My February blues have arrived early and, as a consequence, I am planning my escape to sunnier climes with vineyard visits at the forefront of my mind. Like most people I have done the ‘drive by, see the sign and pop in’ thing or slavishly followed the ‘route des vins’.

Both have delivered some interesting and well-informed visits but have also landed me in the nightmare that is a joyless tasting of woeful wines and the annoyance at feeling obliged to buy at least one or two bottles.

Whether you are visiting Tuscany, the Napa or Loire Valleys or cruising the river Douro, the first thing to remember is that it pays to find out before you go whether the winery takes visitors at all and — assuming they do — at what times and do they charge for entry/tastings?

I have enjoyed very commercial vineyard tours from America to France and have found that the bigger enterprises have well-funded, well-informed and entertaining wine tours.

They are a great starting point and the entry fee typically includes a tasting at the end. What you do not get is the personal touch and, if you are looking for detailed vineyard management and winemaking information, you might find them a bit lacking.

On the upside, if you do not like the wines, there are generally enough people to hide behind and you will not feel any pressure to buy.

Where wine tourism is less well developed you have to work harder before you go. I will generally revisit notes on wines that I have especially liked from an area or that I have seen written about in glowing terms and make myself a shortlist.

I will always make contact with the winery and, assuming they are happy to see me, agree on a day and time.

It is worth remembering that smaller estates are not tour guides by profession but if they are happy to see you, then you will mostly be treated to an enthusiastic and — quite often — lengthy visit!

If you came across a vineyard thanks to your wine merchant it is often a good idea to get them to put you in touch with the estate. An introduction shows you are serious and will incentivise your host to look after you as well as they can.

Winemakers are generally a hospitable bunch so do not underestimate the length of time you might find yourself staying.

I never arrange for more than two visits a day when I am on holiday. Also, if you are driving, take extreme care of the country’s drink-driving laws.

As always, it is best to have a nominated driver or take a taxi even when you are spitting as opposed to swallowing.

Lastly, turn up on time and do call if you are going to be late or cannot make it.

Unless your host indicates to the contrary you are generally invited to ‘taste’ the wines, rather than knock them back and expect a refill.

Do not expect the visit to be in fluent English and always, always say thank you!

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