June 12, 2025

7 Wine Trips to Take With Your Dad

Founder & CEO

Celebrating your dad — whether that’s for Father’s Day, a milestone birthday or just because it’s been too long — isn’t always about finding the perfect gift.

Often, it’s about carving out the time to connect. And what better way to do that than by sharing a glass of something exceptional in a place worth discovering together? Wave goodbye to Father’s Day gift inspiration in the form of another wallet or fancy bottle of whiskey — this year is a chance to celebrate dad properly with a handpicked wine escape.

Go beyond beautiful backdrops and bold vintages here: these experiences are designed to bring you closer, through stories uncorked over dinner, relaxed afternoons in the vineyard and the kind of shared experiences that linger long after the trip ends.

Whether you’re travelling as father and daughter or father and son, here are seven unforgettable journeys to enjoy with your dad.

Bordeaux, France

A classic for a reason

If your dad’s ideal day combines fine wine with a round of golf, Bordeaux is an unbeatable choice. As one of the world’s most iconic wine regions, it offers more than just prestige — it’s a destination where centuries-old châteaux sit among endless vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants are tucked away in picturesque villages.

Take a private wine tour through the Left and Right Banks to learn the art of Bordeaux blends, while tastings in Saint-Émilion or Margaux offer the chance to sip history in every glass. Pair this with a few relaxed afternoons on the green, and you have the perfect balance of culture, indulgence and quality time together.

Discover our Bordeaux Golf & Wine Experience

Cognac, France

For the Dad Who Appreciates the Finer Things

For truly distinguished father-son trip ideas, few destinations feel as tailored to dads as Cognac. Set along the Charente River, this elegant corner of southwestern France is just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most revered houses — Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell — as well as lesser-known producers offering rare, small-batch expressions.

A private cellar tour here is less about ticking boxes and more about understanding the craftsmanship behind every pour. Between tastings, explore stately distilleries, wander cobbled riverside towns and dine in refined, slow-paced splendour. It’s an experience designed for reflection, appreciation — and raising a glass to years well spent.

Discover our Luxury Cognac Experience

Piedmont, Italy

For truffles, Barolo and La Dolce Vita

Wondering where to take your dad on holiday if he appreciates the slower pleasures in life? For exceptional food, elegant wines and scenic drives, Piedmont is pure indulgence. Set in the foothills of the Alps, this northern Italian gem is home to bold Barolos, refined Barbarescos and the world-famous white truffle.

Visit boutique wineries, enjoy intimate cellar tastings and try seasonal cuisine that celebrates the region’s deep-rooted culinary heritage. Hunt for truffles with a private guide for a dash of adventure, after leisurely lunches in hilltop villages that invite you to press pause and soak it all in. This is a trip for bonding over shared tastes — and discovering just how good life can be.

Discover our Piedmont Wine and Truffle Experience

San Sebastián & the Basque Country

For the food-loving father

For dads who see food and wine as a form of art, the Basque Country is a true feast for the senses. San Sebastián alone boasts more Michelin stars per square metre than almost anywhere else in the world — yet there’s a real joy in hopping between pintxos bars, discovering local wines and soaking up the region’s laid-back elegance.

Paired with a private wine tour through Rioja or Navarra, this trip blends big flavours with authentic experiences. You could find yourselves tasting Txakoli by the sea, dining in a hidden countryside bodega or just soaking up the slow rhythm of Spanish coastal life together.

Discover our San Sebastián Gastronomic Experience

Argentina & Chile

A Bucket-List Adventure for Wine Lovers

If you’re looking for truly unforgettable father-daughter trip ideas, South America offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through dramatic landscapes, bold wines and vibrant culture. Taking you from the sun-soaked vineyards of Mendoza to the cool-climate valleys of Chile, this itinerary is made for dads who appreciate both fine vintages and the spirit of adventure.

Expect private tastings at family-run estates, sweeping views of the Andes and time to unwind in luxury wine lodges that feel a world away from everyday life. Whether you’re clinking glasses under southern skies or sharing stories over a sizzling asado, this is the kind of father-child experience that becomes legend.

Discover our Ultimate South American Wine Tour: Chile & Argentina

Porto & the Douro Valley

For Scenic Sips and Slow Cruising

If your dad appreciates heritage, scenic beauty and a slower pace, a journey through Portugal’s Douro Valley offers all three in effortless style. Start with a few days exploring the cobbled streets and port cellars of Porto, then venture into the valley where terraced vineyards line the riverbanks and each bend reveals a postcard-perfect view.

Sipping tawny port at a historic quinta, dining aboard a private river cruise and watching the sun dip below the vines: this is a trip that invites connection. It’s ideal for dads who prefer substance over show — and travel that’s as soulful as it is scenic.

Discover our Porto & Douro Valley Luxury Wine Experience

Athens & the Peloponnese

For Culture, Coastlines and a Glass of Agiorgitiko

For fathers with a love of history, this journey through southern Greece blends ancient wonders with sun-soaked vineyards and timeless hospitality. Begin in Athens, exploring the Acropolis and sipping wine on rooftop terraces with views over the Parthenon, before heading into the Peloponnese — a region where winemaking dates back millennia.

You’ll taste native varieties like Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko at boutique estates, dine in traditional tavernas and explore hilltop villages that time forgot. With its laid-back rhythm and deep cultural roots, this is one of the best trips to take with dad that invites meaningful conversations and shared moments against a truly memorable backdrop.

Discover our Athens and the Peloponnese Region: Culture and Wine Experience

Feeling Inspired to Take Dad Away?

Whether you’re raising a glass to Father’s Day, celebrating a special milestone or simply carving out time to reconnect, a wine trip with your dad is a gift that goes far beyond the bottle.

With each destination offering its own rhythm, charm and flavour, the only question is: where will you go first? When you’re ready to start planning, our team will help craft the perfect journey — tailored entirely to you.

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Trips to Take with Dad

How much should I budget for a trip with my dad?

It depends on the destination, length of stay, time of year and the level of comfort you’re looking for. Every trip we create is completely tailored to your budget and dream experience. Whether you’re looking for great value or ready to go all out for something truly extraordinary, we’ll craft the perfect adventure for you and your dad.

When is the best time to plan a trip with Dad?

That really depends on where you’re going. Spring and autumn are ideal for many European wine regions, while long-haul escapes may suit a different season. Planning well in advance gives you access to the best availability and rates, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion like Father’s Day or a milestone birthday.

How long should a father–child holiday be?

For shorter-haul destinations like France, Italy or Portugal, a long weekend or 2 to 3 nights can be the perfect amount of time. If you’re heading further afield – say, to South America – we’d suggest a more immersive journey of 10 to 15 nights, especially if you’re combining multiple regions.

Should I book a guided tour or plan independently with my dad?

While planning everything yourself can be rewarding, it often comes with added stress – especially when trying to match different interests or logistics. Booking with a specialist like SmoothRed means every detail is taken care of, from private tastings and cultural experiences to transfers and hand-picked stays, leaving you both free to relax and enjoy the journey.

Have more questions?

(+44) 020 8877 4940 (UK)
(+1) 646 968 0388 (US and Canada)
Call us today

Enquire Now

From travel guides to personal experiences, from expert tips and new findings, find in our blog the right inspiration to embark on an adventure with your dad!

7 Wine Trips to Take With Your Dad

Table of contents