From Grape to Glass: Luxury Wine Tasting Experiences Around the World

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a cork, watching a red spill into a glass and taking that first sip of wine after a long day. Whether you are a Shiraz lover or prefer a lighter Pinot-Gris, wine is a beverage that has permeated countries and cultures around the world.

If you’re looking to deepen your taste for wine, tasting experiences are the best way to learn the true meaning and story behind every drop, from terroir to tannins.

So, because life is too short to drink bad wine, we’ve compiled a list of eight of the world’s most luxurious wine tasting experiences.

Fly to Leeuwin Estate Winery for lunch and a tasting

Margaret River, Western Australia

One of the few hassles of a wine tasting can often be getting there, with many wineries tucked away in remote rural areas. So if you want to avoid the car journey altogether and arrive in style, look no further than this opportunity to be transported from Perth to the Leeuwin Estate winery in just one hour, by helicopter.

A truly luxurious experience, you will be well looked after by the experts at Leeuwin Estate who are consistently rated one of Australia’s top 100 wineries. A menu of dishes offers a variety of seasonal produce from Western Australia to delicately accompany your drink.

This luxury experience starts at AUD 580 per person.

Wine tasting in Domaso at Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is the jewel in the crown of Italy’s Lombardy region. The third largest lake in the country, Lake Como is set against the backdrop of the Alps, offering breathtaking views.

A wine tasting at Domaso will give you a family-run Italian villa/vineyard experience, unparalleled scenery and a carefully curated selection of dishes to suit your palette. The wine tasting experience includes a tour of the cellar and a tasting session of the best wines Domaso has to offer, all complemented by local Italian cuisine. A single tasting session will burst your palette of flavors and chords. On the menu, an offer of white wine ‘Le Calderine Terre Lariane’, accompanied by cheese, pear and apple jam, rosé wine ‘Roselario IGT Terre Lariane’ with ricotta cheese with virgin olive oil and red wine as well as ‘Ca Del Mot Terre Lariane’ served with seasonal cheese, wildflower honey and salami.

Likely to sell out, this wine experience starts at just AU$60 per person.

Wine Festival at La Fête du Champagne

Los AngelesCalifornia

The ultimate decadent experience, La Fête du Champagne is an annual tasting event hosted by writer and professional wine critic, Peter Liem, and wine director, Daniel Johnnes. The two-day festival features 30 producers, gourmet cuisine and the world’s rarest drops.

Perfect for wine experts and aficionados, look no further than this curated event, taking place November 3-5 this year in Los Angeles. The multi-day program includes a series of dinners, a grand tasting and a gala dinner.

Humble Grape Tastings

London, England

An expert in glass, the Humble Grape offers a menu of over 400 biodynamic, natural and sustainable wines in interiors designed by eminent architect Sir Christopher Wren. The rustic decor exudes period charm and is characterized by cork walls and reclaimed wood.

On the menu are a range of seasonal British dishes and a special Sunday roast of pork belly with Yorkshire pudding, grilled cauliflower cheese and roast vegetables drizzled with gravy.

Each month, the restaurant hosts a wine tasting masterclass that serves a mix of light and dry whites, rosés, full-bodied and light reds, and dessert wines in a carefully selected order, each with a captivating story behind it.

Tickets for the wine tastings vary from event to event, with a capacity of 20 people.

Kalleske Vineyard and Cellar Experience

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Kalleske Vineyard is a hidden gem in the Barossa Valley. In business for over 150 years, the winery prides itself on its sustainable farming practices and has been certified organic and biodynamic since 1998.

To learn about Kalleske’s rich history, take part in a private winery and vineyard tour with tasting experience. A dedicated host will meet you at the door of Kalleske’s cellar and explain the complex process of viticulture and escort you to the cellar. The two-hour experience includes sweeping views of the estate and the wider Barossa Valley, as well as a host-paired Kalleske food and flight menu.

This winery and vineyard tour starts at AUD 80 for two people.

Private Wine Tour by Tesla in Bordeaux

Bordeaux, South of France

This private wine tour is the epitome of luxury, operating solely via Tesla through the wine regions of Bordeaux. The tour is led by a driver who also happens to be a local French wine expert and will take you to three stops around the neighborhood.

The eminent vineyards of Bordeaux are world famous for their incredible selection of wines, ranging from reds to dry or sweet whites and classic rosés. The district not only has a vast selection of vineyards, but also includes 6,000 castles, medieval towns, sites and churches.

Watch historic Roman architecture and verdant vineyards zip by from the comfort of a Tesla.

This tour starts at around AU$1,088 per group of three.

Concha and Toro Winery Tour

Santiago, Chile

Concha y Toro is South America’s largest wine producer and exporter, with roots in the Chilean aristocracy of the 19th century. Today, the winery produces several variations of grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Gewürztraminer for their whites and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère for their reds.

This four-hour experience includes a tasting of three vintage wines and four premium samples, all paired with perfectly matched cheeses.

This winery tour starts at around A$95.36 per person.

Picnic and tasting at Merryvale Estate

Napa Valley, California

Picnics have been taken to the next level in this exclusive offer from Merryvale Estate. For you and a group of friends, a host will take you to the estate’s vineyard, perched 800 feet above sea level in charming St. Helena. You’ll then be treated to a flight of Merryvale wines, introduced by your host and accompanied by lunch, all against a backdrop of panoramic views of the vineyards.

These vineyards have been in operation since the 1990s, when the Swiss-born Schattler family gained access to the land and built their family legacy. In 1997 Merryvale Estate was planted with 25 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Merryvale Profile Estate Picnic starts at around AUD 433.40 per person.

If you find yourself drinking and eating in Victoria, check out our guide to Melbourne’s 10 Best Wine Bars.