Wine lovers are always on the lookout for memorable holidays, and we’re seeing that reflected in the numbers and range of wine-related vacations today. In fact, the wine tourism market has grown considerably and is expected to be worth $32.5 billion by 2030.
U.S. News tracked down ten of the best destinations that promise spectacular scenery — and a distinguished wine culture. This includes Tuscany in Italy, Loire Valley in France, and even Cape Town in South Africa.
All of these places have unique draws, but some tourists may be looking to get more out of their vacations. Consequently, it’s no surprise that boat holidays have been rising as a special way for wine lovers to enjoy their passion across the waters. In this article, we take a closer look at the advantages of taking a boat holiday for wine lovers.
Why choose a boat holiday?
Boat holidays allow multiple destinations to be visited in one go. A boating holiday in Tuscany, for example, can consist of a sailing route along La Spezia, Genoa, Puntone, or Livorno. You can even make your way to the historic vineyards of the Aeolian Islands located off Sicily. This archipelago is only accessible by water, and each of the seven volcanic islands promises wine lovers an exhilarating lens through which they can explore the ancient terroir.
Many of the world’s popular vineyards are similarly located near bodies of water. That’s because coastal vineyards are more susceptible to dynamic weather, which allows for a longer growing season. Wine lovers on a boat holiday can drop by year-long to make their way to the local vineyards — or even drink atop their boat.
What are the advantages of boat holidays?
Thanks to the growth of wine tourism, there are several boat rental opportunities available for wine enthusiasts. A yacht can easily be chartered along the ports and is a great way to intimately explore a wine region. In France, for example, you can hire boats anywhere from Bellegarde, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Capestang, Cogolin, Hyeres, Marseille, and Saint Raphael to tour the other wine regions of France, such as Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.
You can also book a luxury yacht in advance, with AKYACHT’s 85-meter flagship Victorious starting at $950,000 per week, as of January 2022. This yacht features a glass-clad wine cellar with rare vintages of whisky and cognac. Here, large private gatherings can be comfortably hosted for your friends and family, where you can enjoy a glass of wine on the water before heading out on land to try the local offerings of each destination.
For a completely hassle-free experience, however, you can also sign up for a luxury cruise. These cruises offer itineraries and all-inclusive experiences that wine enthusiasts will definitely enjoy. Explora Cruises offers specialized trips to top wine regions in the world, such as the Mediterranean, complete with unlimited fine wines and premium spirits onboard. The wine list on Explora I is crafted to carefully reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, and wine-themed destination experiences such as the “Meet the Winemaker” event will delight any wine enthusiast looking for an entirely wine-themed boat holiday.
Does this sound exciting to you? Start planning your dream destination by checking out our list of the Five Top Countries of the World Producing Wine. Whether it’s Italy, France, or the U.S., you’ll surely be able to make the most out of your holiday by traversing through the waters for the best wine experience. To know more about wine, check out our other articles on Le Phare De Verzeney.