As humans age, we tend to develop tastes for the finer things in life: more-subtle foods, better-fitting clothes and great wine. Certain regions tend to have more offerings for enjoying great wine given their climates. And so, with that in mind, make sure to visit these wine countries of the world with a full smile and an empty glass at the ready.
Sonoma County, California, USA
With more than 400 wineries and almost 60,000 acres of vineyards dotting its miles of rugged Pacific coastline, Sonoma County was named as one of Wine Enthusiast’s 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2014. Standout wineries, vineyards, cellars and tours in this area include
Papapietro Perry Winery, which specializes in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Zinfandel produced from the finest grapes sourced from nearby, as well as Praxis Cellars, where Head Vintner William Arbios fulfills his personal dream as a self-made winemaker, rather than just being a vagabond vintner for others wineries.
Bordeaux, France
As the most extensive, wine-producing region of France, Bordeaux is vast, with more than 8,000 chateaus, 57 appellations and hundreds of négociants (wine merchants who blend and sell wines). Vintners range from the famous to the family affair, and the area can be credited with such great wine chateaus as Petrus, Cheval-Blanc, Château-Margaux and Haut-Brion. April or May is a great time to visit, as well as from mid- to late-September, which is harvest time and there are usually festivals surrounding it. Introduce yourself to the region with a course at The Bordeaux Wine School — where wine enthusiasts, consumers, journalists and distribution and sales professionals learn how to identify and express their own tastes and sensations for a couple of hours. Also, pay a respectful visit to Chateau Haut-Brion, originally conceived and laid in 1533, this estate is the oldest winery in Bordeaux and home to years’ worth of delicious liquids.
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
With an astounding range of microclimates, landscapes, grape varietals, unique geography and a coastline more than triple the length of California, Chile is an excellent destination for wine lovers. And in 2005, the Colchagua Valley was named Best Wine Region in the World by Wine Enthusiast, a distinction then awarded for the first time to any wine region of South America. Located 110 miles south of Santiago, Colchauga is a narrow agricultural valley formed by two spurs of the Andes Mountains, forming a corridor ideal for winds that regulate temperatures in the valley and have helped it become known for its full-bodied Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Carmeneres and Syrahs.
Standout wineries, vineyards, cellars and tours in this area include Viu Manet Winery — an estate that has risen from its humble beginnings but retains its family spirit and friendliness, always welcoming visitors and sharing wines on private tours — as well as Vina Los Vascos, which is named so as to honor its Basque-country origins from Spain and the methods it has transplanted and implemented in the Chilean countryside for centuries.
Read This Next
Finger Lakes Wine Tours
Food & Drink
Sep 19, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis