★★★★★
“I would recommend this tour wholeheartedly to anyone who loves wine, culture, scenery, and authentic connection.”
Hosted small-group wine journeys
Travel deeper into the world’s great wine regions.
Join Vineyard Voyages founder Christian Hoeffel for thoughtfully curated journeys connecting vineyards, regional cuisine, culture, and the people who bring each destination to life.
Submitting the inquiry form does not reserve a place. Current availability, pricing, and booking terms are confirmed through the official trip itinerary.
400+five-star reviews across major platforms
Six Continentsof personal winery-tour experience
WSET Level 2wine knowledge made approachable
Personally Hostedjourneys curated by Christian Hoeffel
Real guest feedback
What Vineyard Voyages guests say
Straight from our post-trip guest survey after the first international voyage — not curated marketing copy.
★★★★★
“Christian and his staff curated an amazing kick off for my retirement! Every detail was handled. I made life long friends. And I have memories that will last my lifetime. I’m already booked for France 2027!”
★★★★★
“It’s impossible to pick a favorite place or activity. Every winery we visited was unique, and each event was an enjoyable learning experience. All three guides were exceptional. The entire tour was well planned and implemented, with flexibility when needed.”
Quotes are shared with each guest’s permission from our confidential post-trip survey. Excerpts have been shortened for length; wording is otherwise the guest’s own.
Choose your next voyage
One active journey, one future expedition, and a story already underway.
Start with the voyage that fits your timing. France is currently open for booking, South America is gathering interest for 2028, and Portugal shows where Vineyard Voyages international travel began.
Compare the current voyages
Now booking
October 5-14, 2027
The Grand Terroir Expedition of France
A ten-day land-and-river journey from Toulouse to Bordeaux, connecting the wines and historic landscapes of Southwest France with a six-night voyage aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac.
- Toulouse, Carcassonne, Bordeaux, and celebrated regional wine areas
- Private tastings, winery experiences, a cooperage visit, and a Cognac workshop
- Three hotel nights followed by six nights aboard the river ship
2028 interest list
Dates and booking terms to be confirmed
The Vineyards of South America
A proposed journey through Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay designed around vineyards, regional cuisine, cultural experiences, and the distinct character of three celebrated wine countries.
- Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay in one coordinated itinerary
- Wine regions including Casablanca, Colchagua, Mendoza, and Uruguay
- Priority updates when the revised 2028 details are released
Completed journey
June 26-July 5, 2026
Portugal International Wine Voyage
Vineyard Voyages’ first international group traveled through Portugal for ten days of winery visits, regional experiences, cultural touring, and shared discovery.
- Porto, the Douro Valley, central Portugal, Alentejo, and Lisbon
- Winery visits, a river cruise, cultural touring, and regional dining
- The foundation for future Vineyard Voyages journeys abroad
South America journey preview
Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay—see the journey we are developing.
This video offers a visual introduction to the vineyards, landscapes, food, and cultural experiences envisioned for the future South America voyage. Dates, itinerary details, pricing, and inclusions remain subject to confirmation.
The first international voyage
Portugal 2026, day by day.
From Port cellars and Porto streets to the Douro, Vinho Verde, central Portugal, and the Alentejo, these photographs show how wine, culture, food, and time together became one complete journey.
This is a retrospective from the June 26–July 5, 2026 Portugal journey—not a promised itinerary for a future tour. The uploaded collection documents the first eight days shown below.
See the Portugal 2026 itinerary, day by day
Watch the Portugal voyage
See the people, places, and moments behind the photographs.
This short film brings the completed 2026 Portugal journey to life before you explore the day-by-day gallery below.
01 June 26 · Porto & Vila Nova de GaiaPort cellar visit · guided tasting · opening dinner · sunset welcome
The journey opened across the river from Porto with an introduction to the history and styles of Port, followed by a shared dinner and a first group portrait above the city.
02 June 27 · Portoguided city walk · market flavors · landmarks · long lunch
A day in Porto balanced architecture and local history with market flavors and an unhurried group lunch—showing how cultural context makes a wine destination more meaningful.
