As a wine enthusiast, distance is nothing and you can travel across the globe to look for the best wine destinations to quench your wine thirst. Being a wine critic, you think you have had it all and no wine will surprise you or tickle your fancy, but boy you are wrong! I have traveled around the world, and my experience has taught me never to underestimate wine offered in the various destinations in the world. Don’t box your wine taste buds to just a few regions you think is known for the best wine destinations. As you hunt for the best wine destination, get a Santa Claus’s sack for wine souvenirs… LOL! Needless to say, for me this is best compiled top travel destinations 2019 for all wine-loving travelers which should be on your radar and I am sure you won’t regret it.
1. Macedonia, Greece
Years before I confidently declared myself a wine critic, my little knowledge was coined to Italy as the best travel destination. But now, I have an open mind and always looking for new wine destinations and my first stop was Macedonia, a region found north of Greece. This area is known for its rich semi-mountainous vineyards grown with various grape varieties like Xynomavro, Limnio, Roditis, and Sauvignon, which is more of an international Cabernet variety. Other varieties that can break your tongue for their hard pronunciation are Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko which are among the best red wine destinations in Macedonia.
2. Franschhoek, South Africa
South Africa is another great destination for wine travel specially Franschhoek, a region found in the mountainous heart of Cape Winelands. This is a tiny town found 80 km of Cape Town and was discovered by the French in 1688. A dream wine destination for wine lovers, Franschhoek is home to exquisite wines such as red Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The whites are not left behind with Chardonnay and Semillon being some in their wine cellars. Some of its notable vineyards include La Motte, Chamonix, Allée Bleue, and Solms-Delta.
3. Valais, Switzerland
Valais is one of the biggest wine producers in Switzerland, contributing half of the country’s wine production. Most of its vineyards are located 50km east-north-east of Martigny. It has a rich wine making culture and visitors can enjoy it in various ways. Essentially, the scenery produced by its vineyards is amazing. It is home for varieties like Amigne, Cornalin, Humagne, Petite Arvine and Rèze. Valais produces more whites than reds accounting for 40% of the total wine production in Switzerland. This is five times more than Italian-speaking Ticino.
4. Lake Garda, Italy
If you are looking for the best travel destination that has a deep culture rooted on its landscape, then Lake Garda in Italy will offer you just. The North and South of this region produce several types of wine all quite unique from each other in quality. Bardolino is an area in Lake Garda that produces Valpolicella variety that is used to make light red wine. They also have that white Custoza and Lugana which are more popular in Italy.
5. Beaujolais, France
How I love wine in social occasions and not just any wine but one from Beaujolais, France. You can enjoy tasting sessions coupled with their fine cuisine in picturesque village squares, country inns, chateaux, wine cellars or in their Michelin-starred restaurants. The region is home for over 200 winemakers who have signed to a quality charter. Their vineyards spread across villages and hills making such pleasant scenery like Tuscany. Georges Duboeuf is a known entrepreneur who is also the seigneur of Beaujolais wines and is dedicated to improving wine production in the region.
6. Finger Lakes, N.Y.
One of the most famous award winning destinations, providing best wine for the world is Finger Lakes, N.Y. With natural weather conditions plus good experience in manufacturing the highest quality of both red and white wines, Finger Lakes was recently voted as top wine region of United States. It invites everyone both young and old (provided you are 21 and above) to try and learn about its finest wines. It also prompts distillers, cideries and breweries to open up and expand their roots in Finger Lakes The Canandaigua Wine Trail stretches from northeast of the city of Canandaigua to the west side of Canandaigua Lake.
7. Seattle, Washington
Washington is also one of the best wine State of USA. If you’ve been to Seattle, am sure you know how its coffee and beer taste like. But have you tasted its wine? The city is also known for its wine and has 14 well established wineries. About 30 minutes outside Seattle, you will find Woodinville that hosts over 100 wineries. Among those are Chateau St. Michelle and Columbia Winery. This does not mean that you can’t enjoy their bottle of wine within the city limit. Seattle city is home to 24 wineries including Seven Hills Winery, Double Canyon, and Oregon’s Archery Summit so make sure to visit the best wine destinations in this city.
8. Elqui Valley, Chile
I love my job so much; I mean who wouldn’t like to travel around the world sampling great fine wines? My quest took me to a region 250 miles north of Santiago, called Elqui Valley. No exaggeration by their wine tastes like heaven. Although their signature trademark brandy is Pisco, you can also enjoy their aromatic wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Due to great climate there are high levels of solar radiation translating in to their wine style. The best place that you can’t afford to miss when visiting this area is Pisco Elqui, all surrounded by a cluster of Hotel chains, Wineries and Pisco distilleries.
9. Temecula Valley, CA
Temecula Valley is a wine home located in Southern California. Temecula Valley prides itself with award winning wines from nearly 40 wineries. It also has great restaurants and gift shops for everyone to enjoy. As a visitor you toast to your favorite wine from 10am to 5pm.
Temecula Valley grows over 50 varieties of wine including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Mourvedre, Viognier, Chardonnay, and many more. Temecula wineries benefit from favorable warm days and cool nights, which helps them produce different types of wine.
10. Paso Robles, CA
Last but not least from my list we have Paso Robles, which is one of biggest wine producer in between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This is a vast stretch covering an area of about 650,000 acres and hosts more than 200 wineries. Paso Robles with its 11 specific wine regions can advance up to 60 varied varieties of wine, best known for producing Zinfandel. But if you are looking to ignite your wine taste buds with sensation, then San Antonio Winery is the best tasting room in Paso Robles, offering Bodega Sangria, San Simeon, Stella Rosa, and Opaque wines to name a few. The Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery has been named as “American Winery of The Year” By Wine Enthusiast, and is certainly one of the best to go for. San Antonio also has a bistro open for daily visitors who like to grab a bite with a glass of wine while chilling on the patio.
So, don’t just sit there and read best travel articles, thinking that the best wines will find you. Instead grab your traveling gear and join the quest to find the best wine destinations, the world has to offer.
Pallavi Gupta is a Professional Blogger, SEO Expert and Guest Blogger for Riboli Family Wines and Estates. Being a Prolific Content Marketer and Business Writing Coach, her ultimate passion is making boring business blogs outshine
