Is there anything better than a delicious glass of wine? How about enjoying it in a beautiful vineyard, produced authentically using the harvest of local grapes? Whether you’re partial to a crisp white or prefer a full-bodied red, here are some top holiday destinations for wine lovers!
France
You simply cannot talk about wine destinations without including France. Home to some of the most prestigious wines and well-known vineyards, the country’s wine history dates back to ancient times. The Bordeaux region is synonymous with robust, age-worthy red blends, whereas châteaux specialise in Cabernet Sauvignon styles. Let’s not forget the iconic Burgundy region, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Wine is so tied in with the local culture, that there are also walking holidays in France centered around this drink, such as the Alsace Wine Route. This is a superb way to explore the country and its stunning landscapes one sip at the time!
Italy
Jumping across to the neighbouring Italy, the sun-drenched Tuscany region is where many of the world-class wines come from. It is particularly famous for its red wines, primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. The most distinguished wine you’ll find here is the Chianti Classico, which must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. Beyond the incredible vineyards, Tuscany offers a well-rounded holiday experience, with mouth-watering Italian dishes, charming medieval towns, pleasant weather and breathtaking coastal views.
Argentina
On the other side of the world, Argentina is an undisputed world capital of Malbec – a purple grape used in a variety of red wines. The Mendoza region is where this delicious wine is produced, surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of snow-capped Andes mountain range. This area has some of the highest vineyards in the world and so the high altitude adds to the flavour of the local wines, which tend to have concentrated, complex flavours and a velvety texture. A visit here offers an incredible blend of adventure and indulgence, with lots of opportunities to tour local vineyards and enjoy multi-course tasting lunches.
South Africa
When it comes to dramatic scenery and complex history, paired with rich wine blends, South Africa is an undoubtable winner. The Cape Winelands region is the largest wine-producer in the country, divided into six smaller regions: Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington. The historic Stellenbosch region established the country’s first official wine route in 1971, renowned for its Bordeaux-style red blends and recognised as the birthplace of Pinotage (a cross between Pinot noir and Cinsaut). Visitors can explore the region using the dedicated hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram for a fun and unique experience.
United States
Although the US might not be the first choice when thinking about wine destinations, it’s actually increasingly recognised for its ambitions and innovative takes on wine making. The Napa Valley, located in California, shocked the world when its wines got rated best in each category during the Paris Tasting of 1976, even against top competitors from France. After this, the region was recognised as one of the best destinations for fruit-forward Cabernet and rich, buttery Chardonnay wines, as well as diverse wine-focused activities and modern tasting rooms.
Wine lovers’ paradise
All of these destinations guarantee stunning specialty wines, each with their own unique flavour profiles. And, when you pair wine tasting with other cultural and historical experiences, you have yourself the perfect holiday!
