If you’re someone who is used to getting away during the winter months, escaping to magical wineries in warmer climates far far away, this season might look a bit different.
Regardless, let’s dream for a moment. If we could travel to anywhere in the world right now, we have some top picks. Take out your notepad and add these wineries to your bucket list.
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First up, The Hess Collection Winery in Napa Valley. This hidden gem atop Mount Veeder was founded in the 1970s and is one of the oldest vineyards in the region with five generations of family members who have continued The Hess Collection’s legacy of wine and art. Visit to sip on wines served only at the winery while you explore 1,300 square feet of art exhibits.
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Next, we travel north to Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-style castle by Daio Sattui. Here, guests can roam the 121,000 square foot castle while tasting premium wines exclusive to winery guests, including a barrel tasting.
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Hopping over to Calatayud, Spain, we love the stunning winery at Bodegas San Alejandro. Situated on a country road on a hillside amongst quaint Spanish villages, this picturesque winery has amazing amenities including the Theater of Nature and Senses, winemaking classes, and vineyard walking tours.
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Finally, let’s daydream our way over to Roussillon in southern France, famous for its fortified wines. We recommend visiting Mas Amiel to behold the large barrels from 1890 that still hold some of the fortified wines produced today. Take home a bottle of a single vintage of fortified wine from 1969 – only 2,000 are released each year.
Wine Tours Closer to Home
If any of those wineries happen to be close-to-home, allowing you to safely visit – do so! Some other top wine regions to explore in the United States are Finger Lakes (New York), Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan), Verde Valley (Arizona), Walla Walla Valley (Washington), Monticello (Virginia), and Texas Hill Country (Texas). If you happen to be in the famous Sonoma County area, book an experience with our friends at Destination Napa Valley.
No grapes growing near you? Look up local wine bars and shops in your area. Pay them a visit to chat all things wine and taste your way through some new varietals. Close your eyes and pretend you’re on a wine tour in the region.
Virtual Wine Tastings at Home
Don’t want to leave home? Luckily, you don’t have to. Many wineries, sommeliers, and wine shops pivoted in 2020 to offer more online wine tasting options. One of our favorites, Pressior.wine, is offering three different virtual experiences now.
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Pressoir.wine THIRST Class: In this educational conversation around wine, Pressior.wine’s team of sommeliers dives deep into a selected topic (such as grape varieties or wine regions) while tasting specific wines. Participants are encouraged to taste along and share their impressions.
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Pressoir.wine At Home Session: Join a live discussion and interview with a major personality of the wine world. Be part of the conversation with iconic wine producers, leading sommeliers, and acclaimed journalists sharing personal stories and insights on wine. As a participant, you have the possibility to ask your own questions and interact with our guest speaker while tasting wine that is relevant to the conversation.
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Pressoir.wine Privé: In this experience, embark on a 1-hour bespoke wine tasting led by a Pressoir.wine team sommelier for your own group of wine lovers and friends. Select a theme and gather with your friends, family and colleagues to enjoy each other’s company around great wines and interesting discussion.
Share your winter getaways with us! We’d love to see which local wineries you’re visiting this season and to hear about the awesome virtual experience you’re trying. Follow and tag us @Coravin.