03 June 28 · Douro ValleyQuinta do Crasto · vineyard and cellar visit · tasting · river cruise
Terraced vineyards, a hosted visit at Quinta do Crasto, and time on the Douro River created one of the trip’s most complete expressions of wine, landscape, and place.
04 June 29 · Guimarães & Vinho Verdehistoric center · Quinta de Lourosa · vineyard gardens · estate lunch
The group paired medieval streets in Guimarães with the greener landscape of the Vinho Verde region, including an estate visit and a generous long-table lunch at Quinta de Lourosa.
05 June 30 · Coimbra & Central Portugalcity history · Prior Lucas Wines · cellar tasting · cooking workshop
A cultural stop in Coimbra led into a smaller-scale winery experience at Prior Lucas Wines and an interactive cooking workshop that put the group around the same table in a completely different way.
06 July 1 · Estremoz & ÉvoraAdega Monte Branco · vineyard lunch · marble cellar · evening in Évora
The Alentejo chapter began around Estremoz with winery visits, a vineyard lunch, and the dramatic marble-lined aging cellar at Adega de Borba before the group continued to Évora.
07 July 2 · Évorahistoric center · Fitapreta wine lunch · cork processing · afternoon tasting
Évora offered a full mix of culture and wine: a historic-city walk, lunch and tasting in Fitapreta’s character-filled setting, and a close look at how cork is processed before it reaches a bottle.
08 July 3 · Vidigueira & Southern Alentejoamphora cellar · regional lunch · comparative tasting · closing toast
The photographed journey closes in the southern Alentejo with traditional clay amphorae, a regional meal, a guided comparative tasting, and a final group toast to the people who shared the experience.
Could Portugal be part of a future Vineyard Voyage?
Tell us what interests you, and Vineyard Voyages will share relevant updates when future international journeys are confirmed.
Portugal 2026
Voices from the first voyage
More from the same post-trip survey — this time, specific to the Portugal 2026 journey pictured above.
★★★★★
“Porto captivated us with its charm and vibrant culture, while the Douro Valley’s stunning landscapes and world-class wineries created unforgettable moments around every bend of the river. Évora offered a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and traditions.”
★★★★★
“On an intensely hot 107-degree day, our travel van’s air conditioning began to fail. The company responded immediately, providing a timely replacement vehicle so we could continue our journey in comfort. Their quick problem-solving and great hospitality made for a highly memorable trip.”
★★★★★
“The excursions were beyond words — the riverboat ride, the olive oil tasting, the cork factory, the wine making, the hands-on cooking class... memories I will forever cherish, especially our final evening of wine and food pairings with the FARO musicians in an intimate home setting.”
More responses from the same post-trip survey, shared with each guest’s permission.
Why travel with Vineyard Voyages?
Wine travel for curious people, not just experts.
The goal is not to rush through a checklist of famous labels. Each journey is built to help guests understand a place through its wine, food, history, landscapes, and hospitality.
Who these journeys suit
Personally Curated
Christian evaluates the route as a complete experience, balancing wine, culture, pace, accommodations, transportation, and time together.
Approachable Wine Context
WSET Level 2 knowledge adds useful context without turning the journey into a classroom or assuming advanced wine experience.
Small-Group Connection
Travel with people who share an interest in wine and discovery while still having room to enjoy the destination at a comfortable pace.
Thoughtful Logistics
Each confirmed itinerary explains the accommodations, transportation, included experiences, payment terms, and other trip-specific details.
France 2027Toulouse to Bordeaux by land and river
The featured 2027 journey
Southwest France, Bordeaux, and the Gironde estuary in one hosted voyage.
The Grand Terroir Expedition begins on land in Toulouse and Carcassonne before continuing aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac for a river journey through the Bordeaux region.
Ten daysOctober 5-14, 2027, with both land and river portions.
Wine and craftRegional tastings, winery visits, a cooperage experience, and a Cognac workshop are included according to the official itinerary.
Culture and placeToulouse, Carcassonne, La Cite du Vin, historic towns, and landscapes that give context to the wines.
