Image courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley
Autumn is prime harvest time for vineyards around the world. And although those tidy rows of vines are beautiful any time of year, there’s something about seeing the actual grapes that makes you appreciate your next glass of wine even more.
If you’re up for a last-minute getaway (or early planning for next year’s harvest), you’ll also be treated to mild temperatures and fewer crowds, particularly in Europe where summer crowds and temperatures can soar. Read on to discover some of the top wine regions and my picks for the best places to stay, then reach out to me for customized trip planning.
California Wine Country
When discussing California Wine Country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are top of mind — and for good reason. The two regions (separated by the Mayacamas Mountains) have plenty of wineries to explore: more than 800.
California Wine Country is a great long weekend getaway for both new wine lovers and seasoned oenophiles. Many wineries offer tours, showing guests how the wine is made, and during harvest season (August through October), some even let you join in the harvest.
Choose Napa if you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or Merlot, and look at staying in Sonoma County if you favor Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and sparkling wines.
Where to stay in Napa Valley
Image courtesy of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection: A California-chic resort set on a working ranch in Napa Valley, offering vineyard views, wellness programs and private cottages, ideal for couples and wellness travelers.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Carneros Resort and Spa: Located just outside of Napa’s downtown, this resort offers private cottages, plus a full-service spa and farm-to-table dining, perfect for both couples and active guests.
Fora Reserve perks include a $150 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Alila Napa Valley: A modern, adults-only resort in St. Helena, offering a spa, Michelin-starred dining and rooms with vineyard views, great for those who want a peaceful, upscale experience.
Hyatt Privé perks include a resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to stay in Sonoma County
Image courtesy of The Madrona
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn: An elegant, historic resort with a full-service spa featuring natural thermal waters, plus golf and wine-tasting experiences.
Accor Preferred by HERA perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort: A large, laid-back property offering spa services, rooms with balconies and easy access to Sonoma's wineries and downtown.
Marriott LUMINOUS perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Madrona, Healdsburg: A Victorian-style estate with two Michelin Keys and modern amenities, located near vineyards and Healdsburg’s charming downtown.
Fora Perks include a $25 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late checkout whenever possible.
Tuscany & Umbria
Image courtesy of Monteverdi Tuscany
Italy’s harvest season is similar to California, with grapes ripening between late August and mid-October, which coincides with some of the year’s most beautiful weather in Tuscany and Umbria. These regions are home to some of the most spectacular and historic wineries, plus some incredible estates-turned-hotels, perfect for settling in for a week of countryside exploration.
Tuscany is famous for its wines from the Chianti region, as well as other prominent vintages like Super Tuscans and Brunello di Montalcino. Opt to head farther south to neighboring Umbria for its well-known reds, Sagrantino di Montefalco and Montefalco Rosso, as well as Orvieto’s whites.
Where to stay in Tuscany
Image courtesy of Viesca Toscana
Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala: An elegantly restored Tuscan estate featuring vineyard views, a full-service spa and refined dining in the scenic hills near Montepulciano.
Fora Reserve perks a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Viesca Toscana: A countryside retreat with private villas, swimming pools and easy access to Florence, plus a restaurant and spa services.
Fora Reserve perks a $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Monteverdi Tuscany: A boutique gem set on a hill in the Val d'Orcia, offering vibrant, modern rooms, fine dining and curated cultural experiences.
Fora Reserve perks a $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Il Borro Toscana: A meticulously restored medieval estate offering a winery, art galleries and formal gardens, plus a stunning infinity pool.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to stay in Umbria
Image courtesy of Vocabolo Moscatelli Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
Borgo dei Conti Resort: Impressive estate with gorgeous rooms and extensive gardens, plus a full-service spa and fine dining.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Reschio: An estate near the Tuscany border featuring private villas, a world-class restaurant and horse riding all located within a nature reserve.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Vocabolo Moscatelli Boutique Hotel & Restaurant: Refined countryside retreat set in a restored historic farmhouse, offering rustic-chic rooms, gourmet dining and even a fun Negroni cocktail class.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aethos Saragano: A boutique retreat in a medieval hilltop village, perfect for rustic luxury, farm-to-table dining and views of the Umbrian countryside.
