Good wine and great adventures are two of life's greatest pleasures. So why not enjoy both of them at the same time? If you're a wine enthusiast, you've probably been to your fair share of tastings, and perhaps you've even traveled to a few vineyards in your time. But if you really want to get a mix of the best wine and culture this planet has to offer, you might need to venture outside of the nation's borders… and your comfort zone. Trust me, though — once you get a load of what the world has to offer for wine lovers, you'll be itching to book your next vacation!
The benefits of drinking wine in moderation have been well-documented, but wine drinkers have a lot more than a healthy immune system and strong bones to be excited about. There are numerous locations in almost every country that offer unforgettable tastings and wine culture experiences that are all the more special for those who enjoy sipping this beloved beverage. And even though we can't all live in this quaint little house found smack in the middle of wine country, we can visit many of the world's greatest wine destinations.
Settle down with a glass of your favorite red or white and take a look at these incredible destinations for wine lovers, as suggested by Wine Enthusiast. Whether you want to get a taste of history or just a taste of the best wine around, you need to visit these locations at some point in your lifetime. I'm saving up to book a flight to #5 as we speak!
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10. Las Vegas, NV, USA
There are no vineyards to be found here, but Vegas is still a great getaway for those who love wine. Many dining locations offer fantastic pairings, and collectors will find that it's easy to come across glitzy trophy bottles in this city. Wine tastings are everywhere, and you can stop in at Giada De Laurentiis' restaurant GIADA, which offers 450 different types of wine.
9. Alentejo, Portugal
Wineries and vineyards are all over the place in this lovely city. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a bed-and-breakfast that is actually located within a winery and vineyard, and a visit to the Cartuxa winery and monastery is a must. Those who love to sample adventure with their wine will never want to leave Alentejo!
8. Burgenland, Austria
This beautiful city is perfect for those who enjoy feeling extra-fancy while they sip their wine. Numerous vineyards dot the landscape, and classical music concerts can be found all year long. It's impossible to be disappointed by this delightful town, especially when there are so many wineries within a short distance of wherever you might be staying.
7. Margaret River, Australia
Three hours away from Perth lies this town that's well known for its wine. Eateries such as Settlers Tavern and Cullen Restaurant are more celebrated for their wine than for their food (not that their food isn't amazing as well). The Woodlands winery has some of the best cabernets in the region, and Si Vintners is an itty bitty (but exceptional) winery run out of the home of a young couple.
6. Ashland, OR, USA
This Oregon city is a hot spot for wine enthusiasts, and for good reason. Many restaurants, including Liquid Assets Wine Bar and Amuse, offer a wide selection of tasty wines to suit every preference. You can even stay at the cottage at Delfino Vineyards to get a true wine lover's experience even as you sleep.
5. Franschoek, South Africa
This town is famous for being home to some of the world's best wines and wineries. The food selection is also impressive, with restaurants such as Ryan's Kitchen offering foods native to the region and inspired by traditional African dishes. Check out La Motte for cabernet tastings, and visit Maison Estate and Chamonix for some of the best chardonnay you'll ever sample.
4. Paso Robles, CA, USA
Between San Francisco and Los Angeles is this haven for food- and wine-lovers alike. Niner Wine Estates has onsite vineyard dining, and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a wine lover's dream hotel. Highway 46 West Wine Trail offers a tasting experience you'll never forget… and if you live in the U.S., you don't even need a passport to visit this incredible city!
3. Bordeaux, France
This city is famous for its wine culture, and rightfully so: Bordeaux goes beyond wine tastings and vineyards, boasting entire wine festivals such as Bordeaux Fête le Vin every year in June. Later this year, they'll also be the home of La Cité du Vin: a futuristic wine center that will celebrate wine culture of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Of course, there are also plenty of vineyards and wineries to see, including the beautiful Château Villemaurine estate.
2. Alto Adige, Italy
This area is known in particular for its pinot grigio, which makes up 20 percent of the region's wine production. If you're looking for something a little different, Schiava is a sweet and fruity red variety from Alto Adige that many people consider a must-have if you're visiting the town. Numerous food and wine trails leading to magnificent vineyards can be found all over the place, and the scenery is just as pleasing as the wine you'll find at your destination.
1. Basque Country, Spain
Home to some of the best food in the world (that happens to pair very well with the region's wines), Basque Country is a beautiful coastal area rich in culture and history. Bodega el Fabulista is home to a wine press that dates all the way back to 1903, and visitors can see the stone vats where people once crushed the wine grapes with their feet. Txakoli, a unique white wine from San Sebastian, is available as Lukas Gourmet Benta-Berri, which is a wine shop, restaurant, and bar all in one. A trip to Basque Country will delight both your palate and your soul.
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