Following our previous article 10 tips if you’re new to the world of wine tourism, this week we bring you the absolute essentials you can’t leave out of your backpack. Wine tourism is a sensory adventure that combines stunning landscapes with the rich flavors of wine. To make your experience even more memorable, make sure you pack these essentials:
1.- Map or Guide of the Wine Region you are visiting as a Wine Tourist
Even though technology is great and we do everything from our phones these days, a good old-fashioned map can be a lifesaver in remote areas with spotty internet connection.
You can use it to mark the wineries you want to visit during your wine experience, explore freely, plan a route so you don’t miss a thing, or simply enjoy a relaxing digital detox moment.
2.- Tasting notebook
Bring along a small notebook to jot down your thoughts during tastings. You can write down your impressions of aromas, flavors, your favorite wines… It’s a wonderful way to remember your trip and your discoveries every time you review your notes.
3.- Wine tourism journal
You can also keep a Wine Tourism journal, filled with notes, maps, photos, feelings, menus, labels of the wines you tried… Once your wine experience is over, you’ll have a fantastic keepsake forever.
It will help you outline your Wine Experience, letting you check off what you’ve visited, see what activities you still want to do, or flag the ones that catch your eye the most.
You can even design it like a calendar to note the dates of activities you want to attend, the ones you’ve done, or the ones you definitely don’t want to miss next year. Because let’s be honest, good organization is also key to having a great wine tourism experience.
4.- Comfortable clothes and weather gear
Winery tours and vineyard walks can be long and the terrain isn’t always flat; there can be hills, slopes, paved areas, dirt paths, and even mud. So, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Plus, it’s essential that you adapt your ‘perfect wine tourist’ outfit to the region’s climate. Pack those “just in case” items: just in case it rains, just in case it gets cold, just in case it’s super sunny, just in case…
5.- Water bottle and snacks
Remember that our bodies are mostly water and you need to stay hydrated. For this reason, bring a water bottle (even a small one) so you can drink during your tours. Although it’s common to be offered breadsticks or some light bites to accompany the wines during tastings, it’s a good idea to carry some light snacks to prevent hunger—or a bit too much alcohol—from affecting your wine experience.
6.- Cable, power bank, and adapter
Your phone’s battery can drain quickly with all the photos you’ll take and maps you’ll check. Bring your charging cable, a power bank, and an adapter to make sure you’re always connected and don’t run out of juice.
7.- Reusable Bag
If you have foldable tote bags, don’t leave them at home. They will come in very handy for carrying bottles of wine and other souvenirs you pick up during your trip. This way, you won’t have to worry about carrying them by hand and stressing over dropping or breaking your treasures.
8.- ID and Cards
Don’t forget your ID, credit cards, or digital payment methods like Apple Pay/Google Pay. Some wineries may require them for buying wine, joining activities, or simply registering for their wine-related events.
9.- Phone numbers of local taxis or drivers
Remember the classic ‘if you drink, don’t drive’ motto. If you anticipate that the tour and tasting will be a bit “intense”, don’t forget to keep contacts for local taxis or transport services that can safely take you back to your hotel or home…
10.- Handy Apps for wine lovers
Today, we have all the info we need just a click away on our phones. That’s why we recommend you download some of the best apps every wine lover should have. We highly recommend Vivino, which lets you scan any wine label to get all the details like price, reviews, or pairing suggestions; Wine-Searcher, an incredible database that makes finding wines super easy; and of course, don’t forget the ultimate must-have app for every wine lover: Download the Enolovers App!
Enolovers is your perfect companion for wine tourism. From planning your wine route to finding nearby wineries or booking activities, this app gives you the complete experience. Plus, it keeps you updated with wine events, helps you discover new tastings, and lets you share your wine experiences with a passionate wine community.
With these recommendations and the Enolovers app in your pocket, you’re ready to dive into the fascinating world of wine tourism. Cheers and safe travels!