★★★★★
“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.
Travel with founder Christian Hoeffel on small-group trips built around vineyards, local food, culture and the people who make each place special.
Sending the form doesn't hold a spot. The official trip itinerary confirms current pricing, space and booking terms.
5.0on Google from 280+ reviews
Six Continentsof personal winery-tour experience
WSET Level 2wine knowledge made approachable
Personally Hostedjourneys curated by Christian Hoeffel
France 2027Toulouse to Bordeaux by land and river
The featured 2027 journey
Southwest France, Bordeaux, and the Gironde estuary in one hosted voyage.
October 5 to 14, 2027Ten days · Toulouse to Bordeaux by land and river
The Grand Terroir Expedition starts on land in Toulouse and Carcassonne. Then the group boards the MS Cyrano de Bergerac for a river trip through the Bordeaux region.
Ten daysOctober 5-14, 2027, with both land and river portions.
Wine and craftRegional tastings, winery visits, a working cooperage visit, and a cognac tasting 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
$4,975 per personPer person, double occupancy.
$6,174 per personPer person, single occupancy.
The official France itinerary and booking documents set the price, what's included, deposits, payment dates, cancellation terms and trip protection. Airfare to and from France is not included. A deposit of 20% of your booking holds your place.
Watch the France journey preview
A closer look at the landscapes, wine regions, and river experience.
Get a feel for the Grand Terroir Expedition here, then open the full itinerary for what's included, pricing and booking terms.
Real guest feedback
What Vineyard Voyages guests say
These come straight from the guest survey we sent after our first international trip.
★★★★★
“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.”
Each guest gave permission to share their words from our private post-trip survey. We shortened some excerpts, and the wording is the guest's own.
On the horizon
The next expedition we are building is South America in 2028.
France 2027 is booking now, and Portugal 2026 is complete. South America is still taking shape. Join the interest list to hear first when dates are set.
2028 interest list
Dates and booking terms to be confirmed
The Vineyards of South America
A planned trip through Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, built around vineyards, local food, culture and what makes each of these three wine countries different.
- 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
South America journey preview
Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. See the journey we are developing.
This video gives you a first look at the vineyards, scenery, food and culture we're planning for South America. Dates, itinerary, pricing and inclusions are still being confirmed.
The first international voyage
Portugal 2026, day by day.
From Port cellars and the streets of Porto to the Douro, Vinho Verde, central Portugal and the Alentejo, these photos show how wine, culture, food and good company added up to one trip.
These photos are from our Portugal trip, June 26 to July 5, 2026. They show what that group did, and future trips will have their own plans. The gallery below covers the first eight days.
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 our 2026 Portugal trip to life. The day-by-day gallery is below.
01 June 26 · Porto & Vila Nova de GaiaPort cellar visit · guided tasting · opening dinner · sunset welcome
Day one started across the river from Porto with an introduction to Port wine and its styles. Then came a group dinner and our first group photo above the city.
02 June 27 · Portoguided city walk · market flavors · landmarks · long lunch
In Porto, the group mixed architecture and local history with market food and an unhurried lunch together. Knowing a place's story makes its wine mean more.
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 made this one of the trip's best days for wine and scenery.
04 June 29 · Guimarães & Vinho Verdehistoric center · Quinta de Lourosa · vineyard gardens · estate lunch
In Guimarães the group walked medieval streets, then headed into the green hills of the Vinho Verde region for an estate visit and a long-table lunch at Quinta de Lourosa.
05 June 30 · Coimbra & Central Portugalcity history · Prior Lucas Wines · cellar tasting · cooking workshop
After a stop in Coimbra, the group visited Prior Lucas Wines, a smaller winery, and joined a hands-on cooking class that brought everyone around the same table.
06 July 1 · Estremoz & ÉvoraAdega Monte Branco · vineyard lunch · marble cellar · evening in Évora
The Alentejo part of the trip began near Estremoz with winery visits, a lunch in the vineyard and the marble-lined aging cellar at Adega de Borba. Then the group moved on to Évora.
07 July 2 · Évorahistoric center · Fitapreta wine lunch · cork processing · afternoon tasting
Évora had a bit of everything: a walk through the old city, lunch and a tasting at Fitapreta, and a close look at how cork is made before it goes into a bottle.
08 July 3 · Vidigueira & Southern Alentejoamphora cellar · regional lunch · comparative tasting · closing toast
The trip ended in the southern Alentejo with clay amphorae (large clay jars used to age wine), a regional meal, a side-by-side tasting and a final toast to everyone who came along.
Could Portugal be part of a future Vineyard Voyage?
Tell us what you're interested in, and we'll send updates as new international trips are confirmed.
Your Vineyard Voyages host
A personal invitation from a traveler who built the trip he wanted to join.
Christian Hoeffel started Vineyard Voyages after taking winery tours on six continents. He saw that the best trips connect wine with the people, traditions and places around it.
- Holds WSET Level 2, a recognized wine qualification, and loves European wines and local grapes.
- A former teacher who explains wine in a friendly, practical way that anyone can follow.
- Founder and host of the completed 2026 Portugal International Wine Voyage.
- Shapes the guest experience himself, before and during each trip.
From interest to departure
A clear next step, even when you are not ready to book today.
International travel is a big decision. Start with the facts, ask your questions and use the official itinerary when you're ready to book.
Explore the Journeys
Compare the France departure, our plans for South America and the kind of trip Vineyard Voyages runs.
Submit an Inquiry
Tell us which destination interests you, and ask anything about rooms, traveling solo, timing or how booking works.
Review Official Details
Check the trip itinerary and booking documents for current pricing, what's included, payment terms and space.
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?
Not at all. These trips are for curious travelers at every level of wine knowledge. Christian gives easy-to-follow background, and winery hosts and local experts explain the wines and traditions of each place.
Can solo travelers join?
Solo travelers are welcome when space allows. Single-room pricing and room options vary by trip, so confirm them in the official itinerary before you book.
Are international flights included?
No. Airfare to and from France is not included in France 2027. Each future journey lists its own inclusions and exclusions in its official itinerary.
What is included in the France 2027 price?
The official France itinerary is the final word on hotels, ground transportation, the cruise, meals, tastings, excursions, tips, fees and what's not included. Read it closely before you reserve.
Is the South America journey still traveling in 2027?
Not yet. The South America trip has been moved and is now being considered for 2028. Fill out the inquiry form to show interest, and we'll send updates once new dates and booking terms are set.
Does submitting the inquiry form reserve a place?
The form starts the conversation and tells us which trip interests you. Your place is held only through the official booking process, under that trip's deposit and payment terms.
How physically demanding are the journeys?
It depends on the trip. Expect walking on uneven streets and vineyard ground, some stairs, getting on and off transportation and moving between hotels. Ask us about mobility needs before you book, and check the official trip materials for details.
Is trip protection available or required?
Trip protection options and rules depend on the trip and its booking terms. Check the current policy before you buy any nonrefundable travel.
International voyage inquiry
Tell us which journey has your attention.
Ask about France 2027, tell us you're interested in South America 2028, or describe the kind of international trip you'd like. We'll read your note and follow up with current details and next steps.
A good place to begin
You don't need every detail figured out. Tell us which trip interests you, how you plan to travel and any questions about rooms, traveling solo, activity level, airfare, payments or the itinerary.
This form starts a conversation. Your place is held only through the official booking process.
Dreaming of an international wine voyage?
Ask About International Voyages
