Nothing beats spending a weekend with friends or family, wine tasting, unless, you actually visit the source. Wine tasting is, presently, a thing in itself, and a peachy thing at that. Many wineries across the globe have taken to this new trend with aplomb. Wine tasting dinners, cellar and vineyard tours, dainty tasting rooms and the prim vineyard views, just but give one an awe-inspiring experience.
Wine by itself is lovely, but wine in a wine region, well, is just on another level of lovely. So help yourself to a glass of low alcohol wine and scroll down. This article compiles the ten most astounding destinations for wine lovers around the world.
I. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is a highly esteemed wine producing region. With its elegance and verdant vineyards in chateaus such as Medoc, St-Emillion, wine tasting here will leave you feeling nifty. The cuisine is also the finest in the region and the tasting rooms are exquisite. The Bordeaux wine tour is a must-try so to speak.
II. Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is known for its recherche Malbec. The Malbec is very rich in flavor, aroma and color. It expertly complements the world class Argentinian beef. Wineries in Mendoza offer tours,tastings and tasting dinners. Besides the Malbec you will also get to experience the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio among others.
III. Tuscany, Italy
If you want to experience vintage wine culture, there’s no better place to experience it like Tuscany. Wine-makers here still crush grapes using their feet, and you’ll be able to join this age old dance too. The Tuscany hills also provide for great scenic beauty, especially during the vineyard tours. We tasted excellent wines in Castiglion Fiorentino.
IV. Napa, California, USA
Napa valley is arguably the most popular wine producing region in the USA. They produce a wide range of wines from Carbenet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, to name but a few. There’s also plenty of outdoor activity and exceptional cuisine to top it off.
V. Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Located in Portland, Willamette Valley is a cool region widely known for its outstanding wine, Pinot Noir. It is surrounded by the aesthetically beautiful Cascade Mountains. Its also a great place for picnics with most of its wineries doting picnic tables.
VI. Stellenbosch, South Africa
If you want to experience the salient african culture, art and scenery, while enjoying your favorite glass of rich red wine, Stellenbosch is the place to be. Carbenet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc are just but a few of the ample varieties of wine you get to taste.
VII.Yarra Valley, Australia
Filled with fantastic scenery, Yarra valley is a rolling landscape worthy of a wine destination. Its sparkling wines and breathless tasting rooms are aplenty. Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris are the major varietals here.
VIII. Rioja, Spain
Rioja is another spectacular wine destination. With more than 600 wineries you will be spoilt for choice. The main grape grown in the region is the red grape, Tempranillo, however, there’s also a variety of white grapes. Also the proprietary cuisine and stunning scenery, will ensure your tours are worth it.
IX. Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
Vale dos Vinhedos is an exquisite wine destination. It dotes breathtaking vineyards and wineries. Its most prominent wines include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, , Ancellotta, Tannat and Pinot Noir. The hotels here have salient Italian cuisine that will be greatly complemented by the red wines.
X.Baden, Germany
Baden is a vast wine producing region, famous for its Pinot varietals; Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. These wines are usually matured traditionally in casks and wood, which gives them very rich scents and flavors.
If you’re a wine fanatic, then you better get out and experience the greater beauties it has to offer away from your couch now.
My personal favorite is Mendoza! Another great place is the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
Tuscany, Italy is my dream destination. I’d love to go there ASAP!