profile

Wine Travelista

Hi! I'm Laura, your go-to source for all things wine and wanderlust. Whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you experience the same joy and education that wine country travel has brought me. From wine travel basics to wine region guides to done-for-you itineraries, I make planning a wine tasting trip simple…and fun!

Featured Post

☀️ Wine tasting on Europe’s sunniest island

Hi Reader, Did you know Europe’s sunniest island is also a wine destination? It’s called Hvar, and it sits off the coast of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. It’s super easy to reach from the city of Split. Just a quick ferry ride and you can be soaking in this view. 🤩 If you’ve heard of Hvar, you might know it best for beaches, boating, and blooming lavender…but I’m here to report that the wineries are worth the trip too. The island is best known for indigenous grapes like Plavac Mali. A...

Hi Reader, Quick story: I once planned a wine trip for late October thinking, “Perfect timing. Fall vibes…harvest energy…a little wine-fueled exploring!” 🍁🍷 Except…I got there and it was basically a ghost town. Tours weren’t running. Finding an open restaurant was a whole adventure. And all but ONE winery was closed. A few even told me they had run out of wine for the year. I’m sorry… what?? 🤯 That’s why timing matters almost as much as where you go. So, I’m breaking down what each season...

Hi Reader, Happy New Year! 🍾✨ There’s something about a fresh calendar that makes everything feel possible again. New goals. 🎯New ideas. 💡New places to explore. ✈️ And if you’re already dreaming about where your next wine trip might take you, I’ve got some inspiration to get the year started. These are the wine destinations that feel a little larger than life. The ones you see in books, movies, and travel reels. The ones you say you’ll get to someday. If 2026 is finally that day, here are...

Hi Reader, This is the time of year when I start dreaming about next year’s travels. And if you’re anything like me, wine country is probably high on your list.🍷✈️ But with so many amazing regions around the world, how do you choose where to go next? I pulled together a few easy ways to narrow it down (no spreadsheet required!). Here’s how to find the wine region that fits your vibe. ☀️ Start with when you want to travel.Seasons flip between hemispheres, which means your travel month can be...

Hi Reader, I don’t know about you, but the holiday season showed up fast this year. My shopping list is multiplying, my holiday calendar keeps filling itself, and I still have pumpkin décor all over my house. 🎃🤪 Suddenly, a quiet weekend away feels like the best idea I’ve had all season. 😌 If you’re in the same boat, the good news is that you might not have to travel far for it. Some of the best wine regions in the U.S. are just a short drive from major cities. Perfect for a last-minute...

Hi Reader, Looking for a wine town that’s walkable, full of great wine, and perfect for a couple’s getaway? Meet Healdsburg. This Sonoma County spot was once named one of America’s most romantic small towns. And it has more than 30 tasting rooms in just a few blocks. 🍷🚶♀️ What I love about Healdsburg is how much variety you can squeeze into one day of tasting. It sits in the center of three wine regions: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. So, you can start with...

Hi Reader, If you ask me, sparkling wine deserves more than just New Year’s Eve. 🥂 From classic European fizz to American cool-climate bubbles, there are plenty of places making sparkling wines worth traveling for. Some of these regions are world-famous. While others are quietly crafting standout bottles that rival Champagne, often for a fraction of the price. Here are five destinations where the bubbles flow and the tasting experiences sparkle.✨ 🍾 Cava, SpainSpain’s answer to Champagne, Cava...

Hi Reader, I finally made it back to Sonoma this summer. And it felt so good to return to one of the regions that made me fall in love with wine travel. I was there with a great group of fellow wine writers for a deep-dive tour focused on all things Sonoma (aka wine nerd heaven 🤓). Between panel tastings with legendary winemakers and talks on everything from subregions to soil types, let’s just say I learned a lot. And I came home with a whole new appreciation for the region. Let’s Talk Dry...

Hi Reader, Here’s a little secret: Some of the best wine trips happen after the crowds head home. Instead of being rushed through flights or competing for a patio table, you can actually take your time, chat with winemakers, and soak it all in. ✨ Honestly, that’s when wine country feels most special. ✨ Here are five destinations that shine when you skip the peak season. 🍇 Dry Creek Valley, CaliforniaSonoma is a magnet for summer crowds. Come in the shoulder season for tastings that feel more...

Hi Reader, Let’s be real. Wine country trips can add up fast. Between tasting fees, bottles you just have to bring home, and maybe a cheese plate (or three), your budget can disappear faster than a chilled rosé on a hot day. You might know the usual money-savers like tasting passports or case discounts. But today, I'm spilling some of the lesser-known ones I’ve learned after years of visiting wine regions. 🏨 Check Hotel Perks FirstBefore you even start mapping out tastings, ask your hotel if...