Hosted experienceTravel with Christian and a small Vineyard Voyages group rather than navigating the journey alone.
Current France pricing
$4,675 per personEarly-bird double occupancy through October 1, 2026.
$5,874 per personEarly-bird single occupancy through October 1, 2026.
$4,975 per personStandard double occupancy after the early-bird period.
$6,174 per personStandard single occupancy after the early-bird period.
Pricing, availability, inclusions, deposits, payment schedules, cancellation terms, and trip-protection information are governed by the official France itinerary and booking documents. International airfare should not be assumed included unless the official itinerary states otherwise.
Watch the France journey preview
A closer look at the landscapes, wine regions, and river experience.
Preview the atmosphere of the Grand Terroir Expedition before reviewing the complete itinerary, confirmed inclusions, pricing, and booking terms.
Your Vineyard Voyages host
A personal invitation from a traveler who built the trip he wanted to join.
Christian Hoeffel founded Vineyard Voyages after experiencing winery tours across six continents and seeing how the best journeys connect wine with the people, traditions, and landscapes around it.
- WSET Level 2 certified, with a particular interest in European wines and regional varietals.
- An educator by background who explains wine in a welcoming, useful, and non-intimidating way.
- Founder and host of the completed 2026 Portugal International Wine Voyage.
- Personally involved in shaping the guest experience before and during each Vineyard Voyage.
From interest to departure
A clear next step, even when you are not ready to book today.
International travel is a significant decision. Begin with the information you need, ask questions, and use the official itinerary when you are ready to reserve.
Explore the Journeys
Compare the active France departure, future South America plans, and the kind of experience Vineyard Voyages creates.
Submit an Inquiry
Share the destination that interests you and any questions about rooms, solo travel, timing, or the booking process.
Review Official Details
Use the trip itinerary and booking documents to confirm current pricing, inclusions, payment terms, and availability.
Reserve Your Place
Complete the official booking process when you are confident the voyage is the right fit.
International travel questions
Helpful details before you inquire.
Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy an international Vineyard Voyage?
No. The journeys are designed for curious travelers with a range of wine experience. Christian provides approachable context, while winery hosts and local experts explain the traditions and wines of each destination.
Can solo travelers join?
Solo travelers may join when space is available. Single-occupancy pricing and room options vary by journey and should be confirmed through the official itinerary before booking.
Are international flights included?
Do not assume that international airfare is included. Each trip has its own inclusions and exclusions, which are listed in the official itinerary and booking documents.
What is included in the France 2027 price?
The official France itinerary is the controlling source for accommodations, ground transportation, cruise arrangements, meals, tastings, excursions, gratuities, fees, and exclusions. Review it carefully before reserving.
Is the South America journey still traveling in 2027?
No. The South America journey has been postponed and is currently being considered for 2028. Submit the inquiry form to express interest and receive updates after revised dates and booking terms are confirmed.
Does submitting the inquiry form reserve a place?
No. The form begins a conversation and helps Vineyard Voyages understand which journey interests you. A place is reserved only through the official booking process and according to the applicable deposit and payment terms.
How physically demanding are the journeys?
Activity levels vary by itinerary and may include walking on uneven streets, vineyard terrain, stairs, boarding transportation, and moving between hotels. Ask about mobility concerns before booking and review the official trip materials for journey-specific guidance.
Is trip protection available or required?
Trip-protection options and requirements depend on the specific journey and booking terms. Confirm the current policy before making nonrefundable travel arrangements.
International voyage inquiry
Tell us which journey has your attention.
Ask about France 2027, express interest in South America 2028, or tell us what kind of future international journey interests you. Vineyard Voyages will review your inquiry and follow up with the most relevant current information and next steps.
A good place to begin
You do not need to have every detail decided. Share the journey that interests you, how you expect to travel, and any questions about rooms, solo travel, activity level, airfare, payments, or the itinerary.
Submitting this international voyage inquiry does not reserve a place, guarantee availability, or replace the official booking process.
Dreaming of an international wine voyage?
Ask About International Voyages