Fora Perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
I Borghi dell'Eremo: A rural boutique hotel with airy rooms and a relaxing vibe, offering access to outdoor activities and wellness experiences.
Fora Perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Bordeaux
Image courtesy of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Bordeaux should be on every wine lover’s bucket list. A quick hour flight from Paris, this historic city offers an experience that goes beyond just tasting vintages. Picture miles of sun-drenched vineyards surrounded by centuries-old châteaux with incredible winemaking pedigrees.
In Bordeaux, you can explore the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol regions, each with its own distinct personality and flavor profile, all while savoring private tastings and meeting the winemakers behind these well-respected wines. Plus, the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with gorgeous architecture and delicious dining on every block.
Where to stay in Bordeaux
Image courtesy of Gregoire Gardette for La Maison d'Estournel
Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes: A stately hotel in central Bordeaux with upscale dining and elegant rooms near the city's top attractions.
Accor Preferred by HERA perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey: A vineyard manor in Sauternes with streamlined rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and exclusive wine experiences.
Fora Perks include a 90€ credit per room, a welcome amenity and an upgrade whenever possible.
La Maison d'Estournel: A boutique hotel set in a 19th-century château, offering contemporary rooms with a backdrop of expansive vineyards.
Fora Perks include welcome amenities, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
Spain
Rioja and Galicia are two of Spain’s most prominent wine regions, offering two distinct experiences. Probably the most famous of Spain’s wine region, Rioja is known for its red wines primarily made from Tempranillo grapes. Wineries here range from small, family-run vineyards to exquisite modern estates.
In contrast, the coastal region of Galicia is known for its white wines, particularly Albariño. Expect smaller, lesser-known wineries here, and enjoy seafood pairings that highlight the region’s sea-loving culture. Galicia’s wine routes are less crowded than Rioja, but consider combining these two regions for a broad understanding of Spain’s wine landscape and flavors.
Where to stay in Rioja
Image courtesy of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego
Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego: A fantastical chateau designed by Frank Gehry, set within the Marqués de Riscal winery.
Marriott STARS perks a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palacio Tondon, La Rioja Brinas: A boutique hotel in a restored palace along the Ebro River, with modern amenities and easy access to La Rioja's vineyards.
Marriott LUMINOUS perks include daily breakfast, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to stay in Galicia
Image courtesy of Casa Beatnik Hotel
Casa Beatnik Hotel: A creative retreat located in the Galician countryside, offering colorful rooms, a spa and easy access to local vineyards.
Fora Perks include a 20€ hotel credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended checkout whenever possible.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela: A historic castle with a charming courtyard garden centrally located near the city's famous cathedral and cultural sites.
Fora Perks include daily breakfast, a welcome amenity, a private guided city tour, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Portugal
A fantastic and convenient pairing with a trip to Spain, Portugal’s Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The winemaking process here can be traced back to Roman times and contributed to this area being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the remarkable features of this region is the picturesque terraced hillsides, shaped by centuries of cultivation, plus the proximity to Porto makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. And if you’re a lover of Port wine — a sweet wine fortified with brandy — this is definitely the spot for you.
Heavily dependent on weather, the Douro Valley’s harvest season typically lands within September and October. Many wineries open their doors for hands-on experiences, and the mild temperatures make this time of year ideal for experiencing the region's wine culture firsthand.
Where to stay in the Douro Valley
Image courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley
Octant Douro: Chic, contemporary hotel with gorgeous river views, a spa and multiple pools, plus easy access to nearby vineyards.
Fora Perks include a complimentary massage per person, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Six Senses Douro Valley: A decadent spa resort set in a restored 19th-century manor, focused on holistic wellness and fine dining with sweeping vineyard and river views of the Douro River.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Vintage House Hotel, Douro: A traditional riverside hotel in a converted 18th-century wine estate, offering a riverfront pool and terrace dining.
Ready to find your favorite vintage? Connect with me to start planning your wine country trip.