The World Wine Tours
Gastronomic tourism becomes more and more popular in recent years. Tourists are no longer interested in experiencing different cultures only through museums, theaters and galleries. They are increasingly interested in how other cultures taste by trying different food and drinks.
Within gastronomic tourism, special place is given to wine tours. Visits to vineyards around the world will guarantee two things: chance to taste exquisite local wines and picturesque nature.
So, for the wine lovers who are ready to experience new cultures, here are some of the world’s top destinations for wine tours.
France
As one of the biggest global producers of wine, France is a must for all those who consider themselves wine enthusiasts. Among France’s famous wine regions such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Champagne and Provence, the one that you should not miss is Burgundy.
However, be prepared to put in some effort in order to take a sip of Burgundy’s chardonnays. There is quite a bit of walking, and many wine houses do not admit tourists without reservations.
Italy
Italians are another Mediterranean nation which boasts long history of winemaking, predating even the ancient Romans. Vineyards could be seen throughout the country, but the most famous regions are Lombardy, Piedmont and Tuscany.
Not only do these regions offer extraordinary wine tasting experience, but also dream-like landscapes with gentle hills encircling ancient towns. Again, many wine cellars require reservations, so be prepared to plan ahead.
Spain
Spain, much like Italy, has a long tradition of winemaking. Some sources even say that wine has been produced on the territory of Spain for 3000 years.
This tradition is best preserved in the region of Rioja, which has over 500 wineries famous for their red wines. If you decide to go on a wine tour in Spain, you can expect not only first-class wines, but excellent food and welcoming hosts.
Germany
Germany’s wine region of Saale-Unstrut is the world’s northern-most place where vine grows. As it is the case with most European countries, wine was brought to German lands by Romans, but monks spread the vine growing tradition further north.
The main grape varieties that are grown here are Rivaner, Sylvaner and Weissburgunder. Germany’s wine regions are famous for both red and white wines of high quality.
USA
Across the Atlantic, wine enthusiasts can discover 300-year-old vine cultivating tradition in North America. Although thousands of wineries are spread across the country, the most prominent region is California’s Napa Valley.
This region produces more than half of the wines consumed in the USA. The tour in the Napa Valley can take you to both modern production facilities and to family owned vineyards.
Although small wineries are more charming, don’t miss your chance to visit larger ones, because many of them offer visitors tours around facilities, and they are willing to explain the process of winemaking.
Vietnam
For those oenophiles who would like to experience more exotic destinations, you should consider booking your first Vietnam holiday.
Although Vietnam wine tradition is not as old as European ones for example, it still offers a treat for those who enjoy a good glass of red. This is also a great opportunity to explore this East Asian country, which offers tourists a possibility to personalise their experience.
Argentina
Argentina is considered the biggest producer of wine in South America. More than half of the Argentinian wine is produced in two regions of San Juan and Mendoza.
Although wine tradition exists in this country for a long time, it is only in recent years that it has become more developed and present on the global market. Wine tours in Argentina often offer additional activities, such as cooking classes, fishing and bicycle tours.
So, if you need a sunny place to escape to, mark Argentina on your map.
South Africa
This is another country which is not traditionally connected with wine tours. However, the history of wine production in South Africa started in late 1600s.
Constantia, the suburb of Cape Town, is considered the most important wine region in this country. If you decide to take this wine tour, it will take you along the Atlantic coast, where most of the vineyards are located. The signature wine is pinotage, which is a combination of Cinsaut and Pinot noir.
Australia
Australian wine tours are characterised by accompanying freshly produced foods and hospitable locals. The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is home to Shiraz, Australia’s most famous wine.
This region is also becoming increasing popular as a food scene. Other regions that you should consider visiting include Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria.
New Zealand
As opposed to Germany, which has the northern-most vineyards, New Zealand has the southern-most wine regions in the world. Central Otago, region on the South Island, boasts vivid wine producing scene and breath-taking scenery comprising valleys with clean rivers surrounded by high snow covered mountain tops.
Visitors are attracted to this region by rich selection of white wines, like riesling, gris and gewürztraminer. The best time to visit is in autumn, during harvest festivities.
Category: Travel
