Wine country is the perfect place for active travelers who want to combine their love for fine wines with thrilling outdoor experiences. From cycling through rolling vineyards in Tuscany to exploring Portugal’s historic wine regions, wine country offers more than just bottles of wine—it’s an immersive experience of culture, nature, and adventure.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the best wine regions to explore, the wines that make them famous, and the active activities you can enjoy while visiting. Whether you’re cycling through scenic vineyards, exploring charming towns, or simply taking in the views, each of these destinations promises a top-tier travel experience.
Featured Wine Country Destinations
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is synonymous with Italian wine. Known for its Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany offers more than just great wines—it’s also an outdoor lover’s paradise. With its scenic hills and rustic vineyards, Tuscany is the perfect place for a cycling tour that lets you experience the beauty of the region up close.
Trek Travel’s Tuscany Wine Country Bike Tour immerses you in the region’s famous vineyards where you’ll cycle through picturesque routes, enjoy exceptional wine tastings at renowned wineries like Castello di Volpaia, and savor gourmet meals paired with Chianti Classico. After a day of cycling, relax in luxury accommodations like the Belmond Castello di Casole, and indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine. This tour is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in one of the most famous wine regions in the world.
Best Wines to Try in Tuscany:
- Chianti Classico: This world-renowned red wine is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape and is known for its rich, fruity flavor with earthy undertones. Perfect for pairing with pasta and grilled meats.
- Brunello di Montalcino: A robust red wine that comes from the Sangiovese grape variety, with complex aromas and flavors of dark fruit, spice, and leather. It’s often considered one of Italy’s finest wines.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: This red wine hails from the Tuscan hills and is known for its smooth texture, elegant tannins, and notes of red berries and herbs.
Sonoma Valley, California
Sonoma County in California is a world-renowned wine region offering diverse terrain and exceptional wine. From the rolling hills of Russian River Valley to the stunning coastal vistas, Sonoma is a top destination for cycling and wine enthusiasts alike. The region is known for producing world-class Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, making it a must-visit for wine lovers. Trek Travel’s California Wine Country Bike Tour lets you ride through the scenic Sonoma and Russian River valleys, visiting celebrated wineries and enjoying farm-to-table meals. Ride through the majestic Armstrong Redwoods, sample delicious wines, and soak in the beauty of California’s wine country. This tour is ideal for active travelers looking for scenic cycling routes, delicious wines, and luxurious accommodations.
Best Wines to Try in Sonoma Valley:
- Zinfandel: Known for its bold, jammy fruit flavors with a peppery finish, Zinfandel is perfect for pairing with barbecue or grilled meats.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter red wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, making it an excellent match for salmon or roasted chicken.
- Chardonnay: A classic California white wine, often with rich, buttery notes, that pairs wonderfully with seafood and creamy pasta dishes.
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the heart of France’s wine country. Famous for its iconic Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc wines, this region is also known for its stunning châteaux, picturesque villages, and lush vineyards. Cycling through the Loire Valley offers both historic exploration and exquisite wine tasting. Trek Travel’s Loire Valley Wine Country Bike Tour lets you cycle past some of France’s most beautiful castles, visit wineries offering tastings of Loire’s famous wines, and enjoy local French cuisine. The tour includes exclusive experiences like a private visit to Château de Chambord and wine tastings in ancient troglodyte cellars. This is the ideal tour for those looking to combine cycling with a taste of French royalty.
Best Wines to Try in the Loire Valley:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, refreshing, and full of citrus notes, perfect for pairing with goat cheese or fresh seafood.
- Chenin Blanc: Known for its balance of sweetness and acidity, it pairs beautifully with rich, creamy dishes or grilled fish.
- Cabernet Franc: A red wine with herbaceous and fruity flavors, ideal for pairing with grilled meats or vegetable-based dishes.
Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country is home to stunning rural landscapes, charming small towns, and some of the best wine in the state. Known for its Texas Bluebonnets, lavender fields, and the world-class wines produced in Fredericksburg, this region is a cyclist’s dream. Trek Travel’s Texas Hill Country Bike Tour takes you through picturesque vineyards, past orchards of peaches and pecans, and into the heart of the Texas wine country. The tour also features stops at local wineries like Augusta Vin Winery for private tastings. After a day of riding, unwind in the charming town of Fredericksburg, known for its German-inspired cuisine, boutiques, and live music. This region combines southern hospitality, delicious wines, and scenic rides, making it a perfect getaway for active travelers.
Best Wines to Try in Texas Hill Country:
- Tempranillo: A bold red with deep, rich flavors of dark fruit like plum and blackberry, accompanied by hints of spice and tobacco. This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, smoky barbecue, and aged cheeses
- Viognier: Known for its smooth texture and aromatic qualities, this white wine delivers fragrant notes of stone fruit, honey, and flowers. It’s a perfect match for seafood, creamy pastas, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red with flavors of dark fruit, cassis, and subtle oak. It’s ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like steak, grilled lamb, or rich stews.
Portugal’s Alentejo Wine Region
Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Alentejo wine region is an idyllic destination for cycling and wine tasting. Known for its rich cork forests, olive groves, and historic towns, the region offers a slower pace of life and a chance to enjoy wines that reflect its rich agricultural history. Trek Travel’s Portugal Bike Tour takes you through the scenic Alentejo region, where you’ll cycle past vineyards, ancient olive groves, and UNESCO-listed towns like Évora. Experience traditional Portuguese hospitality, taste local wines, and indulge in slow food cuisine. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore a quieter, more authentic wine country.
Best Wines to Try in Portugal’s Alentejo Region:
- Alicante Bouschet: A deep, dark wine with bold flavors of ripe blackberries, cherries, and a touch of spice. It’s full-bodied with smooth tannins and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and rich pasta dishes.
- Aragonez: With bright fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry, and plum, complemented by subtle spice and earthy notes, this wine is excellent with Portuguese cuisine, including roasted lamb and grilled fish.
- Trincadeira: Known for its rich berry flavors, this wine also has earthy, herbal notes with a touch of pepper. It’s a fantastic pairing with rich meats, especially pork, as well as regional cheeses and olives.
Veneto, Italy
The Prosecco Hills of Veneto, Italy, are famous for their Prosecco Superiore DOCG wines, and cycling through these scenic vineyards offers a perfect balance of wine tasting and outdoor exploration. The region is also known for its historical villages and charming towns like Asolo and Follina. Trek Travel’s Prosecco Hills Self-Guided Bike Tour lets you cycle through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills, enjoy tastings of the world-famous Prosecco, and explore Veneto’s medieval villages. This tour is ideal for those looking to combine cycling with flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace while still enjoying all the beauty and wines of the region.
Best Wines to Try in the Prosecco Hills:
- Prosecco Superiore DOCG: This light, refreshing sparkling wine is perfect for any occasion and pairs well with seafood, light pasta, or appetizers.
- Pinot Grigio: A crisp and refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and green apple, making it an ideal pairing with seafood and cheese.
- Glera: The primary grape used in Prosecco production, offering a smooth and well-balanced flavor that pairs perfectly with charcuterie or antipasti.
Plan Your Next Wine Country Adventure
Ready to combine your love of wine and cycling? Trek Travel’s wine tours offer the perfect way to explore iconic regions around the world while enjoying exceptional wines and world-class support. Whether you’re cycling in Tuscany, exploring towns in Portugal, or sipping wine in the Loire Valley, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Book your trip today and discover the best wine country destinations for active travelers.
