They say that the secret to happiness is always having a holiday booked, and with summer beginning to roll to a close, it’s time to start thinking about where’s next. Got your eye on somewhere specific? Or perhaps, it’s a special someone’s big birthday in 2026 and you want to treat them to the surprise of a lifetime?
Here’s why now’s the best time to book your 2026 wine holiday.
The Luxury of Choice
Booking now means securing the most coveted vineyard stays, private tours, and tables at Michelin-starred restaurants that sell out months in advance. The later you book, the more likely you are to miss out on rare vintages or one-of-a-kind harvest celebrations.
Booking now means we can reserve you the Deluxe room with the best view, or that dinner in the vines experience you’ve always wanted. Get first pick of the choice of hotels and additional experiences for your trip.
Unmissable Seasonal Moments
In Spring, we recommend destinations such as Provence and the Cote d’Azur, or beautiful Sicily, for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. These destinations still tend to book up far in advance so contact us now to secure availabilities (and at the best possible prices!).
Autumn is the best time of year to visit Porto and the Douro Valley: think cruising down the Douro River with a glass in hand, watching the vineyards glow in autumnal reds and golds. The harvest is also extra special in this part of the world – they are one of the few regions to still use centuries-old methods such as hand-picking and manually treading the grapes. Book now to take part in exclusive harvest experiences, where you’ll step into the shoes of the winemaker for a day and get involved with producing the year’s harvest.
In Rioja, the celebrations of the harvest come to life with traditional dancers, live music in the streets and markets showcasing the best food and wines of the region. If you travel a little later into Autumn, you’ll see the gorgeous orange-red colours of fall in the vineyards, and the wine has already fermented so you get the opportunity to taste the first wines of the year.
Perhaps you’ve already secured tickets to unmissable events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games – why not consider tagging on a few days in a nearby wine region to kick back and relax?
Occasions Worth Celebrating in Style
“An amazing experience with Grape Escapes! Giulia planned a flawless wine tasting trip through Tuscany despite my multiple requested changes. The wineries chosen all made us feel like part of the family. The Grand Hotel Continental was a luxury experience in itself. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience for our 40th wedding anniversary!” – One client from Florida who recently travelled with us.
We’ve planned memorable anniversary celebrations with private tasting dinners in Tuscany, epic escapes for groups of friends all celebrating milestone birthdays, and even pulled a few strings behind the scenes to help create wonderful engagement trips with the perfect place to pop the question.
A wine holiday is the perfect way to mark a special occasion. We can organise private vineyard dinners, special barrel tastings, curated bottles to take home, and VIP experiences at your favourite wineries that are seldom seen by the public.
To make it extra special, your Luxury Travel Consultant will liaise with you to understand your needs and desires for the trip: whether you’re arranging a surprise for a loved one or organising an epic birthday trip for yourself and a group of your friends. Booking now means you’ll get first pick of the range of exclusive experiences, and we’ll work together to tailor this to become the ultimate way of bringing in the celebrations.
Peace of Mind and Preferential Prices
The earlier the book, the more you’ll get to look forward to your holiday. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and count down the days till departure!
We’re beginning gathering next year’s rates from our suppliers, so booking now also means you’ll get to take advantage of 2025 prices for your 2026 holiday.
Book Now, Toast Later
The most extraordinary wine holidays are never left to chance. By planning now, you’ll ensure your 2026 getaway is exactly as you imagine it – seamless, memorable, and utterly unforgettable.
