While places like Napa Valley often top the list of ultimate wine destinations, there are plenty of vacation-worthy wine regions offering all the tastings and vineyard tours you can possibly handle. If you’re planning a wine-inspired getaway, here are six wine destinations to consider.
Mendoza, Argentina
If you’re a fan of reds, particularly Malbec, you won’t want to miss a trip to Mendoza, Argentina. As the wine industry’s premier Malbec-producing region and Argentina’s prime wine country, Mendoza offers hundreds of wineries where you can sip the day away. Many wineries also offer food pairings with their wines, and after a day of tastings, you can always explore the region with a hike, mountain bike or horseback ride through Mendoza.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Just east of Cape Town, you’ll find centuries-old vineyards producing some of South Africa’s top wines. The wineries here offer a tranquil escape from first sight, with many built as grand estates with mountain-lined backdrops. Do try some of Stellenbosch’s signature reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage (a Pinot Noir and Cinsault blend).
Tuscany, Italy
It’s certainly not difficult to make the case for Tuscany as one of the world’s great wine destinations. Sun-soaked hills are filled with vineyards that can do no wrong, whether you’re a fan of reds or whites. Signature Tuscan wines include Chianti and white varieties blended with the region’s Trebbiano grapes. Tuscany’s wineries are also known for their Super Tuscans, which are rich, rule-breaking wine blends (Italy has very strict regulations regarding wine production) that usually command a high price tag.
Maipo Valley, Chile
In the U.S., Chile is best known for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Maipo Valley has produced some of the industry’s most notable Cabernets, thanks to a dry climate that gives the grapes the high acidity needed for a quality cab. You’ll find that the region’s 16th-century vineyards specialize in Cabernet blends, but for a taste of the local flavor, don’t miss a taste of Carmenère.
Hunter Valley, Australia
Australia’s oldest wine region is just a few hours from Sydney, and more than 150 wineries offer a day trip filled with tastings of the country’s top varieties. Hunter Valley’s most notable wines include the white Semillon, a dry variety with honey and toasted vanilla when aged; Chardonnay with peach notes; and its award-winning Shiraz.
Sonoma County, California
Napa Valley’s neighbor offers something for everyone, whether you like sweet dessert wines or dry reds to go with a steak dinner. A little less than an hour from San Francisco, Sonoma County is home to dozens of boutique wineries known for their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot and Merlot varieties. After a hard day of wine tasting in this beautiful valley, it’s best to unwind with a wine-themed spa treatment and a farm-fresh meal from one of the region’s top restaurants.
(Main image: Uncalno)
