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Vineyards & Grapes in Tuscany

Tours, Tasting & Titillation - 8 Romantic Trips for Wine Lovers!

Indulge in the delightful world of wine, where romance is celebrated with fervour.


Whether it's a toast during an anniversary dinner... a pampering birthday breakfast-in-bed... or the enchantment of your wedding day... wine adds that touch of magic to every moment. Even if its simply cosying up on the sofa together after a tiresome week, with a glass of wine in hand. (Isn't it heavenly?) Wine has the power to turn ordinary occasions into extraordinary memories.


So, why not embark on a wine getaway and immerse yourselves in a truly remarkable romantic experience?


These unforgettable journeys promise a delightful blend of joy, culture, and sophistication. And we've curated a list of 8 breath-taking destinations with recommended accommodations that will captivate the hearts of wine-loving couples like yours.


Get ready for a wine-infused getaway of a lifetime!


Here are 8 of the best destinations and places to stay if you're Lovers Who Love Wine...


#1 SICILY, ITALY : Volcanoes & Exciting Vino


Producing everything from full-bodied reds to vibrant, mineral-driven whites… pair them with the fantastic local cuisine, and you'll understand why this is our top rated wine-lover’s paradise.


Want to try some of the island’s native grapes? Producers encourage you to come and taste, just make an appointment ahead of time.


From the hot plains of Marsala, try Grillo, a crisp and savoury white… Or Marsala, a fortified dessert wine that’s making a big comeback… And of course, Sicily’s flagship red - the smooth and juicy Nero d’Avola. At its best in the Noto area it’s a wine you’ll find on many a Sicilian's table.


And you must also try the local almond wine which is proven to be a fierce aphrodisiac.


In Sicily the wine is always the star of the show... whether you’re an experienced wine lover or you’re popping corks for the first time… you’ll be equally enthralled by the attentive sommelier in most restaurants and local eateries... as you’re guided you through a lesson on Firriato wines and terroir (sometimes even including recommended food pairings if you’re lucky).


And for once you won't have to worry about the cost of ordering the best wine on the menu... one of the great revelations of Sicily is the how their most amazing wines... are actually so inexpensive. (It's because they're produced from grapes locally grown on mineral rich volcanic soils).


And if you’re celebrating an extra special occasion in Sicily and need some fizz? Check out Saint Germain as the ultimate ally of pleasure and happiness. Racy bubbles infuse a perky blend of Catarratto and Grillo with mellow notes of white fruits and Sicilian citrus.


Check out our recommended places to stay in Sicily




#2 VALENCIA, SPAIN : Spain's Answer to Tuscany


With 275 wineries and more than 72,500 hectares of vineyards, the counties of Valencia are one of the world’s great wine regions… and the perfect destination if you’re a wine lover who also wants to stay by the sea.


Valencia’s Utiel-Requena Wine Route is just a few kilometres from the coast and takes you on a journey going back 2,500 years in wine history.


Producing tantalising red and rosé wines, the Utiel-Requena region is most famous for 2 things: its deep purple Bobal grape (which is practically exclusive to the area) and Cava.


Up the romance factor on your trip with a tour of the charming Terres dels Alforins region.


Or for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head up into the clouds on a balloon flight through the vineyards of Hoya de Cadenas and toast each other at 900m... raising a glass of Cava Brut Nature, naturally.


Cava, the region’s famous sparkling wine, really is the only choice when it comes to special occasions in Valencia. Easily rivalling well known Catalan Cava wineries like Recaredo or Gramona, some of the best Valencian Cava to try include Tantum Ergo Brut Nature, Privée 18 Brut Nature and Reserva Nodus Brut Nature.



#3 MAREMMA, ITALY : Tuscany’s Exciting New Arrival


Maremma is the new kid on the block when it comes to wine in Tuscany. 


Following in the hallowed footsteps of its famous neighbouring wine regions such as Chianti, Brunello and Bolgheri, wine lovers are steadily falling in love with this part of Italy.


Which is hardly surprising when you consider Maremma’s tempting combination of delicious new wines, sparkling sea views, seductive undulating hillsides and good Tuscan living.


To experience the romance of the region’s wine making traditions first hand go straight to the wine makers themselves and visit one of the family run vineyards for authentic wine tasting in the old cellars. The hot springs at Saturnia Cascate are the perfect place to stop off for a steamy pre or post wine tasting bath.


Greedy grape lovers who want both amazing white wines and incredible reds (which is pretty much all of us) are truly spoilt for choice in Maremma.


But if you’re looking recommendations then try one of region’s Chardonnays, which are quite different from other Chardonnays you may know and love, due to the unique conditions of the weather and soil which totally change this most delicate of grapes.


A favourite red wine of the region is the Morellino di Scansano which perfectly mimics the characteristics of Maremma: wild, rude, genuine, fresh! This is a wine that really lets its hair down and fully encourages you to do the same.


And for weddings or more sophisticated occasions? The Morellino di Scansano Riserva is the wine of choice. More elegant than the punchy classic Morellino, its aroma and full body make this wine the perfect partner for special celebrations and events.


