If you’ve been thinking about planning a solo trip, consider this your sign to go for it! Solo travel is seriously one of the most empowering (and fun!) ways to explore the world. You get to call the shots: where to go, what to do, where to stay… It’s your adventure, your way.
One of my favorite solo travel moves? Booking a food and wine tour, especially if I’m in a place known for amazing wine. It’s such a low-pressure way to meet fellow travelers, share some laughs, and connect over good food and drinks. You might even leave with a new friend (or two!).
And let’s be honest, trying local food is the best part of any trip, right? So, if you’re ready to sip, snack, and socialize on your next solo adventure, I’ve rounded up the best food and wine tours perfect for solo travelers. Let’s eat and explore!
The blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one I may make a small commission at absolutely no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
What is a Food and Wine Tour for Solo Travelers?
Going on a food and wine tour as a solo traveler? Truly one of the best travel experiences to dive into local life and treat yourself along the way! These tours are usually led by a local guide who not only knows the best hidden gems but also shares the stories behind the dishes and wines you’re tasting. It’s like dinner and a history lesson, but way more fun (and delicious).
Sometimes, you’ll even get a private driver to take you around the region—think rolling vineyards, charming little towns, and multiple stops at wineries or restaurants where you get to sample all the good stuff.
And let’s be real: while solo travel is amazing, it can feel a little isolating at times. That’s why I always recommend tours like this. They give you a chance to share a meal with other travelers and connect over a shared love of great food and wine. Bonus points if there’s a cooking class involved! Learning to make local food from scratch is such a fun (and tasty) way to make the experience even more memorable.
What is the Best Food and Wine Tour for Solo Travelers?
Castello di Verrazzano Food & Wine Experience – Tuscany, Italy
If Tuscany is on your list (and how could it not be?), Castello di Verrazzano is a must for solo travelers craving a mix of history, wine, and incredible food. This Renaissance-era estate in the hills of Greve in Chianti feels like stepping into a Tuscan postcard, with sweeping vineyard views and ancient stone buildings.
Their Wine and Food Experience is the perfect solo-friendly way to slow down and savor the region. You’ll tour the gardens and underground cellars before sitting down to a multi-course lunch that’s honestly one of my favorite memories from Italy. Think wild boar salami, pecorino with balsamic, fresh garden sides, and grilled sausages, all paired with their Chianti Classico, Riserva, and a sweet finish of Vin Santo with cantuccini.
It runs Monday through Saturday at noon and lasts about three hours. Come hungry, soak it all in, and skip making dinner plans. You won’t need them.
Happy Wine Tours – Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina is basically a dream for wine lovers. And if you’re heading to Mendoza, a private full-day wine tour is the way to soak it all in. I’m talking six hours of sipping world-class wines (hello, Malbec!), soaking up those gorgeous vineyard views, and letting a private driver whisk you from one stunning winery to the next.
As a solo traveler, this kind of experience is perfect. You’ll get picked up right from your hotel, enjoy guided wine tastings at three incredible wineries, and dive into Argentina’s wine-making process from grape to glass. Oh, and of course, there’s delicious local food involved. Because what’s wine without a perfectly paired meal?
Photos courtesy of Happy Wine Tours
Sunset Food & Wine Tour – Florence, Italy
Italy might just take the crown for the world’s best wine, and there’s no better place to sip your way through it than Tuscany. Picture this: rolling hills, charming cobblestone streets, and the Renaissance magic of Florence setting the scene.
On the Eating Europe Sunset Food & Wine Tour, you’ll join a small group and stroll through Florence at golden hour, stopping to taste local street food, grab a glass from the city’s famous wine windows, and savor perfectly paired bites and sips. Along the way, you’ll learn a bit of Florence’s rich history, all while catching that dreamy sunset over the Arno River. It’s equal parts delicious, magical, and totally unforgettable.
Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour – Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is famous for its charming streets, riverside views, and—of course—its sweet Port wine. Just across the bridge from downtown, you’ll find historic wine cellars lining the banks of the Douro River, where the magic happens.
If you’re headed to Porto, the Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour is a must! You’ll spend 3.5 hours walking through the heart of the city, visiting six incredible family-run tasting spots, and sampling 13 different bites (sweet and savory!) It’s the perfect mix of food, wine, culture, and local charm—AKA everything I look for in a solo travel experience.
Napa Valley Wine Train Tour with Gourmet Dinner – California, USA
Napa Valley is one of the top wine regions in the United States, and this Wine Train Tour is such a fun and unique way to soak it all in. Imagine sipping local California wines and enjoying a gourmet meal, all while riding through rolling hills and endless vineyards on a vintage-style train.
You’ll kick back in a plush seat, take in the dreamy views, and be totally pampered with high-end service onboard. It’s giving total Golden Age vibes, and honestly? It’s one of the most relaxing (and stylish!) ways to explore wine country.
Photos Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Full Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour – Blenheim, New Zealand
If you ever find yourself in New Zealand (lucky you!), a wine tour has to be on your itinerary. This part of the world is famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc, smooth Pinot Noir, and bright Chardonnays.
This Full Day Wine Gourmet Tour is perfect for solo travelers looking to sip and explore! You’ll get picked up right from your hotel and whisked away to Blenheim, where you’ll visit a handful of local wineries, learn the ins and outs of wine production from a pro guide, and soak up jaw-dropping views of the Top of the South. The scenery alone would be worth it, and yes, your camera roll will be full.
Culinary, Wine, and Art Tour – Cape Town, South Africa
Another totally iconic destination for wine lovers? South Africa! If you’ve been dreaming of a longer adventure that combines local culinary tours and world-class wine, this two-week guided tour needs a spot on your bucket list.
The Culinary, Wine, and Art Tour is perfect for travelers who seriously love food tours and want to connect with a new culture through local flavors. You’ll explore vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, sip your way through stunning vineyards, and even go on safari to spot exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. Think gourmet meals, amazing wine pairings, and unforgettable experiences—all rolled into one epic trip.
Wine and Tapas Tour – Málaga, Spain
Spain totally delivers when it comes to wine. And don’t even get me started on the tapas! If you’re heading to Málaga, this Wine and Tapas Tour is a must. In just 3.5 hours, you’ll explore the city like a local, stopping by a winery, a cozy bar, and two restaurants to taste amazing local wines paired with classic Spanish bites like patatas bravas and boquerones fritos (AKA crispy fried white anchovies). It’s the perfect way to spend an evening—sipping, snacking, and soaking up that laid-back Spanish vibe.
Set aside a day on your next solo trip for a fun and tasty food and wine tour!
I totally get it; solo travel can feel a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. But trust me, the best thing you can do before hopping on that plane is build a fun, flexible itinerary. Pack your days with local tours, museum stops, and experiences that’ll turn into core memories.
One of my go-to ways to explore a new place solo is by booking a food and wine tour. Now that you’ve got a few amazing ones to choose from, it’s time to pick your favorite and add it to your itinerary.
If you want some more solo travel tips, make sure to read my blog posts about booking a hotel as a solo traveler and super important safety tips for solo travelers! And make sure to join me over on Instagram for real-time travel inspo at @sierrainthecity. Let the solo travel magic begin!
