It Isn't Just The Vintage: How Weather And Your Comfort Affect Your Tour Experience
Posted on: 10 January 2018
Vineyard tours are peaceful activities that let you be outdoors while also traveling to different wineries to sample excellent vintages. However, as bucolic as the tour might seem, you have to take some precautions to ensure you feel well and comfortable throughout the tour. If you don't, you won't enjoy the tour or the wines as much. It doesn't take a lot to ensure your comfort, though, so follow these tips for the best chance of enjoying the tour.
Dressing Well
It could be cool, it could be hot, it could be cool in the shade and hot out near the grapes... you never know. Dress in layers such as a light jacket and button-down shirt over a t-shirt. Make sure your shoes are comfortable, too; you'll be walking on both paved surfaces and grass or soil, so heels are inappropriate. Closed-toed shoes are also best so that you don't have grass and dirt getting under your feet. Bring a hat, too, and sunscreen if you're not covering up.
Hydration, Oddly
You'd think liquid intake wouldn't be a problem on a winery tour, but you're not going to drink entire bottles of wine. Alcohol can also be dehydrating, anyway. Bring water with you and double-check about the availability of more water as the day goes on. You'll be walking around and drinking different wines, so that water will help keep you from developing a headache as the day goes on. A couple of small bottles can last a few hours, but if the tour is a long one, you may want to stash even more away in a bag.
Lunch Restrictions
Many vineyard tours provide lunch. If you have food allergies or other dietary requirements, talk to the tour organizer as soon as possible. The lunch may be pre-made, like picnic-style boxes, so you can't assume that you'll be able to get the right foods by requesting them that morning. The more warning the tour organizer has, the easier it will be to give you food that meets your needs. If the tour can't provide exactly what you need, you'll have time to prepare your own food and find a suitable container to bring it with you.
Vineyard tours often run for a few hours, so don't assume that if you get a little uncomfortable, it won't last long. Prepare for a day out so that you stay cool, dry, and happy. That's really the best way to enjoy a wine tasting.
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