wine’s scents and palate nuances, sharing stories about their history and characteristics. Expect to learn how to better enjoy wines by identifying key aroma notes and understanding their origins. For many guests, this educational aspect is a highlight. As one reviewer shared, “Roman was very informative and fun,” adding that they learned a lot about wine tasting techniques and regional differences.

Pairings and Gourmet Items

The wines are paired with a small platter of 3 to 4 cheeses, complemented by dried fruit, nuts, olives, and other gourmet items. These pairings are thoughtfully chosen to highlight the flavors of each wine, making the tasting more memorable. For instance, a sharp cheese might bring out the fruity notes in a Chilean red, or a creamy cheese might soften a bold South African wine.

Creative Crafting and Activities

What sets this tour apart are the creative crafting activities woven into the experience. While details about the specific activities aren’t provided, they add an interactive element that makes the session lively and engaging. This is especially appealing if you’re someone who enjoys making your own keepsakes or simply appreciates hands-on fun while learning about wine.

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Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to just 10 participants, this experience offers a small, intimate setting, ideal for asking questions and sharing opinions without feeling rushed. The guide or host speaks English, ensuring clear explanations, and the group setting fosters camaraderie among fellow wine lovers.

Practical Details and Booking

To participate, you must call in advance to make reservations—a small inconvenience but one that ensures your spot is secured in this popular experience. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for a variety of guests.

Cost and Value

At $60 per person, the price is quite reasonable for the variety and depth of experience offered. When considering the inclusion of eight wines, gourmet pairings, and personalized guidance, the value stands out—especially compared to a typical wine tasting that might offer fewer options without the educational component.

Authentic Experience and Genuine Reviews

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. One guest from the United States called it “so much fun,” noting how much they learned about Amsterdam—likely a typo in the review, but the sentiment applies well here: it’s a fun, educational experience. The host, Roman, is praised for being informative and engaging, making the complex world of wine accessible and enjoyable.

Why This Tour Is a Great Fit

This experience suits adventurous wine lovers eager to go beyond the familiar and discover rare varietals and small producers. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate interactive learning and gourmet pairings that add depth to the tasting. The small group size ensures a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged, making it ideal for both beginners and more seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Wine Tasting Around the World in California isn’t just about sampling different wines—it’s about uncovering stories, exploring lesser-known regions, and gaining a new appreciation for global wine diversity. The emphasis on small producers ensures you’re supporting craft artisans rather than mass-market brands, which adds a layer of authenticity. The pairing with gourmet foods and the creative activities make this more than just a tasting; it’s an engaging, memorable journey.

While the need to call ahead for reservations might test your patience, it’s a small hurdle for such a carefully curated experience. The price point offers excellent value considering the quality, variety, and educational benefit packed into just a few hours. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this tour promises an enriching and enjoyable exploration of world wines in a small, friendly setting.

If you want a hands-on, informative, and flavorful adventure that breaks away from the usual wine tasting, this experience is a smart choice. It’s particularly appealing if you love discovering hidden gems and enjoy pairing wine with gourmet foods in a relaxed environment.

FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, you must call ahead to reserve your spot as this experience is limited to 10 participants.

What is included in the price?
For $60, you get to taste eight different wines from a choice of 24, paired with a small platter of cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, olives, and other gourmet items.

Are there any specific regions or countries represented?
Yes, wines are sourced from France, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and South Africa, many from small wineries not found in mainstream markets.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of guests.

How long does the tour last?
It is designed to be a one-day experience, with tasting and activities spread out over several hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What should I wear or prepare?
Comfortable casual attire is fine. Since it involves tasting, you might want to bring a water bottle and perhaps a notebook if you’d like to jot down impressions.

Will I learn how to taste wine properly?
Absolutely. Your host will guide you through scents, flavors, and the best ways to enjoy each wine.

Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options?
While specific dietary accommodations aren’t listed, the gourmet items are primarily cheeses, fruits, and nuts. For special needs, it’s best to call ahead.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guided explanations and small group setting make it ideal for those new to wine tasting, as well as more seasoned enthusiasts wanting to expand their knowledge.

You can check availability for your dates here: