12 of the World’s Best Wine Destinations
Published on: September 5th, 2017
Last updated: September 24th, 2024
Wine is more than just a drink – it’s a reflection of the land, culture and history of the place where it’s made. The best wine tours give us the opportunity to slow down, take a sip and appreciate our surroundings in a whole new way.
Wine tours are a wonderful way to explore a new place, often including visits to vineyards and cellars, tastings and pairings with local cuisine, and the chance to learn about the production process straight from the winemakers themselves.
Dozens of our favourite destinations have a fascinating wine culture, from classic spots like Bordeaux and the Douro Valley to unexpected places like Santorini and Morocco. Whether you’re headed to Europe, Latin America, Africa or Australia, wine can be the starting point for a truly epic trip. To help you get inspired, here are 12 of the world’s best wine destinations.
1. Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo might not be the first place that comes to mind when Portuguese wine is mentioned, but it certainly deserves a seat at the table. In fact, this unassuming region produces some of the country’s finest wines.
Évora is among our favourite off-the-beaten-track destinations in Portugal, full of ancient architecture and local charm. Stay at São Lourenço do Barrocal, an old farming village that’s been transformed into a luxury hotel, and tour the surrounding vineyards.
2. Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s classic wine region, the Douro Valley is a treasure trove of traditional winemaking. This is where the famous fortified port wine originates, along with dry red wines made from the same native grapes.
Just inland from Porto, this region is defined by the mighty Douro River and the verdant hills, vineyards and villages on its shores. One of our favourite places to stay here is Six Senses Douro Valley where you can be fully immersed in the environment and enjoy nightly tastings in the Wine Library.
3. Bordeaux, France
This may be the world’s best-known wine region – and for good reason. Bordeaux is an elegant city surrounded by thousands of wineries. At Les Sources de Caudalie, you can enjoy vinotherapy spa treatments along with the usual tastings and tours.
On the other side of France, you’ll find the lesser-known region of Alsace and its Route des Vins (Wine Route). Bordering Germany and Switzerland, it blends the cultures of all three countries in its distinctive wine and food.
4. Santorini, Greece
This Greek island may be most recognisable for its blue-domed buildings and crescent-shaped caldera. But Santorini is also home to ancient grape vines growing in volcanic soil, resulting in entirely one-of-a-kind wines.
Choose to book into Canaves Epitome in Oia for epic views and excellent cuisine. There’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of Santorini wine while watching the sunset over the Aegean.
5. Barossa, Australia
Located in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is an idyllic destination for wine lovers. Its gorgeous green vineyards seem straight out of a postcard, and it boasts a warm climate that cools off in the surrounding hills.
This region has some of the oldest vineyards in Australia. It’s best known for shiraz, although many other types of wine are made here – and at The Louise, you can sample them all.
6. Hunter Valley, Australia
Hunter Valley is an ideal place to dive into Australian wine culture. Located in New South Wales, it’s known for its breathtaking scenery, rolling farmland and stunning beaches – as well as world-renowned wineries producing semillon, shiraz and more.
Escape into the bushland at Spicers Vineyards Estate, explore private vineyards and soak in the serenity of this exclusive location.
7. Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
New Zealand is not only a land of stunning natural beauty, but also a fabulous destination for wine lovers. Two-thirds of the country’s wine comes from the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds, which is highly regarded for its sauvignon blanc.
When visiting the country’s most renowned wine region, there’s no better place to stay than the Marlborough Lodge: a country estate boasting acres of vineyards.
8. Cape Winelands, South Africa
For some of the best wines in the southern hemisphere, head to the Winelands of South Africa. Not far from Cape Town you’ll find Babylonstoren: an immense wine estate with Cape-Dutch architecture and 200 hectares of vineyards, orchards and gardens.
Babylonstoren is a fantastic hotel for families; kids can bake bread or enjoy ice cream tastings while adults tour the cellars. Try biltong (dried meat), which pairs surprisingly well with wine.
9. Meknes, Morocco
There’s nothing new about Morocco’s viniculture; wine has been made here for millennia. Meknes is the obvious choice for wine-focussed travellers, as it’s home to many of the country’s best wineries.
Take advantage of your time in Meknes to explore its extensive olive groves and visit the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis as well.
Located in the northwest, Salta is a gateway to the Andes and the dramatic surrounding landscapes. Its high altitudes and low latitudes balance out to create perfect conditions for producing high-quality wines.
11. Wine Regions, Chile
The wine regions of Chile are spread out around Santiago. They include the Maipo Valley and Casablanca Valley, which are known for cabernet sauvignon, syrah and carménère – a grape that’s grown almost exclusively in this country.
Beyond Carmelo, the entire country of Uruguay is ripe for wine-based adventures. Visit the striking Viña Edén near Punta del Este, indulge in a meal at Frances Mallmann’s Garzon and explore the vibrant cities of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento.
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