Types

• Wine tasting tours in Italy are available in a variety of types. Tour participants can elect to join tours that travel by bus, car, walking or biking. Tours vary in size from small group custom tours to large pre-scheduled tours. In terms of length, travelers can choose from anything from a one-day tour of vineyards in one area to a longer, more in-depth exploration of vineyards across a wider region.
  
  

Geography

• Although many areas of Italy produce excellent wine, Tuscany is one of the most popular locations for wine tasting tours. As such, many tour operators offer an abundance of tours in various areas of Tuscany. Popular itineraries in the Tuscany region of Italy include Montepulciano, Chianti, San Gimignano, Bolgheri and Montalcino. Other popular areas of Italy for wine tasting tours include Sicily, the Veneto region and Marche.
  
  

Features

• On a standard one-week wine tasting tour in Italy, participants will travel between vineyards with a guide and possibly a translator. Often, a wine tasting tour includes private tours of the vineyard and informational sessions on the process of wine making. At night, tour participants generally stay at hotels and transportation is provided. Wine tasting tours offer a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes workings of a vineyard, and often include talks with the proprietor and a first-hand education.
  
  

Considerations

• Travelers often have the opportunity to combine a wine tasting tour with art and culture events. For example, a Tuscany wine tasting tour might include a trip to Florence to view Michelangelo's David and the city's popular architecture and art museums. Travelers should also remember that a valid passport will be required for entry into Italy. For visa information, check with the nearest Italian embassy or consulate. Citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union do not require a visa for short stays in Italy.
  
  

Warning

• Wine tasting tours in Italy can be overwhelming for first-timers. Be careful to go slowly and avoid the temptation to overindulge during the first few days. The ill effects of an overabundance of wine may prevent you from enjoying the following days.