Last Updated on June 18, 2023
One of the most idyllic trip ideas for any wine lover would be to gather a group of close friends and explore some of the most beautiful wine regions of the world together. What’s a better way to bond with your friends than to travel together enjoying the activities you share the same passion about? These eight destinations are some of the most breathtaking wine regions that will sweep any wine lover off their feet.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Douro Valley, Portugal
One of the most beautiful wine regions you absolutely can’t miss out on is Douro Valley in Portugal. This scenic UNESCO World Heritage site is located just a few miles away from the city of Porto. It boasts of idyllic 18th and 19th-century wine states and stone-terraced vineyards with the most stunning view of Douro River.
Though it is mostly known for its world-famous Port, Douro Valley is also famous for its Vinho Verde white wine.
There are also some smaller wine states that also serve some lesser-known table wines made from indigenous grape varieties. Anyone who visits this beautiful wine region has a chance to go on a guided tour and tasting at some of the most valuable historic wineries such as Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta de La Rosa and Quinta des Carvalhas.
You can also try some of the finest Portuguese wines at Quinta Guimaraes, Quinta da Bomfim and Quinta do Crasto. You can also sign up for a wine cruise and explore this wine region on water. The best time to visit Douro Valley would be either in late September or early October.
Taste the delicious red wine in Rioja, Spain
Rioja, named after the River Oja, is the oldest Denominación de Origen in Spain. It dates back to 1925 and is widely recognized for its tradition and quality of winemaking. Their delicious, well-known red wine is a mixture of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes.
Rioja is also known for its largest barrel cellars in the world made of oak which is known for its aging. Oak aging, in 225-liter casks from Bordeaux, is an obligatory element for Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.
The region of Rioja is split into three sub-regions. Those are Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja. Each one of them differs in soil, climate, and altitude.
Because of its perfect location where it’s protected by the Sierra de Cantabria and Demanda mountains, this valley has great conditions and microclimate for grape growing. If you decide to visit this region, make sure to visit the seven historic wineries of Haro’s Barrio de la Estación. It is the greatest concentration of hundred-year-old wineries in the world.
Visit the wine paradise in Mendoza, Argentina
If you want to organize a trip with your friends, what better destination there is for wine tasting than Mendoza, Argentina? The beautiful view of the mighty Andes and 300 sunny days per year is every wine lover’s paradise and every wine maker’s dream. The new high altitude wine region, Uco Valley, is about 80km south of Mendoza city is one of the most tourist-attracting destinations that has to offer both delicious wine and beautiful architecture.
You absolutely have to visit the cellar Salentein and the futuristic O. Fournier while you’re there. And don’t miss out on Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo. These regions have such a long and rich history of winemaking in Mendoza.
You can also find boutique wineries that are using the original 100-year-old vines to this very day. They are very dedicated to their traditions and love to produce the family recipe.
Find the best festivals in Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Another great destination for wine tasting is definitely the Hunter Valley in Wales. It has been established back in the mid-19th century by the father of Australian wine James Busby. He was the one who brought 20,000 vine cuttings to Australia from Europe.
This region is mostly known for its full-flavored Chardonnay, earthy Shiraz, and Semillon. This is one of the most popular wine regions in the whole world. Its proximity to Sydney attracts many great event organizers and famous performers like Elton John and The Rolling Stone.
They also host an annual Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival. Not only will you enjoy some wine tasting, but you can also get to experience some amazing concerts and festivals as well. So, gather your close friends, book the beautiful Hunter Valley accommodation and enjoy the adventure.
Experience the magical winemaking of Venice, Italy
You can find many great wine regions in Venice too. They have many intriguing vineyards, one of which is the famous Dorona, also known as the Golden Grape. It gained this title during the age of Venetian Doges, which is an autochthonous grape variety that almost became extinct at one point.
And since Venice doesn’t really have that much space for vine growing, viticulture is very challenging, yet also really fascinating there.
So, the next time you visit Venice, make it a part of your bucket list to explore its beautiful wine region. Consider visiting Venissa winery as well. It is home to one very special vineyard that has overcome so many challenges of high tide that has given rise to their wine with very unique characteristics.
The vineyard itself is on the island of Mazzorbo in the very heart of the Lagoon Park. This is where the soil makes up only about 8% of the surface territory. It is a quite special place where the vine found its magic and blooms despite the hardships around it. Venice is one of the more popular European tourist destinations and almost all Italy tour packages have it included.
You can never go wrong with the classic Burgundy, France
Is there a country in the world more associated with wine than France? Probably not. France, being the country of love, passion, and good taste, is the home of many world-known wine regions.
It is fairly difficult to choose just one particular region in France known for its splendid wine. However, Burgundy is special. Not only are the Burgundy wines mesmerizing, but the scenery is breathtaking too.
Having a chance to drink Pinot Noir and enjoy the beauties of French nature and charm is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Thanks to its many beauties, Burgundy is a very popular tourist attraction. If you plan to visit it soon, don’t forget to book the wine tastings in advance!
Explore the first demarcated wine region in Tokaj, Hungary
The world’s first demarcated wine region lies in Hungary’s Tokaj. Its centerpiece is in a wide array of local sweet wine styles. They range from Late Harvest and Sweet Szamorodni to Eszencia.
Aszú, being a natural dessert wine that is made using an over 400-year-old method of macerating botrytis-affects berries in a base wine. Or base has to achieve a specific degree of sweetness. However, dessert wines are not the only thing that makes Tokaj so famous.
After many years spent behind the Iron Curtain, the Tokaj wine region has been blooming over the past two decades. It has brought a more elegant style of Aszús, which is a complete opposite of its original style. It has also enabled a major upswing in the production of dry Tokaji wines.
One of the key elements for most of these leading wineries’ growth driver is that every single variety of dry styles that come from Furmint grapes. They are also famous for their full Tokaji dry whites. They fit well perfectly with heavy dishes of red meat.
Discover the wonders of irreplaceable Casablanca Valley, Chile
When it comes to wine regions all over the world, Chile cannot remain unmentioned. The Casablanca Valley is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in Chile. It is situated right between Santiago and Valparaiso and it hasn’t been too long in the industry – no more than 40 years.
Even though it had a late start, the Casablanca Valley is still one of the most successful wine regions in this country. Some of the wines Casablanca Valley is famous for are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Merlot and Syrah should be mentioned too since they are also the wines that made this region gain such popularity.
Conclusion
All things considered, there are so many beautiful places worth visiting. Some of the most stunning wineries can be found all around the world. So, find a group of friends who are passionate wine lovers and explore the world together.
