Where Should Your Wine Group Go?

What’s better than enjoying wine while experiencing a great destination? Easy – doing it with your friends! But, deciding on where to go can be challenging. Whether you are a few couples who occasionally get together or a formal organization with scheduled meetings, here are four suggestions that work well for small to medium sized groups.

1) The blending of medieval Europe exploration with the history of European wine making on a river cruise is a can’t miss for wine groups. Biking through French vineyards, “truffle hunting”, attending a performance of “The Blue Danube” in Vienna are a fraction of potential experiences. Some wine cruises are itinerary specific such as cruising thru Burgundy or exploring the Bordeaux river valley region. Alternatively, traditional itineraries with added wine and culinary focus, including guest experts, are also available.

River cruises are great for groups because there are so many inclusives that everyone can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the wine. Or hike, bike, explore, and enjoy the wine. Or some combination and enjoy the wine!

2) Mendoza is arguably the most well-known wine region of Argentina, world famous for it’s Malbec. Additionally, the region’s Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are well-regarded. But, Argentina is home to two other major wine regions: Patagonia - known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Malbec and the high altitude North Region – where Torrontes and Syrah are the main varietals.

While you’re in the area, your wine group might like to experience Iguazu Falls, learn Tango in Buenos Aires, enjoy spectacular views of Patagonia, walk along the Perro Moreno Glacier, or learn about traditional gaucho life while staying on a working Estancia.

3) Australia is home to as many different wine regions as California. Which makes sense - they both enjoy wildly diverse climates. Multiple high-quality wines are awaiting your discovery in the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra region, or Adelaide Hills, to name a few. Wine lovers will find almost any varietal produced on this small continent.

What to do when you’re not wine tasting? Explore the outback and a night at Ayers Rock for the Sounds of Silence. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge (I won’t be joining you!), enjoy a wilderness walk on Kangaroo Island to meet koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Mine for opals in Coober Pedy. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, or just enjoy a beach day or two in Cairns (while sipping wine!).

4) Did you know South Africa is the seventh largest wine producer, ahead of more established wine countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, and Chile. They have their own, unique varietal - Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Better known varietals that South Africa produces include Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Of course, if you’re in South Africa for wine tasting, why not enjoy a glass of champagne while hot air balloon riding across the vineyards or the plains of Africa? Kruger National Park is a great destination for a safari. A side trip to Victoria Falls is easily accomplished from Johannesburg, if that’s on your bucket list.

So, there you have it – a very brief sampling of outstanding destinations for your wine group’s next sampling!

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Why Group Travel Is the Best!

Some people have a misconception that group travel means getting on a bus and being herded from one stop to another. Technically, that is a group. In reality, it’s a bunch of individuals who happen to be on the same tour.

My definition of group travel is traveling with people we already have a connection with; friends, family, club members, alumni - you get the idea. Whether you go on a cruise, hang out at a resort, or take a customized trip – the bottom line is enjoying the experience with your favorite peeps.

Let’s be clear. There are occasions when non-group travel is the perfect choice – A reflective solo journey, a romantic getaway, or perhaps a visit to your ancestral home.

But, in most cases, group travel, in my opinion, is the best way to travel. Traveling with like-minded individuals is just plain fun. You share your experiences with your friends or family instead of telling them about it when you get home. I love traveling with a group. Ask my family – I’m always trying to get them to meet on a cruise or visit a destination together. And, I enjoy traveling with others so much, it’s my specialty.

Family travel. Most of us have fond (okay, maybe some not-so-fond) memories of traveling with our immediate families. The family vacation is always highly anticipated and fantastic fun. Now, multiply that by 2 or 3 or more families. Not just the immediate family, but aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. For the kids, there is immediate companionship. The adults can reconnect and enjoy some adult time with each other. And the whole family will have memories to share for a lifetime.

Friends. Unlike relatives, you get to pick your friends! So, who better to travel with? Whether it is a few couples who share a passion for wine, or a Santa Claus convention. And, yes, I was once on a Caribbean cruise with about 100 Santa and Mrs. Claus’s. Gave a new definition for “Christmas In July”. Seeing Santas in the tropics wearing holiday-themed shorts and tees was very surreal.

Solos. Find a travel group for solos. There are plenty out there. Of course, I’d love for you to travel with me, but maybe the destinations I pick aren’t your cup of tea. Someone out there has what you’re looking for. Not only do you not have to try and talk someone into going with you, you have anywhere from 6 – 20 new instant best friends to travel with. Bonus: all your vacay pictures won’t be selfies!

Value. Depending on where you are headed, there are definite savings in traveling as a group. Most hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators will offer a discount if enough people are traveling together.

Perks. Besides offering discounts, many suppliers will offer some extra amenities to groups such as wine, private entrances and showings, dedicated concierge, etc.

Is group travel harder to plan and execute? Yes. But, you have me to take care of all the details!

Seriously, whether you do it yourself or let me help, group travel is more fun, more memorable, and more value.

Have you experienced travel with a group? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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What's So Special About River Cruising?

Photo, Courtesy of Uniworld

River cruising isn’t new, but its popularity has increased exponentially over the past few years. And many people want to know why. What makes river cruising so special?

Here are five reasons I love them.

1) Close to the action. Riverboats dock right in town. No tendering or long road trips to get to the main city. Step off the ship and you’re off and exploring immediately. You’ll be able to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, participate in authentic experiences, and have more free time to check out local cafes, markets, and sites. Many ships even provide bicycles for passengers to use while in port.

2) Cultural immersion both onboard and off. On-board entertainment includes local performers, artists, lecturers, culinary lessons, and wine and beer tastings of local fare. There are special interest cruises with added focus for art, history, food, and holidays of various regions throughout the world. For example, you can enjoy a wine connoisseur journey through Provence or horticultural experience during springtime in the Netherlands.

3) No crowds. Most riverboats hold 150-160 guests, so passengers don’t overwhelm the destination. Have you ever had that sense or even certainty that the population of a port doubled or tripled when the mega-cruise ship docked? Not with a riverboat cruise! No lines getting on/off the ship. One seating for meals; no waiting to dine.

4) Best of traditional cruising, plus added benefits. There are many advantages to traditional cruising: unpacking only once while visiting several ports, sampling destinations for future in-depth exploration, the exemplary service round the clock.  River cruising has added advantages:  the shoreline is visible while cruising so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise. Rivers are generally calmer than open ocean waters, so less movement means reduced chance for motion sickness if you are susceptible. No lifeboat drill because there are no lifeboats. OK – there is a safety drill. But it is comfortable, indoors, and you don’t have to don life jackets.

5) No end-of-cruise sticker shock! You know, that tab you’ve been running all week that gets delivered under your door the night before disembarking? River cruises include many more amenities than traditional ocean cruises. Usually included in the basic fare are transfers, shore excursions, internet access, entertainment, concierge, and alcohol. The only additions to the basic fare are personal items such as spa service, gift shop purchases, or added adventures.

And, they are great for group sizes of 10 – 150.