Nothing screams “perfect vacation” to a wine enthusiast like a vineyard tour. Luckily, there are plenty of travel destinations for avid wine lovers around the world. Whether you’re in Europe, the United States, or Africa, we’ve got your back.
Regardless of your travel preferences, this article will take you on a journey around the world to find the most suitable wine-loving destinations. These one-of-a-kind destinations will leave you wanting more and coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into the most sought-after wine destinations.
Portugal
If you’re planning to go on a trip across Europe, you should make a stop in Portugal, whether or not you’re a wine lover. On the plus side, wine aficionados will find Douro Valley in Portugal to be one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. The valley is located a few hundred miles from Porto, the center of fantastic wines in this southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula.
When visiting Douro Valley, be sure to try Vinho Verde white wine — one of the world’s most famous white wines. However, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you should opt for some of the less-known options, such as Alfrocheiro — wine made from indigenous grape varieties. The variety of options is not lacking in Portugal, so you can put your feet up, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate some astonishing wines.
South Africa
From Europe, hop to Africa and head down to South Africa to the marvelous vineyards across the country. Not far from Cape Town, you can visit Stellenbosch Wine Estates, famous for their wine-tasting tours and distinctive wine range. True savants will recognize the unique tastes and high-quality wine production that occurs in the Western Cape province.
With this location in mind, we must mention the Cape Winelands, located close to the Stellenbosch Estates, where you can try out the most exclusive wines in the world, including Pinot Noir and Semillon. French Huguenots founded these vineyards in 1688, and we recommend a trip during October to fully experience this wine tour.
California
You have probably heard that the best-tasting wine in the US is located in California, more precisely in Napa Valley. The States are not known for many quality vineyards or wine admirers, but Napa Valley is the place to visit if you’re ever on the West Coast.
There are numerous wineries where you can have not only a taste test but also witness the process of wine production. Wine experts in California are highly trained in wine flavor profiling, so you will hopefully learn a thing or two about different palettes. You should opt for a bike tour if you prefer to have a guide through Napa Valley’s massive lands.
France
Last on our list, but definitely not the least, is France — the country of rich wines and mouth-watering French cheese. It would be silly not to mention France and the fantastic vineyard towns that have existed for centuries, such as Saint Émilion. There, you can visit rustic wineries, ones that have been present since the 14th century.
If you’re interested in learning about wine, you can join the Saint Émilion Wine School to expand your knowledge and become a true wine connoisseur. What sounds better than spending weeks in Southwestern France and learning about the basics of wine tasting? Think about it the next time you’re planning a vacation.
