Traveling is one of the best ways to experience the culture of other countries. It’s no surprise that someone who likes to travel is more cultured, has know-how on the different cuisines of the world, and is keener for exciting and new adventures.
Traveling By Wine-Tasting
If you’re a seasoned globe-trotter or a budding one, one of the best ways to experience the culture of the country you’re visiting is through its wineries. Aside from the usual touristy excursions like food-tasting and shopping, what’s more pleasant than taking a day trip and packing for a fun daytime wine-tasting experience?
Visiting wineries can be a rewarding experience as they take intention and time. You may arrange for a day visit, an overnight, or several days of stay at a local winery in your destination country. Some wineries even offer tours, picnics, and wine-tasting. Who knows, one might even learn a valuable thing or two about the country’s history and land upon the visit.
Countries To Visit For Their Wineries
For your future travels around the globe, here are the best countries to visit for their wine.
- France
France always tops the charts for being the best-tasting and top-producing wine country in the world. The region is known for different grape strains and its sophisticated way of producing wine.
Bordeaux is one of the most well-known destinations for wine-tasting and vineyard visits. Most wine enthusiasts flock to the region at any season of the year because Bordeaux is known for various activities, even in winter. And with the sophisticated way the region produces their wine, a first-timer in a winery visit won’t be remiss in trying out wines in any season.
- Italy
Italy is another top contender when it comes to rich, tasty, and flavorful wines. With its favorable climate for growing different varieties of grapes, the country has bountiful regions cultivating wine to a fine art, from Southern Italy to Piedmont.
The tasteful wine the Italian countryside has to offer is also complemented with the wonderful dishes of the Italians. A simple and fresh pasta dish is always best served with a glass of exquisite Italian wine, after all.
- New Zealand
New Zealand wineries have been gaining their claim to fame with their outstanding sauvignon blanc, especially in the Marlborough region. It’s not surprising that Kiwis have developed a discerning taste in their wines. This is apparent in the long ripening period of their grapes due to the colder climate, which makes for the fresh acidity of grapes grown and harvested in this part of the world.
Wineries in New Zealand are also known for stunning views, be it next to a shoreline or a wonderful mountainside. They offer a wide range of activities, including biking through vineyards or taking a helicopter flight to see the amazing sights from above.
- Australia
With a growing industry of wine-making, Australia is known for a variety of wines grown under its perfect sunny weather, especially in the southern side of the country. From cabernet sauvignon to shiraz, Australia is making its way to wine enthusiasts’ lists.
The key to understanding Australia’s wine-growing regions is through its topography. As mentioned, most of the best wines and vineyards are located in the southern side of the country, where the dry, hot climate is most favorable for grapes to grow and be harvested at a proper time.
The Barossa Valley, a red wine region, is most popular for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. So, if you’re looking for some nice sunny days in the southern part of Australia, maybe this is the trip for you.
- Spain
Dubbed as one of the most beautiful and has the largest vineyards in the world, wineries in Spain must surely be on your bucket list if you are the globe-trotter who not only indulges in rich food and drinks but also in picturesque landscapes.
With 4,000 wineries scattered across the regions of Spain, there’s not a dull moment in this country. You can start by tasting Spain’s sparkling wine, the Cava, in Codorníu, in the Penedes region of Catalonia. Plus, the Codorniu estate is rich in history that dates back to the 1500s. Not only are you sipping Spain’s finest sparkling wine, but you’re also brushing up on history and culture.
The world is abundant in terms of culture, food, and sceneries. One way to step up your globe-trotting experience is to visit local wineries in your destination country. This article highlighted some of the best countries to travel to for their wines as well as some of the most picturesque wine regions and excellent producers of wine from around the world that can offer you a reprieve from the overwhelming bustle of tourist spots. One might find strolling along vineyards and wine-tasting to be extremely fun. Just make sure to brush up on your wine-tasting do’s and don’ts.