Looking for inspiration for a bit of wine tourism? Find out which are the best places in the world for enotourism.
These 10 picks are places where truly divine wines are produced and also great locations to soak up the local culture. All of these travel destinations are not only must-visits for wine lovers, but also wonderful places for those looking to experience life’s little pleasures through travel.
Here they are, the top 10 wine tourism destinations in the world…
1. Rioja, Spain
A perfect mix of Spanish history, stunning scenery, great food, and brilliant wines: welcome to the best region for wine in Spain! Situated in the north east of the country along the Ebro River, protected to the north by the Cantabrian Mountains, Rioja wine boasts centuries of history: large-scale production began in the 19th century when French winemakers crossed the Pyrenees to escape the plague epidemic and settled in this area.
2. Danube, Austria
The main areas of Wachau, Kremstal, Traisental, Kamptal and Wagram line the green banks of the blue Danube, with terraced vineyards and untouched forests dotted with magnificent castles. Full of historical traditions to experience and rolling countrysides to explore, all with a glass of wine in hand.
3. North & South Forks of Long Island, New York
Perhaps one of the regions that wine lovers may not expect to find in the rankings is a couple of hours outside of Manhattan, on Long Island. The area is characterised by vineyards, cozy towns, and farms. North and South Forks are fantastic places from a gastronomical point of view as the production is carried out by small family-run farms.
4. Stellenbosch, South Africa
In the South African Cape, the town of Stellenbosch has a large number of wineries, the majority producing Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to wandering the mountains covered in vineyards, there are many other things to do like discovering artistic treasures, hiking, or surfing, to name a few.
5. Monterey County, California
Monterey County has to be on the list because not only is it one of the most important wine regions in California, but also because it is a beloved destination for tourists, as it is located just 60 miles outside of San Francisco. It’s easy to understand why, with the picturesque road along the ocean known as the 17-Mile Drive. It is a glamorous location with star cuisine, dream spas, and of course fantastic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
6. Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
It’s the most famous wine-producing area of the country, greatly influenced by the strong Italian immigration at the end of the 1800s. This area accounts for 90% of the wine production in Brazil. The grapes grown here are used to produce Riesling, Merlot, Teroldego, and Malvasia.
7. Willamette Valley, Oregon
A car and a lot of free time are essential to explore the fabulous countryside of this area, which is dotted with cozy wine cellars and beautiful scenery. Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge are some of the best wineries in the region, and Carlton is a pleasant and welcoming town with fantastic restaurants and tasting rooms.
8. Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Hunter Valley is in a perfect location for wine tourism, only a couple hours’ drive from Sydney and well connected by a network of buses. Because of this, many choose it for a day trip though only a day can’t do it justice. The history of the region is very rich, with endless open spaces and sweeping views to relax the mind, and, not to mention, some of the best wines in the world.
9. Valle del Douro, Portugal
This area claims to be the most beautiful wine region in the world. The magnificent mountains and terraced vineyards that rise above the placid Duero River, which seems to watch over the surrounding nature, is a sight that will make you fall in love thanks to the tranquility of the past that the region still breathes. Take it all in with a glass of white port, perhaps under the moonlight with the sound of the river in the background.
10. Puglia, Italy
The unique architecture of the trullo (dry stone huts in a conical shape), the exquisite regional cuisine, beautiful beaches, and historical attractions and culture create an irresistible mix. What could be better than eating fresh fish overlooking the sea and sipping on a glass of Primitivo di Manduria?
