In case you haven’t been traveling much recently due to the worldwide circumstances, you’re properly glad that the restrictions have been adjusted and that going on vacation is much easier currently. If you’d like to taste some great wine during your travels, here are the top locations to consider.
Try port wine in Douro Valley, Portugal
If you’re thinking about exploring Europe, you’re in luck as you can combine several regions famous for their wines in one trip. For example, you can start in Douro Valley in Portugal. You can easily drive to this UNESCO Site from Porto and get to try port wine, a fortified wine that is specific to northern parts of the country. It is sweet and typically served as a dessert wine. Consider visiting this idyllic region in April and May, to avoid dense crowds and high summer temperatures.
Make your way to La Rioja, Spain
Make your way to Spain next – to the La Rioja region in the northern part of Spain, popular for its reds. The wines here tend to be sweet and not very dry, with a high level of acidity. The major grapes of this area include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Airén, and Bobal. You want to visit in June during the Wine Battle that takes place at a summer festival or in September while there is a grape harvest. Discover the villages of Nájera and San Millán de la Cogolla when there.
Bordeaux, France is a must
France has several wine regions that are very popular so you get to choose what suits you most. However, any true wine aficionado will not want to skip a visit to Bordeaux. Located in southwestern France, it produces mostly red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. That being said, whites like Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc shouldn’t go unmentioned. May to November is the ideal time for a visit, and the grape harvest happens in September. While in France, you might also want to visit the Burgundy region.
Enjoy all of Tuscany, Italy
Another stop during your tour of Europe that you don’t want to skip is Italy. No matter if you simply want to try some wines or enjoy a romantic evening, the Tuscany region is the place to go. Red wines typically feature Sangiovese red grapes while the less common whites are produced from the Vermentino grape. You will also enjoy the diverse local cuisine that includes everything from pasta and bread to cheese and steak, all of which perfectly complement the wines. Visit anywhere from May to October, but keep in mind that you can avoid the crowds and witness the harvest in September and October.
Explore the Hunter Valley, Australia
Then, you can also consider a country that is often overlooked when it comes to wine even though they produce some top-notch ones and are among the leading producers. Australia’s Hunter Region in New South Wales is a paradise for wine lovers as both red and white wines are made here. That means that you can find everything from Semillon and Chardonnay to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, in addition to delicious food that will go perfectly with your choice. As the region is rather large, it’s recommended you look for beautiful Hunter Valley accommodation that will fit your needs and allow you to explore this region over a few days and see every last bit of it. If you want to see the harvest, time your trip for mid-January to early March.
Visit the Marlborough District, New Zealand
While in the neighborhood, you can also visit New Zealand. The Marlborough region is where you want to be for some delicious wines. Make sure to ask for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which is the signature wine of New Zealand. You want to tour wineries and go on tastings between March and May, aka the autumn season once the grapes have been harvested.
Don’t skip Mendoza, Argentina
If you’re going to South America, don’t overlook Argentina’s Mendoza region. They produce many quality reds like Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but their most famous wine is Malbec. While this type of grape originated in Southwest France, it’s here where it received most notoriety and is now typically associated with this country. Visit Mendoza during the fall to taste the grapes and learn more about the process.
Discover Cape Winelands, South Africa
Africa is not lacking when it comes to wine regions either. South Africa’s Cape Winelands are easy to reach by car, as it’s located only an hour away from Cape Town. Also known as Boland, this area is made up of towns like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, so you will have something to explore besides the 130 wine estates. Visit from September to April.
Go to Napa Valley, United States
Finally, if you’re thinking about seeing all the beautiful places in the United States, you must add Napa Valley in California to your itinerary. Once you’re done visiting San Francisco and exploring everything this amazing city has to offer, you can take a trip north to the famous wine region and discover some of the best vineyards it is home to. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines are the most popular here, taking up 40% of the area’s wine production. Moreover, here you will also find Michelin-star restaurants that are sure to blow your mind. If you don’t mind the crowds, you can go from August to October to see the harvest and have a prime tasting experience. For a quieter time, from March to May is a better option.
There are various other regions you can consider, such as Chile’s Maipo Valley and Germany’s Mosel. Moreover, you can also think about some up-and-coming countries when it comes to wine culture like China. As you can see, your options are truly countless.
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