Check out our recommended places to stay in Tuscany



#4 ALGARVE, PORTUGAL : Syrah and Sexy Sunsets


Facing south, with more than 3000 hours of sun and protected by a mountainous barrier from the dry Nordic winds, the Algarve is one of the best places in the world to grow vineyards.


But this Mediterranean paradise is not only perfect terroir to produce wine... it’s also begging you to enjoy it!


Book yourselves in for a few interesting wine tasting tours. Or simply enjoy a glass of wine with your loved one as you take in the breath-taking view of the Algarve sunset. 


Just imagine the romantic evenings sharing a bottle of your favourite local plonk… looking out to scenes of the undulating hillsides… while the fog sits for the night. 


And for couples seeking the perfect local wine to accompany daytime celebrations… Try the Paxá Premium Rosé. This fresh, smooth and well-balanced wine is pressed gently to extract the minimum possible colour, maintaining the acidity and fresh aromas of the Touriga Nacional grape. Perfect with grilled fish, cold meats or fresh pasta this wine is light but memorable - with a very pleasant finish.


Check out our recommended places to stay in the Algarve



#5 SUSSEX, UK : Sunshine and bubbles on the South Downs


Shhhh! We're going to let you in on a secret...


West Sussex produces world-class sparkling wines… which more than rival the Champagnes from France. 


In fact, the area sits within the same geological landscape as the Champagne region (and is 80 miles away as the crow flies), with the South Downs creating its own micro-climate that is absolutely perfect for grape production.


Sussex offers a number of wine tours and tastings with a number of award-winning vineyards in the area including Ridgeview and Bolney. And you can enjoy a romantic walk to the vineyards through some of the most stunning South Downs countryside.


(Ridgeview also produces one of the sparkling wines served at Kate and William’s wedding.)


Check out our recommended places to stay in Sussex



#6 LISBON, PORTUGAL : Proud to be Different 


Thanks to its unique micro-climate and clay-limestone soils Lisbon has a long history of wine making.


And cultivating both native grapes as well as many international favourites, Lisbon’s wines are proud to be different - due mainly to the unique Atlantic influence of the region.


Don't miss wine tours to Quinta do Gradil where you can visit one of the oldest vineyards in Lisbon and taste some of the best wines of the West Region.


Other recommended wine tours include Quinta do Sanguinhal and Adega Mãe.


The wine you have to try here is the Dory Reserva Tinto 2013: the region’s best-selling and most requested wine is the perfect accompaniment for intense local dishes such as Rib of Veal, a Steak of Acém with Garlic Sauce and even a Jarret of Veal. 


Check out our recommended places to stay in Lisbon



#7 PROVENCE, FRANCE : aka Wine Heaven


Embark on a wine lover's paradise in Provence, where over 900 vineyards await you in a picturesque 5,600 km² area. Discover the perfect destination for a romantic wine tasting holiday that will leave you in awe.


When it comes to choosing a favourite wine in Provence, the decision often boils down to your colour preference. While the region is renowned for its exquisite Rosé wine, there are also magnificent reds that are bound to captivate your taste buds. Allow me to introduce you to Grenache 17, a sweet natural red wine with delectable notes of chocolate. It is truly the ultimate indulgence, especially as a sweet dessert wine.


For those unforgettable moments, nearby wine regions like "Côtes du Rhône" hold a treasure trove of exceptional and world-renowned wines. Picture yourself sipping on the exquisite Châteauneuf du Pape, Saint Joseph, Côte Rotie, and countless others. These distinguished selections will elevate any special occasion and make it truly memorable.


Check out our recommended vineyard hotels in France



#8 SIENA & FLORENCE, ITALY : Wine Tours & Terracotta Rooftops


Tuscany's famous cities are some of the most historic wine destinations in the world.


Surrounded by beautiful countryside and home to many traditional and modern wineries. And noble families including Ricasoli, Mazzei, Antinori, Biondi Santi have firmly secured the region’s place in history as one of the world's greatest wine makers, producing wines like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.


If this is your first time in Tuscany your first stop has to be the Chianti region. It’s castle, vineyards, and medieval hamlet are unmissable. Next up we recommend Montalcino and Val d'Orcia to taste the great Brunello and see some of Tuscany most picture perfect landscapes, followed by Pienza and San Gimignano which are both just so romantic.


The wine you have to try in Siena is Brunello di Montalcino – perfectly expressing the unique qualities of the region, the expertise of local winemakers has produced one of the world's greatest wines. Pair with local food in the area such as fresh handmade pasta with meat ragu sauces, tagliolini with truffle, chianina beef steak (fiorentina) or aged pecorino cheese produced in Pienza.


And if you want to experience the best of wining and dining in Florence & Beyond, this gorgeous restaurant has the perfect tasting experiences for all occasions


Not found what you're looking for? Discover your dream wine getaway with our curated selection of romantic wine experiences and packages. Explore a world of exquisite flavours, breath-taking vineyards, and unforgettable memories. Don't settle for ordinary; embark on a wine adventure that will leave you truly enchanted. Find your perfect escape here.