How to Visit a Winery
by karl 6 months ago

Visiting a vineyard is the very best way to discover wine and truly learn about its nature. You'll be able to meet the wine maker, ask him questions and taste his wine before you buy it... often at a price below retail.

Consider truly getting to know the wine you buy. Meet the winemaker, see with your own eyes how his wine is made, learn the wine's history. Many are the pleasures of visiting a domain. Winemakers are passionate about their craft and don't need to be pressed to talk at length. A trip to a winery is hardly disappointing.

What to expect from your visit

Think about what you, yourself, want from the visit. Do you have children? Do you just want to see where wine comes from? Is the wine you're looking for a mere souvenir from your holiday or have you embarked on a quest to stock your collection with some prized bottles?

If you're just a tourist, go to the larger domains or coop cellars who provide large, organised tours for a fee. If you really want to get to know a winemaker and understand his wine, why not visit a smaller vineyard? If you wish to find a great vintage, start investigating. Ask questions (possibly refer to the Vinobilia website), or take a road trip along the "Routes des Vins," the famed Wine Routes, that meander through the gorgeous French wine regions.

Which estates to visit

Nowadays you can pay a visit to almost any vineyard. Road signs almost always advertise plantations along the road in any given wine region. Tourist information offices and websites also provide addresses. At Vinobilia, we give you access to more than 32,000 domains in France and abroad with contact information and a map to get to each of them. Some vineyards are more used to individual visits or groups but any winemaker worth his salt will be thrilled to show you around his land and tell you how he renders his vintage.

Heiligenstein in Alsace

When to visit a domain

Except for during the harvest from the end of August through October, it's always a good time to visit a winery. At Harvest time or "les vendanges," a winemaker won't necessarily be there to answer your questions. However, at a larger estate or a coop, other representatives should be present to show you around at any time of the year.

If you're visiting a winery during any other time than vacation and holiday periods, make sure to give them a call before you stop by. Be sure not to come at mealtimes or too early in the afternoon.

How will the visit proceed?

The winemaker or representative will take you on a longer or shorter tour of the cellar and the vineyards depending upon the size of the plantation. Don't hesitate to ask questions, that's why you're there. At this point you will have the opportunity to taste the wine. Those who prefer not to drink and drive are welcome to spit the wine out.

Buying wine at the domain

If you don't enjoy the wine, you are by no means obligated to buy any. But if the visit is free, it is polite to buy a bottle or two. Remember that the winemaker hosted and took time out of his day for you.

Purchase as much wine you like but remember you might be visiting other vineyards. The producer may know some distributors near you or he may be able to mail your crates of wine if you happen to buy a few. During the summer, make sure to pick up your wine on your way home, rather than let it sit in your hot car for a few weeks.

Beware that some domains, especially the Bordeaux Grands Crus, won't sell their wine at the domain, but there are some exceptions.

Visiting a winery is a jolly experience that will truly help you appreciate wine for the rest of your life. Take some time to get to know winemakers and you'll be welcomed with open arms.

CIVA, photo of Heiligenstein. All rights reserved.

wine maker, price, wine tasting, visit, winery, estate