💸 Where to sip on a budget


Hi Reader,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely felt the pinch of higher travel costs lately. 💸

The good news is that a wine vacation doesn’t have to be expensive.

I’ve found plenty of destinations where the pours are generous, the tasting fees don’t make you cringe, and the vibe is refreshingly down-to-earth.

These spots may not have the same name recognition as Napa or Bordeaux, but they’re proof you can sip well without overspending.


🌊 New Buffalo, Michigan
The Lake Michigan Shore wine region flies under the radar, but you’ll find approachable tasting rooms, sandy beaches, and plenty of wallet-friendly pours.
👉 Southwest Michigan Wineries Guide
👉 New Buffalo Itinerary

🥂 Cava, Spain
Craving sparkling wine? Skip Champagne’s price tag and head to Catalonia for Cava. This bubbly is made in the same traditional method but is easier on the budget.
👉 Cava Wine Tasting Guide

🌅 Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes
One of New York’s most scenic wine regions is also very affordable. Expect stunning lake views, and tasting fees that make it easy to hop from one spot to the next.
👉 Seneca Lake Wineries Guide
👉 Seneca Lake Itinerary

⛴️ Douro Valley, Portugal
While Port is the star here, you’ll also find fantastic dry reds. Pair tastings with a river cruise, and you’ve got a bucket-list trip that’s surprisingly affordable.
👉 Douro Valley Guide

🏞️ New Hampshire
Yes, wine in New Hampshire! Small, family-run wineries keep things casual (and cheap). It’s the perfect low-key day trip option for some sipping and leaf-peeping.
👉 New Hampshire Wineries Guide


Budget wine travel isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about finding places where your money stretches further without losing the fun.

Check out more budget-friendly wine destinations around the world.

Cheers,

Laura

🏨

Stays I'm Loving

This membership for unlimited winery RV camping

💸

Deals I'm Loving

These winery passports for tasting on a budget

⚙️

Travel Tools I’m Using

This site for great deals on car rentals

Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

P.O. Box 44, Pinehurst, MA 01866
Unsubscribe · Preferences

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!

Read more from Wine Travelista

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...