Savor a rich Rioja, and you can almost feel the sun-soaked hills of Spain. A glance at a fine Cabernet Sauvignon evokes visions of Napa Valley’s vibrant wine tours.
A sip of Penfolds Shiraz transports you back to Australia, bringing to life vivid landscapes and captivating aromas. But these connections truly resonate if you’ve experienced one of the world’s top wine destinations firsthand. These journeys deepen your appreciation, linking the wine in your glass to its origins and enhancing your tasting experience. In celebration of the World theme, Bookmundi presents an article on the top wines and wine destinations in the world.
Istria, Croatia (above image)
This wedge-shaped peninsula is renowned for its rich history and exquisite wine. Istria was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, later under Italian rule, and eventually became part of Yugoslavia before joining Croatia. The town boasts remnants of its Roman heritage, stunning Venetian architecture, breathtaking sea views, numerous festivals, and delicious food and wine, making it a prime European holiday destination. Vina Gerzinic is a top vineyard known for exceptional wine and olive oil, while Vina Matosevic is celebrated for its tasting room, featuring local artwork and live music. It was among the first in the area to experiment with acacia. Popular wines in Istria include the crisp Malvasia Istriana, Chardonnay, and Teran. The best time to visit is from April to October.
Sonoma Valley, USA
If you had one last wish to make before leaving the world, wish for a trip to Sonoma Valley, home to some of the greatest food and wine and the most beautiful surroundings in the US. Located at an hour’s distance from San Francisco, Sonoma Valley produces some of the best cool-climate New World Chardonnays, Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs. The county also grows all kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs to offer spectacular tastes and flavor. The Wine Road is home to some of the best wineries such as Thomas George Estates, Porter Creek and Arista. Sprits Works Distillery is also famous for its handcrafted whiskey and gin. The ideal time to visit Sonoma Valley is between the months of August to October.
The moment you step foot into Mendoza, the Andes gets etched into your memories forever. The Tupungato and El Plata peaks have been guarding over this incredibly special wine valley for years, and thousands of acres of vineyards offer perfect postcard-like settings. Bodegas Salentein is the signature winery in Mendoza in terms of its landscapes and architecture. Pulenta Estate offers a stimulating sensory game where you’re blindfolded and made to try out 15 different flavors to identify their aromas. Atamisque, a French-owned winery, is incredibly famous for its trout farm and award-winning restaurant that cooks the fish to perfection. Mendoza is known for its Malbec wine and has evolved into a spectacular region for wine travelers over the years. Mendoza malbecs pair perfectly with Argentina’s world-famous beef, roasted goat and hearty pastas. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall season.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Barossa Valley wines act as an ambassador of Australian wine, bringing the sunny tastes of the country’s wines to dinner tables around the world. The region itself has become very famous as a wine destination and is attracting travelers from all over the world. Nearly every winery in the region has cellar-door operations that range from tasting rooms to guided tours. Rockford, Yalumba and Henschke are ideal for those looking for great wines and history. Shiraz is the king here. It boasts of a finesse and elegance that can hardly be seen in Shiraz wines from other regions. Mataro and Grenache wines can also be found in Barossa Valley. There is no perfect time to visit as the valley offers year-round explorations.
If you are more into Australian wine tasting experiences, take a look at our Top Wine Tastings in Australia.
Umbria, Italy
Popularly known as the Green Heart of Italy, Umbria is the only landlocked wine region in Central Italy. Unlike some of the more popular travel destinations in Italy, Umbria’s olive groves and vineyards have managed to retain that old-world character and unspoiled charm. The region is also served well by a number of beautifully preserved medieval era towns such as Orvieto, Assisi and Perugua. A trip to Umbria can never be complete without visiting Montefalco. The Arnaldo Caprai estate and Tenuta Castelbuono are perfect for guided tours. And don’t forget to stop by L’Alchimista, the legendary wine bar of Montefalco, to choose from more than 400 selections. Umbria’s most famous wine is the Sagrantino di Montefalco, a fiercely tannic red wine made from Sagrantino grapes. Other wines found here include blends of procanico and grechetto and orvieto whites. The best time to visit Umbria is between the months of June to August.
Okanagan, Canada
Being located in British Columbia, there is no doubt that Okanagan offers breathtaking natural landscapes and exotic sceneries that tantalize and seduce all kinds of visitors. Located at a distance of 240 miles from Vancouver, Okanagan is a year-round playground that presents more than 131 wineries and 8000 acres of vineyards for some of the best wine experiences of your life. The top producers of Okanagan include Black Hills, Church & State, Tinhorn Creek and Burrowing Owl while Painted Rock, Meyer Family and Blasted Church are most famous for their delicious wines. Kelowna, a major city located close to Okanagan, is the perfect base for all your wine tours. Some of the most prominent wines found here include Syrah and Cabernet Francs. Icewines are quite popular as well, and there is a unique Icewine Festival that is held each winter. Bookmundi recommends you to look out for Pinot Blancs from St. Hubertus Estate and Rieslings from Tantalus while visiting Okanagan.
Each year, more and more wine regions come into the limelight. Did you know that the Gobi Desert is also home to beautiful vineyards? There are many upcoming wine regions that offer an intriguing experience, but the wine destinations mentioned in this list always offer the best mix of food, wine, history and culture to their visitors.