Welcome!

I’m Laura

Your go-to Gal for all things Wine and Wanderlust

With an advanced certification in wine and stories from 30 countries and counting, I’m passionate about helping wine lovers explore the world, one glass at a time.

Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned pro, I’m here to help you experience the same joy and education that wine country travel has brought me.

Laura, the founder of Wine Travelista, in a blue floral dress thoughtfully sniffing a large glass of red wine, with a lush green background softly blurred.

From wine travel basics to wine region guides to done-for-you itineraries, I make planning a wine tasting trip simple — and fun!

Laura in a blue patterned dress standing among lush, green vineyard rows on a sunny day, overlooking a scenic landscape.
Laura and her husband taking a selfie in front of Ponte Vecchio, Florence's iconic bridge with colorful buildings reflecting off the Arno River.
Laura holding a glass of wine in front of a rustic wooden building with a sign reading “The Wine Barn.”
Laura and her husband smiling together with a view of expansive vineyards and hills under a bright sky in the background.
Laura in a blue dress holding a wine glass, standing under a shaded patio with vineyard views stretching out behind her.
Laura and her husband posing outdoors in a Santorini vineyard landscape under a clear blue sky, and traditional whitewashed buildings in the background.

Behind Wine Travelista

How It All Began

It all started with a semester abroad and a life-changing bottle of Brunello. That taste sparked something big, and I haven’t stopped exploring the world of wine since!

Over the years, I’ve visited 30 countries and countless wine regions, from local vineyards to cellars halfway around the world. Along the way, I earned a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 certification and became an American Wine Expert.

After leaving a corporate marketing career, I finally turned this passion into my day job. And now I get to share my love of wine and wanderlust with you.

Get to Know Me

Go-To Grape

Sangiovese

favorite destination

South Africa

always in my Suitcase

Wine Opener

Red Or White?

Both!

On my bucket list

Croatia

Guilty pleasure

Champagne & Lobster

Window or aisle?

Window

currently Drinking

Albariño
Logo for WSET Level 3 Wines Certified, featuring a silhouette of a woman holding a wine glass, with text reading 'WSET Level 3 Wines Certified' in blue and green.
Logo for American Wine Expert featuring a design of overlapping mountains in shades of blue and gold with a wine glass icon incorporated into the design.
Logo for the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association, featuring a globe with green and blue accents and a plane icon circling the Earth, with text wrapping around it.

New here?

Explore Top Posts

FAQs

You betcha! I recommend starting with my favorite travel resources for planning a wine trip. These are my go-to travel planning websites, trusted booking platforms, and must-have packing essentials. Plus, I’ve thrown in some insider advice and money-saving tips to ensure your next adventure goes off without a hitch!

Then, find more wine travel tips on how to plan a wine trip, what to wear to a winery, and even packing for the perfect winery picnic. 

I’ve got you covered! Head on over to my wine destination quiz. Just answer a few quick questions to find the perfect match for your wine tastes and trip style!

Great question! I’m glad you asked. Narrowing down which wineries to visit in a region can be overwhelming. And it’s sometimes hard to tell the terrific ones from the tourist traps. But don’t worry, that’s where I come in! Check out my wine region guides to find my recommendations for the top wineries to visit.

I’ll do you one better. I’ve got ready-made itineraries that will take the hassle out of planning. I’ve personally explored each region and packed in all my expert tips to make your experience unforgettable. Save hours of research and book your trip today!

If you represent a wine destination or have a product or brand you think my readers would enjoy, I’d love to talk. Partnering together, I help showcase destinations and brands through high-quality, engaging content and eye-catching photography. Learn more here or email laura [at] winetravelista.com for a copy of my media kit to learn how we can work together.

Where are you off to Next?

A wine glass with the Domaine Divio logo filled with white wine, set on a wooden table with a Ribbon Ridge vineyard view in the background.
Wine Travel Tips
A sign reading "Cabernet Franc" is attached to a post surrounded by lush green grape vines, indicating a specific vineyard section at Heron Hill.
Wine Region Quiz
A wooden building nestled at the top of a hill, surrounded by tall pine trees and rows of grapevines that stretch along the slope leading up to the winery.
Trip Itineraries