With the school term almost over, it’s almost time for the family summer holiday! We are all looking forward to spending quality and fun times with our loved ones, while dreading planning the whole thing.
At some point we have all done the all-inclusive resort, where the kids happily play in the children’s club and the parents relax by the pool. Let’s face it though – towards the end of it it tends to get a bit boring as you never go out of the resort! Wouldn’t it be easier if the whole family did something they all enjoyed? Cultural visits, city hopping, winery tours, biking and cooking together as a family.
At Winerist we understand that family trips are the best source of anecdotes and lasting memories, so instead of remembering how hard it was planning your vacation we want you to take a step back, relax, enjoy a glass of wine and some amazing local food, with plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained. You will be surprised at just how much there is to do and see as a family in a wine region!
So here are our top 5 wine regions for family holiday fun with our top tips for the perfect tour and wine hotel.
1. Where? Bordeaux
Tour Tip: Half-day Tour Arcachon Pyla Dune and Oyster Tasting
Pros:
- The tour is only 3.5 hours long so the kiddies will not get too tired
- Small group tour limited to 8 people
- Arcachon Bay is very popular with French families where you can roam on the beach and enjoy the sea
- You will climb a sand dune (the little ones love the sand!)
Cons:
- The tour includes a visit to an oyster farm where you will get to sample fresh oysters. Great for adults but maybe not so much for the kids, hence bring a snack for them.
Hotel Tip: Hotel: Le Boutique Hotel Bordeaux
Pros:
- In the city centre of Bordeaux but away from the traffic noise, perfect for exploring the city by foot and the museums with the children
- Spacious rooms, unusually large for Bordeaux, which will allow more room for the little ones
- Many great restaurants and brasseries nearby
Cons:
- You may need to find a babysitter if you want some time alone or take your child with you to explore the magnificent city of Bordeaux
2. Where? Tuscany
Tour Tip: Florence and Chocolate Secrets
Pros:
- Chocolate, desserts and ice cream tastings at two chocolate laboratories in Florence – your children will love it!
- Learn how to make your own chocolate with a live demonstration
- Enjoy a family lunch with more fabulous desserts
- 5 hrs tour around Florence
Cons:
- We cannot think of any if there is chocolate involved!
Hotel Tip: Borgo di Colleoli
Pros:
- Llarge apartments for 4-6 people, perfect for a family
- Swimming pools
- Restaurant with typical authentic Tuscan cuisine
- Wine tasting on-site
- Perfect location – in the vicinity of Florence, Pisa, Siena and the beach
Cons:
- You will need a car to travel around
3. Where? Douro
Tour Tip: Douro Valley Wine Tasting, Boat Trip & Palace Tour
Pros:
- A mixture of wine, food, culture and boating – perfect to discover the Douro region
- Private transportation included
- Lunch at an award-winning winery
Cons:
- The tour may be a bit on the long side for the little ones, but they can take a rest on the mini bus
Hotel Tip: Quinta de Guimaraes
Pros:
- Traditional Portuguese manor house in the middle of nature and a family-owned winery
- Apartments for larger groups are available
- Stunning views of the Douro river and the valley
- You can arrange family activities in the countryside such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating and cooking
- Nearby wineries, river cruises and golf courses
- Outdoor pool
- Fantastic value for money!
Cons:
- We cannot fault it!
4. Where? Languedoc
Tour Tip: Wines and Artisan Foods of Uzes
Pros:
- A fun and relaxing day for the whole family, where you will get the chance to meet some colourful characters
- Visit to the farmer’s market in Uzes with tastings of local delicacies
- Winery visits and wine tastings
- Olive oil mill visits
- Private transportation
- Great value for money!
Cons:
- Lunch is not included so bring a snack for your children
Hotel Tip: Chateau l’Hospitalet
Pros:
- Located within the vineyards and only 5 minutes from the beach
- Restaurant and winery on site so you do not need to travel far to enjoy a wine tasting
- Crafts shop on site – the children will love the activities
- Outdoor pool
- Babysitting service available
Cons:
- Again you will need a car to explore the surroundings of Languedoc-Roussillon and the beautiful South of France
5. Where? Casablanca
Tour Tip: Bike & Wine the Casablanca Valley
Pros:
- Bike with the whole family and private guide through award winning vineyards of Casablanca
- Chile has a cool climate for viticulture and perfect for biking
- Winery visits and wine tastings
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with the family at one of the wineries
- Private transportation
- Bikes and helmets are provided
Cons:
- This tour is more adventurous and requires some biking skills from adults and children
Hotel Tip: B&B La Casa del Amirante
Pros:
- Perfect location – between Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
- Rooms for 3 people or more available
- Family environment
- Cozy and stylish rooms
- A visit to the Naval Museum in Valparaiso would be appreciated by the kids
- Walk on the beach promenade
Cons:
- Small place that may not have all the facilities you need such as a pool
Enjoy! If you would like to book a family holiday, have any special requests or questions about planning a wine holiday with your family please feel free to get in touch with us at info@winerist.com.
Written by: Tatiana Livesey, Winerist co-founder.