Best Winery Tour

From hillsides that resemble patchwork quilts to rugged mountain landscapes lined with rocky vineyards, the wineries in this list offer remarkable sights for visitors. Beyond the views, these tours boast features like hiking, artisan food pairings and unique tasting environments. If you have people in your group who prefer to be guided every step of the way, you'll even find an option that drives you to and from various wineries. Which winery gets your vote?

These 10 winery tours were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery—Edinburg, VA

Nestled in the strikingly abundant Shenandoah Valley, Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery features unparalleled views that pair nicely with its award-winning wines. After you walk through parts of this 48-acre estate full of fruit-heavy vines, drop by the tasting deck to try the Mariage Reserve, a Bordeaux-style blend that receives rave reviews.

2. Benziger Family Winery—Glen Ellen, CA

Take in the rolling hills of the Sonoma Mountain landscape on your tour of the Benziger Family Winery. As you wind your way through the property on an open-air shuttle, your guide will share interesting facts about the winery's organic farming practices while making their way to your final stop: the wine cave. Once there, your group will be treated to a seated tasting with pairings.

3. Rex Hill—Newberg, OR

A 90-minute experience that navigates you through a labyrinth of tasting room tunnels, a barrel cellar and production areas, the Legacy Tour at Rex Hill is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Cap off the journey with wine flights in the newly renovated tasting room with floor-to-ceiling retractable windows that look out over lush gardens and the vineyard.

4. Beachaven Vineyards & Winery—Clarksville, TN

As the second oldest winery in the state, Beachaven Vineyards & Winery has a rich history that spans three generations. During your tour, you'll learn about the Beach family while you stroll the grounds and walk through the facility. Along the way, guides will offer sips of one of the family's 25 wines, and if you like what you try, you can stay a little longer for a wine flight.

5. VIP Southern Tours—White County, GA

Explore some of the best wineries in North Georgia while VIP Southern Tours takes care of the details. You can choose from preset itineraries, or you can create a personalized experience by selecting a private tour that allows you to pick from over a dozen different wineries. With a fleet of luxury vehicles and drivers, this tour group ensures you have a carefree day, soaking up the wine and scenery.

6. Starr Hill Winery—Curwensville, PA

Known for its delightfully sweet wines, Starr Hill Winery produces more than 30 varieties of wine. Kenn Starr, president of Starr Hill, happily gives tours of the production facilities, sharing the evolution of its process and marketing success. At the end, you can grab a bottle of one of the newest releases: 2024 Squatch N Berry, a grape wine with a natural huckleberry flavor.

7. Castello di Amorosa—Calistoga, CA

Set in a 14th-century Tuscan-style castle, Castello di Amorosa certainly sets itself apart from other Napa Valley wineries. Guests can choose from several different tour types, including private experiences, variety-specific tastings and food-centric pairings. To be sure you can see the most interesting areas of the castle, including The Torture Chamber and The Armory, make reservations in advance.

8. Chateau Morrisette—Floyd, VA

Chateau Morrisette is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and features beautiful views of the lush valleys from nearly every angle. Benefiting from good drainage in the loamy and gravelly soil of the area, this winery has a beautiful vineyard that produces delicious wines. Stop by the tasting room to ask for a tour of its facilities and learn more about the process.

9. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery—Hammondsport, NY

Home to some of the oldest vines in the Eastern United States, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a legend in the Finger Lakes region. Reserve a spot for the nationally recognized 1886 Wine Experience, and choose from its Vineyard, Sparkling or Barrel events. Each tour offers guided tastings paired with enticing bites that complement and highlight the most interesting aspects of the wine.

10. Cline Family Cellars—Sonoma, CA

Started with vines dating back to the 1880s, the 350-acre Cline Family Cellars is dedicated to protecting its legacy through sustainable farm practices. Pick up a property map when you purchase a glass of wine (tip: try the award-winning Gust 2021 Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap). Then, spend your time meandering through the vineyard on a self-guided walking tour.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Jo Clark is a traveler, travel writer and an award-winning photographer. Her favorite topics are travel, history, food, wine and nature. She is the editor and a contributing writer of RecipesTravelCulture.com. She hosts Jo Goes Everywhere, a monthly podcast, and her written work appears in digital and print publications. Jo is an expert travel and wine contributor for Big Blend Radio and a member of IFWTWA. She often says, "I love food, and I'll eat anything that doesn't eat me!" Jo invites you to follow her travels on her website, HaveGlassWillTravel, on Facebook and Instagram.

Penny Sadler is a freelance writer covering wine, food, travel and lifestyle topics. Currently residing in the Lone Star State, her glass is always full, preferably of something white and sparkling. Her work has appeared in Culture Cheese Magazine, Cheese Professor, Matador Network, Inside Hook, Alcohol Professor, Vintner Project, and elsewhere. Penny has appeared on numerous broadcasts as an expert on topics ranging from wine tourism to skin cancer to packing for international travel. She is a Wine Spirits Education Trust certified wine specialist and a member of SATW. Read more at www.adventuresofacarryon.com.

Robin O'Neal Smith is a freelance writer covering food, travel, wine and lifestyle topics. A "foodie," she enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her and finding the hidden gems in destinations to share with her readers. She resides in Pennsylvania, and her work has appeared in Potomac Lifestyle, Travel Awaits, She Buys Travel, Extended Weekend Getaways and many others. Robin has appeared on various podcasts as an expert on travel topics. She is a TravMedia member and serves on the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association board. Follow her adventures at robinonealsmith.com.

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.