Criterion Wine Tours

10/06/2026

What makes Champagne different from every other sparkling wine in the world? Surprisingly, one of the biggest factors lies beneath your feet.

Much of the region sits on deep layers of chalk, formed millions of years ago from ancient seabeds. This remarkable soil stores water, reflects sunlight and helps create the freshness and elegance that Champagne is famous for. It’s one of the reasons wine lovers travel from around the globe to experience this unique corner of France.

04/06/2026

Hidden gems are often the most memorable 🍷😉

Our Rioja journey took us to the village of Briones and the boutique winery , where Lorena guided us through the history of this family-owned winery, from its beginnings in the 1990s to its reputation today as one of Rioja’s finest small producers.

🍇 Just 50,000 bottles produced annually, making it one of Rioja’s most respected boutique producers.

🏛️ Historic cellars in the heart of Briones, where centuries-old stone walls provide the backdrop to the winery’s story.

🍷 Exceptional Rioja Alta wines, showcasing both elegance and a strong sense of place.

✨ A clear vision and relentless focus on quality, which has earned Miguel Merino a devoted following among Rioja enthusiasts.

🇬🇧 And for those in the UK, the wines are available through Davy’s.

A fascinating visit and a memorable tasting, thank you!

27/05/2026

In Rioja Alavesa we visited Sierra de Toloño, the small and highly individual winery founded by winemaker Sandra Bravo in the village of Villabuena de Álava.

Working with old vineyards high in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, Sandra follows biodynamic principles and focuses on producing wines that express the character of each vineyard site as naturally and transparently as possible.

The visit offered a fascinating look at a different side of modern Rioja - small-scale, thoughtful and deeply connected to the landscape. From the dramatic mountain setting to the cellar itself, everything reflected a clear sense of place and purpose.

Experiences like this are a reminder that Rioja is far more diverse than many people imagine, with a new generation of producers helping to redefine the region while remaining closely tied to its history and vineyards.

22/05/2026

Another fantastic day in Rioja 🍷🇪🇸

An exceptional visit to VIÑEDOS Y BODEGAS DE LA MARQUESA - VALSERRANO where 5th generation winemaker María de Simón welcomed us into one of Rioja Alavesa’s most historic family wineries.

From tasting barrel samples deep inside the atmospheric underground cellar, to learning about generations of winemaking tradition, the visit finished with a superb guided tasting accompanied by plentiful tapas in a beautiful setting. The perfect combination of wine, food and hospitality! 🍇🧀🍷

19/05/2026

Straight from Bilbao airport, our Rioja adventure began in spectacular fashion at VALENCISO Bodega🍷

Owner and winemaker Luis Valentín welcomed the group with a fascinating introduction to the wines, vineyards and traditions of Rioja Alta, surrounded by rows upon rows of oak barrels in the heart of the winery. From organic viticulture to beautifully expressive wines, Valenciso set the tone perfectly👌🏼

After the tasting, we took in the stunning vineyard views before continuing on to Logroño for our first evening together in Rioja. 🇪🇸

A wonderful start to another unforgettable tour with Criterion Wine Tours ✨

Which Rioja wine style is your favourite - traditional, modern, or something in between? 🍇

13/05/2026

What a wonderful place to enjoy a spot of lunch. Arodamos Stone Grove is situated in a beautiful historic building in the village of Dafnes, just 15mins from Heraklion.

Family-run, our group was treated to some fabulous homemade starters and mains. Far too much food, but that’s Greek hospitality for you! 🇬🇷😋

Would highly recommend to anyone travelling through the area! 🙌

08/05/2026

🥂 Champagne in the summer? Yes please.

Join us in July 2026 for an unforgettable long weekend in France’s most iconic wine region - exploring vineyard-covered hillsides, historic champagne cellars and the beautiful city of Reims.

Our Champagne Tour includes:
✨ Tastings at four Champagne houses
✨ Visits to both Grande Marque and family producers
✨ 4-star accommodation in central Reims
✨ Access to the Open Doors Festival in Rilly-la-Montagne
✨ Travel with fellow wine lovers in a relaxed, sociable group

From crisp Blanc de Blancs to rich vintage cuvées, this is a weekend designed for people who love great wine, food, culture and discovering the stories behind the bottle.

🍾 A handful of places are still available. View the full itinerary and reserve your place here: https://bit.ly/49zzYgu

Champagne weekend tour If you have ever wanted to visit this fascinating area, discover the secret of the bubble, and find out what makes champagne the celebratory drink par excellence, then this is the weekend for you. You will see the miles of cellars dug out of chalk where millions of bottle age

04/05/2026

A view that stays with you long after you’ve gone… 🍇🌊

From the vineyards of Argyros Winery in Santorini, rows of low-trained vines stretch across volcanic soils towards the Aegean, with distant islands rising on the horizon.

It’s here that Santorini’s unique terroir truly reveals itself, shaped by the wind and sun, producing wines with incredible purity and character. 🍷

29/04/2026

From coast to countryside 🇬🇷🍷

Leaving the charm of Chania behind, the journey continues east to Dourakis Winery, a family-run estate where tradition, passion and modern winemaking come together.

A relaxed tasting followed by a long, leisurely lunch in the sunshine, surrounded by vineyards - exactly how wine travel should feel.

👉 This or a busy restaurant back home?

27/04/2026

An afternoon in Chania, where wine travel slows down 🇬🇷✨

Between winery visits, there’s time to simply soak it all in. And Chania is the perfect place to do just that.

Wandering through the old town, past colourful buildings and hidden streets, before arriving at the iconic Venetian harbour – lined with waterside restaurants, fishing boats and that unmistakable laid-back Cretan atmosphere.

It’s these moments of free time that make a wine tour more than just tastings. It’s about discovering places, people and the rhythm of life in between.

👉 Could you picture yourself here?