SOMMELIER-LED TRAVEL

Terraced vineyards above the Douro river at golden hour

DRINK IN CULTURE  &  COUNTRY

Visiting unfamiliar places with familiar faces

FOUR COUNTRIES, ONE GLASS AT A TIME

Since 2014 we have run wine and cultural journeys through Portugal, Spain, France and Italy for small groups — a private microbus, local guides in the cities, and a sommelier who speaks the language at every table.

The wineries, hotels and restaurants are named before you book. Nothing on the itinerary is a surprise except the ones we like.

Upcoming departures

Full calendar
  • September 17–27, 2027

    Northern Italy & Tuscany · 11-day boutique journey

    18 of 18 places availableRegister
  • Spring 2028

    Southern Italy & Sicily 2028 · 12-day culinary and cultural journey

    18 of 18 places availableRegister

Founded 2014

Directed by Richard Hewitt. Someone who has toured throughout Portugal, Spain, France and Italy since the 70's, and been helping people on the road every season since.

Intimate groups

One private microbus, one (maybe 2) table(s), and the occasional group Uber. When we roll, we do it with comfort and in style.

Four-star and above

Historic houses, Palaces and Hotels chosen for character and charm. Quaint rooms, close to main attractions, and booked with purpose. 

REFUNDABLE & REASONABLE DEPOSIT

Reserve first; rates and terms confirmed by email. Payments to be made in full 180 days before departure for maximum ease. 

From our departures

@vinotoursportugal
Rows of vines running toward the horizon at an Alentejo estateA glass of Alentejo red poured beside bread and cheese on a tiled tableThe galleried interior of a historic Portuguese wine restaurant at nightVinotours guests in chefs' whites after a Portuguese cooking class

In their words

“Richard opened doors we could never have knocked on ourselves — cellars, kitchens, a private tasting that turned into an afternoon with the winemaker. We arrived as strangers and left as a table of friends.”
Travellers from Virginia · Douro Valley
“Every glass came with a story: the soil, the century, the family. It was a history course you could taste, and the hotels and restaurants were beyond anything we'd have found alone.”
Returning guests · Alentejo
“The group stayed small enough that nothing felt rushed or herded. Unfamiliar places, familiar faces — by day three that's exactly what it was.”
First-time guests · Rioja & Basque Country
A candlelit Portuguese dinner table set with regional dishes and wine

Not sure yet? Ask first

Reserving costs nothing until you accept the written quote. We reply within two business days with direct contact from Richard.

  • Pace, walking and altitude on each day, before you commit.
  • Dietary needs, single rooms and non-drinkers accommodated.
  • Deposit, balance dates and cancellation set out in the terms.
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