If you are dreaming of a wine holiday, it’s understandable to perhaps have your first thoughts drift to the vineyards of France. But wine lovers have incredible options to choose from across continents, while also getting to take in jaw-dropping scenery and rich cultural experiences. From the scenic valleys of Argentina to the sprawling vineyards of Australia, here’s a roundup of some of our favourite wine destinations in the world.
Valle de Uco, Argentina
Snow-capped mountains, distant volcanoes and acres of vines – Valle de Uco in Argentina is straight out of a travel magazine. Blessed with sunny weather most of the year, the region is famous for its Malbec, apart from Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo. While the valley produces some of the most spectacular wines, our favourite has to be the Malbec from the vineyards of Matervini. Founded by Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso in 2008, the winery uses renewable energy, and is known to create some cutting-edge wines.
Alternative Choice: Cafayate
Close to Salta in northwest Argentina, Cafayate draws you in with its dramatic landscape. This enchanting village is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, with plenty of good restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal food. We recommend trying the Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontes from Porvenir.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Imagine sipping on a glass of wine amid a carpet of greenery spread right beneath imposing mountains. Stellenbosch, among South Africa’s premier wine-producing regions, promises you breathtaking sceneries and splendid wine. Try the Cabernet Sauvignon, the star of the region, along with some Merlot-blended varieties. For a decadent experience, get yourself a bottle of ‘Mev. Kirsten’ Chenin Blanc from Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks that comes alive with notes of honey and citrus.
Alternative Choice: Paarl
Nestled between the Drakenstein and Paarlberg mountains, this offbeat wine route is among the oldest in South Africa. Known for its Shiraz and Chenin Blanc, the region is rife with scenic spots where you can sit back and enjoy a picnic.
Barossa Valley, Australia
There’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine with kangaroos frolicking against the backdrop of a fiery sunset. You can experience this firsthand at the sprawling Shiraz vineyards of Barossa Valley, near Adelaide in South Australia. With more than 100 wineries – some of them more than a century old – dotting its lush landscape, wine lovers are spoiled for choice. If you’re wondering what’s the best wine to taste while you’re here, try the iconic E&E Black Pepper Shiraz.
Alternative Choice: Margaret River
This paradise in Western Australia is set amid dense forests of karri trees. Stunning beaches and waterfalls abound in this region, and so does fine wine. The wineries in Margaret River produce stellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and SSB blends, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Will Berliner, a biologist, set up Cloudburst winery in 2010, and his Cabernet Sauvignon has been a game-changer, picking up awards and near perfect scores from wine critics, ever since.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley, about an hour north of San Francisco, is El Dorado for wine connoisseurs. Its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines are among the world’s finest. In recent years, the region has also become a hotspot for foodies, thanks to a fabulous fine dining scene along with an abundance of renowned wineries. Try the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Fay, a complex bouquet of black currants and elderberry jelly, from the legendary Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Alternative Choice: Lodi
Located just an hour east of Napa, Lodi grows over 100 different grape varieties, from Albariño to Dornfelder to Zinfandel. With around 85 wineries, the hip, historic downtown is well worth a visit. Lodi’s tree-lined streets with their upscale boutiques, gourmet stores, cafés and gourmet restaurants invite you to linger.
Go on a wine holiday in 2022
Travel is an experience to be celebrated, and there is no better way to do so than with fabulous wine. Speak to our experts today, and we’ll curate a relaxing break for you filled with fine wine, good food and great views.
Check out these sample itineraries
Wine Tour Santiago
Wine and Wilderness Discovery
Best of the Western Cape
Argentina inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Argentina pages and start planning your next adventure.
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