How to Turn a Wine Festival Into a Full Vacation

Because if you’re already packing sunscreen and stemware, why not stay a while?

Wine festivals are great… sunshine, sips, and maybe a jazz trio playing in the background while you pretend you know the difference between “bright acidity” and “balanced structure.” (No judgment. We’ve all nodded through a tasting or two.)

But if you're traveling to swirl and sip your way through a festival, don’t just drop in for 48 hours and bounce. Stretch that trip like a good Pinot Gris on the veranda.

Here’s how to upgrade your wine weekend into an actual vacation (and not just a glorified layover with rosé).

Pick a Festival That Pulls Double Duty

Yes, the wine is important. But what else is going on nearby? A seaside sunset? Lavender fields? Truffle fries at a vineyard bistro? Pick a festival with location perks: somewhere you’d want to be even if no one was pouring rosé.

🍷 Dreaming of sipping your way through Europe’s best festivals? Book a planning session with me here.

Need some ideas? Check out my Summer Wine Festival Guide.

Don’t Just Go for the Weekend

Avoid the rookie move: flying in Friday night, wine-tasting all Saturday, and limping to the airport Sunday. Give yourself time. Arrive early to settle in and scout out a pre-festival tasting. Stay after to unwind without the crowds. Those “extra days” might just be your favorite part. You can call it “hydrations and cultural immersion.” I won’t tell.

Build in Bonus Tasting (Or Three)

Festival tastings are great, but they’re not always the most relaxed. After the main event, treat yourself to a quieter tasting or vineyard tour. Smaller wineries often have the best stories … and fewer selfie sticks. Just space it out. This isn’t a wine marathon. It’s a wine stroll…with snacks. Think: vineyard picnic, cellar tour, or a side-by-side tasting with the winemaker. Pacing is the secret to enjoying multiple days of wine-focused fun without palate fatigue (or burnout).

Explore Beyond the Vineyards

Check out the local art scene, markets, or nearby villages. Hike through the hills, take a cooking class, or spend an afternoon at a spa. Even wine lovers need a break from swirling and sipping now and then. Think of it as pairing your wine trip with a little something extra.

Stay Somewhere Worth Waking Up In

A charming inn, countryside château, or boutique hotel can elevate the whole trip. Look for places that offer breakfast, have strong AC (important in July!), or are close to your festival grounds. Bonus points if the place has good coffee, cushy robes, and wine glasses in the room (no judgment if they get used before noon).

Ready to Sip Smarter?

I put together a Summer Wine Festival Guide that includes 8 different wine festivals, travel tips, and a packing list so you’re prepped from cork to checkout. Whether you're planning a long weekend or building a bucket-list trip around a favorite wine region, I’ve got you.

Ready to turn a festival fling into a full-on wine romance? Grab the guide or drop me a note. I’ll help you plan a trip that’s equal parts wine, wander, and wow.