If you love wine, why not plan your next vacation around it? 

Wine vacations are incredibly popular. They allow you to enjoy the art of wine tasting while you travel to some of the most inspiring and beautiful locations in the world. You'll learn more about a wine's origin and winemaking and experience it more profoundly than while sitting on your patio at home. 

There are plenty of ways to create the best trip. The following tips will help you develop a solid plan and ensure that this is the best vacation you'll ever have.

1. Determine Your Schedule

Determining your schedule begins with figuring out what time of year you will take the vacation. Most people travel during the warmer months, but that may not be the best time to go for your particular trip. 

Scheduling your trip for the off-season can give you a more intimate experience. There will be fewer travelers, and popular sites won't be as crowded. There may also be more opportunities to get private tours without paying the premium prices. 

Of course, going during the off-season can mean dealing with adverse or less-than-desirable weather conditions. Still, visiting wine country at different times of the year allows you to have varied experiences. For example, if you have already been to Napa Valley in the summer, maybe consider seeing it in the fall around harvest time. You will have a completely different vacation than you did the last time. 

A word of caution about winter travel, though: Some wineries may not be open or may have very limited hours. Be especially careful if you want to book your trip for this season. 

It's also important to know how much time you have to spend. If you only have a few days, then you'll need to plan a trip closer to home. But if you have more time to spend, you may be able to travel farther and explore international locations.

2. Set a Budget

Even if you have a lot of money to invest in this vacation, it's essential to budget. Doing so will help you better plan your trip.

Wine vacations can easily turn into very expensive excursions, but you can still enjoy yourself on a budget. Knowing what you can spend makes it easier to make key decisions about your trip. 

Not all regions are going to have the same costs. Some are much more friendly on the pocketbook, while others will require splurging. 

If you have a larger budget, consider taking advantage of the freedom it offers and travel to Europe to explore its wine tourism options. On the other hand, if your budget is tight, a trip to wine regions near the Great Lakes might be the perfect choice.

Here are some cost considerations you should factor into your budget:

• Lodging
• Food
• Tour fees
• Wine purchases
• Wine shipping

3. Choose a Region

Once you know your schedule and budget, you can start getting into the actual planning stages. This part of the process begins with choosing which region you will explore. You can have a wine vacation almost anywhere there are vineyards. 

Top destinations often include Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Tuscany. Still, don't overlook places close to home. There are many hidden gems throughout the United States for great wine tourism. Also, don't count out slightly less popular areas abroad, such as Rioja in Spain or the Douro in Portugal. 

The top wine-producing regions in the world and the most popular vacation destinations for wine lovers include:

• Italy
• France
• United States
• Spain

Make sure to do your research on these regions. Learn more about the culture and weather. Discover what other activities you may want to try in the area. Also, familiarize yourself with the laws. For example, you need to understand the rules about traveling with wine and open containers. The last thing you need is legal trouble while on vacation. 

4. Plan Your Itinerary

The final step to planning your wine vacation is to create an itinerary. You already know when you will go, how much you can spend, and what location you will travel to. Now, it's time to get into the nuts and bolts of the trip.

You should begin booking your accommodations. Make sure to do this as early as possible since hotels and other options within these regions fill up quickly, especially during the busy tourism season.

Get an idea of what activities you will do each day. Keep in mind that you can do things outside of wine tasting and shopping. Select complementary activities to fill up the schedule.

Some wineries and restaurants require that you make reservations in advance. Make sure to do this as early on as possible, so spots don't fill up. You should also draw up maps for each day so that you can stay on track and avoid getting lost. 

Be sure to check out the wineries you want to visit online. You'll want to make sure they can accommodate your party and that they will be open when you visit. Also, check reviews to ensure you choose places that provide the best experiences. 

Get the Planning Started

Wine vacations can be so much fun - whether you're going with family or a group of friends, you're sure to enjoy it. Just make sure to plan well so that you'll avoid some of the headaches that can happen when traveling. 

And when you return, expand your enjoyment of a region beyond the vacation by shopping with JJ Buckley Fine Wines. Our team of expert wine specialists are a great resource and will be happy to assist you. 

With our resources and your passion for the finer things in life, you're ready to put together your dream vacation and experience wine like never before.