We’re all partial to a nice glass of wine, and exploring the many great varieties and flavours from around the world is a full-time job. But have you ever considered getting closer to the source and visiting some of the countries that produce these delectable drinks?
Visiting vineyards around the world makes for a truly satisfying trip, and one that will live long in the memory. We’ve put together some of the best locations in the world for wine lovers to visit:
France
No wine list would be complete without referring to the marvellous country of France. Almost every region produces its own special grape and demonstrates what a magnificently diverse fruit the humble grape is. Needless to say your first stop should be the Champagne region, recently rated by Expedia as the best sparkling wine region in the world. Explore the various wineries and cellars across the region and sample some of the best fizz France has to offer!
Spain
The sunny land of Spain has become a huge producer of wine, with millions of acres of land committed to making the good stuff. As the third largest producer of wine it the world, there’s no doubting that the Spaniards know their grapes. There are many regions to choose from and all have their own individuality, but one of the best regions has to be La Rioja in northern Spain. Head to one of the many amazing bodegas, and while you’re in the region be sure to look out for examples of stunning Roman and Medieval architecture.
New Zealand
For a small country, New Zealand punches well above its weight when it comes to producing great wine. The Marlborough region is their flagship producer and the shining beacon in their wine heritage, and once you sample their Sauvignon Blanc you will soon realise why. The region is home to many great vineyards so you will not be short on places to explore, and if you need a break from the wine then pull on your walking boots and set out across alpine peaks and through the native bush.
Argentina
Argentina is a country that is hugely passionate about their food and drink. So much so that there famed exports are beef and malbec, which are a match made in heaven. Head to the Mendoza region where many of the vineyards are set aside the backdrop of the mountainous Andes. There are many amazing vineyards to visit, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore the area.
Italy
The proud country of Italy has a deep heritage when it comes to wine. Areas like Puglia are a prime demonstrators of just how divine a wine can be. Set in the southern region of the country and benefitting from a breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, Puglia is known for its red wine and it really is a glass of pure joy. After an evening of wine exploration, detoxify at one of the region’s organic spas or take a dip in the crystal waters. Bliss.
America
You don’t have to go back far in history to see that the Americans were not always taken seriously for their wine. But that is old news now, with states such as California producing divine bottles of fermented grape. The north coast of California is one of the state’s most prestigious wine destinations, producing everything from rich reds to sparkling whites.
