World Wine Tourism Day

World Wine Tourism Day is observed every year on the second Sunday of November. It recognizes travel connected with wine and the places where it is made, from vineyard visits and cellar tours to local food, architecture and regional culture. The day offers wine lovers and curious travelers a reason to learn how a wine-producing area’s landscape and traditions shape what ends up in the glass.

How the day started

According to RECEVIN, the European Network of Wine Cities, it launched the initiative in 2009 as European Wine Tourism Day, an annual celebration held on the second Sunday of November in its member cities. A partnership with AMETUR, the World Wine Tourism Association, gave the initiative a global reach. Today, regions and local communities mark the day with activities that showcase wine tourism, cultural heritage and local traditions.

What wine tourism can include

Wine tourism is about more than tasting. A visit might include a walk through vineyards, a look at fermentation or aging spaces, or a conversation about how local conditions influence grape growing. Some wineries welcome visitors to historic buildings or working farms; others pair tastings with regional dishes, art or outdoor activities.

Wine regions differ widely. Climate, terrain, grape varieties and local customs all help give a place its character. A coastal vineyard, for example, offers a different setting from one on a hillside or in a broad inland valley. A tasting room can be a useful place to ask questions and notice how a wine’s aroma, flavor and texture vary from one bottle to another.

Visitors don’t need to be wine experts to enjoy a winery. Many tours explain the process in everyday language, from growing and harvesting grapes to fermentation and bottling. Some destinations also offer grape juice tastings or family-friendly walks, though policies vary, so check ahead if you’re traveling with children.

Ways to take part

• Book a tour at a winery near you. Check opening hours, reservation requirements and whether the visit includes a tasting before setting out.
• Choose a designated driver or arrange transportation in advance. If you taste wine, keep the visit responsible and follow local laws.
• Bring a notebook or use your phone to record the names of wines you enjoy, along with the grape variety or region. A few notes can make later comparisons more interesting.
• Pair a bottle from a nearby region with a meal made from local ingredients. Read the label together and see what you can learn about where the wine was produced.
• Explore a wine region’s wider story. Look for its local foods, landscape, historic sites and crafts, and ask guides or producers how these connect with wine.
• If you can’t visit a vineyard, attend a guided tasting at a local shop or community event, or compare wines from two different regions at home.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.

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