Wine is a tipple like no other, its subtle notes of flavour tell the whole story of a region; its climate, its heritage, and the passion of the winemakers working to hone their craft.
From France to Chile, almost every country in the world has vineyards with their own distinctive wine blends. Want to plan your next oeno-trip? Then check the list below and consider adding at least one of these destinations to your itinerary.
Bordeaux, France
France is a country with a long winemaking tradition. For centuries, French people have been developing their own unique winemaking methods and styles. Thanks to the efforts of the Frenchman, everyone can add today a bottle of high-quality French wine to their fine and rare wine inventory. From the sunny Provence in the south to the colder regions of Champagne in the north, France has a lot to offer to wine lovers.
Still, it’s the Bordeaux region that is most famous for its prestigious wines. There are several wine-growing areas in Bordeaux, including Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves. These three areas are regarded as the most prestigious and best known. Wines from Bordeaux are known all over the world for their premium quality and high prices.
The city of Bordeaux itself doesn’t have very many notable attractions, but it has a beautiful riverfront with its famous Pont de Pierre. It’s also a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to some live music or having a gourmet meal in one of the many restaurants in this lively city. If you are not a big fan of wine but would love to visit this marvellous region, you can check DiscoverCars or rent a car to make the pace of your trip much faster.
Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary
If a world-famous wine region is what you are looking for, then Hungary’s Tokaj-Hegyalja is the right place to go! This wine region is famous for its sweet Tokaji wine made from the Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes. In fact, Royal Tokaji Essencia 2008 is the most expensive wine in the world.
Tokaj-Hegyalja is located in northeastern Hungary and southeastern Slovakia. This region is truly unique with its ancient grape varieties, and the European Union protects the famous Tokaji wines with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. So if you are looking for a unique experience, book your flight to Hungary and head to Tokaj-Hegyalja!
Piedmont, Italy
Italy is one of Europe’s largest wine producers. This beautiful country has numerous wine regions, including Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, and Sicily. Furthermore, each area has its distinct features and offers something unique to wine lovers.
Italy’s Piedmont region is located in the northwestern part of the country. It has a long winemaking tradition, dating back to the 10th century when the first vineyards were planted here. The most famous Piedmontese wines are Barbera, Dolcetto, Grignolino, Nebbiolo, and Vespolina. These are all red wines. So if you are a fan of red wine, Piedmont will be an excellent destination for you!
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Constantia Valley, South Africa
South Africa is a unique country with an impressive wine tourism sector. Located in the Western Cape region, Constantia Valley is a beautiful wine-growing area famous for its exceptional wines made from South Africa’s signature variety — Pinotage. Vines have been growing in this area since 1685. In addition to Pinotage, Constantia Valley is known for its excellent Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
If you want to discover the secrets of South African winemaking, a trip to Constantia Valley is a must! You can visit one of the many vineyards, tour a cellar or attend one of the wine appreciation events organized by the local wineries. It’s also a perfect place for those who love hiking and other outdoor activities as the region has numerous hiking trails as well as a lovely picnic site.
Sonoma Valley, California
The state of California is also famous for its excellent wines. Many world-famous wine regions are located in this state, including Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Central Coast, and Paso Robles. However, Sonoma Valley is considered to be California’s best-kept secret.
Sonoma Valley is located about one hour north of San Francisco; it’s surrounded by hills and situated along Sonoma Creek. This area enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The valley itself is home to more than 100 wineries and has more than 10,000 acres of vineyards.
So for those who want to experience American wine culture at its best, Sonoma Valley will be an excellent choice!
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a charming city that’s located on the banks of the Douro River in northern Portugal. It’s a popular tourist destination not only among oenophiles but also among other tourists, thanks to its cobblestone streets and picturesque bridges over the river. But Porto is also a wonderful place to taste some delicious Portuguese wines.
Visitors can see where the famous Port wine is made and learn about its history from the wine cellars located in the city centre. A few wineries offer tours and tastings, including Taylor’s, Graham’s, and Warre’s. Even if you don’t want to take a tour, simply wandering around the old narrow streets of the historical centre of the city will give you a good idea about Porto’s rich wine culture.
Aythaya Vineyard, Myanmar
While winemaking is relatively new in Myanmar, the country has a long history of producing its own alcoholic beverages. Aythaya Vineyard is a must-see attraction for all wine lovers who want to learn more about the country’s ancient winemaking techniques.
Located near Taunggyi in the southern Shan State, this vineyard offers a lot of exciting sights and activities. A visit to this place will allow you to learn about the history of winemaking in Myanmar and see some traditional tools and equipment. You can also try some wine tasting and buy several bottles to bring home with you.
Mendoza, Argentina
Wine-making has been a part of Argentine culture since the early 16th century. Mendoza is one of the most famous wine regions in South America, and wines produced here are usually pretty good and affordable. Whether you like red or white wines, there are plenty of places where you can sample some excellent wine while exploring this beautiful region of Argentina.
For example, San Carlos de Bariloche is a popular tourist destination located in the south of Argentina on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The best time to visit this charming little town is during summer when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy a glass of local wine while strolling through the streets admiring the colourful houses and impressive church buildings.
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There are many wineries and vineyards all over the world. Many of them are well-known and attract a large number of visitors each year. Still, if you are a true wine lover, it’s worth spending a few days or even weeks in a quiet village or a small town where you can enjoy a glass of your favourite wine, take a tour at a local winery, and maybe even discover some new and exciting blends.
If you are planning your next trip, why not try something new and visit one of the winemaking destinations mentioned above?