It took me years to appreciate the nuances of a fine wine, the texture, the colour, the subtle notes. It took me less to appreciate the nuances of modern travel, but now that I have, it’s a perfect pairing to combine the two. Here are my picks for the best wine regions to visit. In no particular order, let’s raise a glass or three to:
1. Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina’s Malbec has become one of my go-to dinner wines, satisfying everyone’s palates. Two thirds of the country’s wine is produced in the Mendoza Province, where the country’s most famous wineries are located. Buttressed up against the Andes, including the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas, the principle grape grown in the region is Malbec, along with Cabernets and Tempranillo. Besides the natural beauty and cool temperatures from the elevation, visitors to Mendoza also enjoy the perfect accompaniment to their glass of red wine , a famous medium rare Argentinean steak.
2. Stellenbosch, South Africa
South Africa’s most famous wine region, established in the early 1970’s, should be on any visitor to the country’s to-do list. Stop in at vintage Old Dutch mansions, sampling everything from Shiraz and Chardonnays to the country’s signature grape, Pinotage. Driving in from Cape Town, located about 50km away, the region has an almost Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and cool winters. The route is well sign posted to the various wineries, many with restaurants or craft foods. Surrounded by mountains, Stellenbosch is also home to a famous university.
3. Margaret River, Australia
Still in the New World, Australia has aggressively become a global wine power, and with over 200 vineyards and 90 wineries located in this Western Australian region, there’s plenty for visitors to enjoy. For one thing, the beaches nearby are gorgeous and largely undeveloped. It’s unusual to combine a wine journey with caves and whale watching, but you can do that too. Excellent restaurants and accommodation, with plenty of local tour operators offering full and half day wine tours. Vines were only planted here 40 years ago. Just one more example of how the New World is giving the Old World a run for their money.
4. Marlborough, New Zealand
Australia’s tinier neighbour is too beautiful to be ignored, and the Sauvignon Blanc too delicious to pass up. Fantastic wineries dot the flat, temperate valley of Marlborough, located on the South Island. It’s the country’s largest wine district, served by the town of Blenheim. Many of the wineries have excellent restaurants attached, and while the Sauvignon Blancs are world famous, there has been huge strides with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Look into the fantastic food and wine tours. Explore Marlborough is heaven for foodies, introducing me to local brewers, cheesemakers and organic farmers. Friendly and fun wine tasting can be found with great food throughout. My personal faves: the Wairau River, Alan Scott and Herzog Wineries.
5. Tuscany, Italy
Who hasn’t thought about escaping to Tuscany to drink bottomless Chianti under the warm, olive oil sun? You don’t have to be Diane Lane or Russell Crowe. The Central Italian region has always been known for its beauty, its refinement, its quality of food and most of all, its wine. This is the land of the Renaissance, birthplace of Michelangelo and Leonardo. Pepper your visits to wineries with a little bit of Florence, a stroll in Siena, a peek at Pisa. Get drunk on the history, or head inland for the olives and grapes.
6. Bordeaux, France
The châteaux of Bordeaux produce some of the most exclusive, expensive and distinguished wine in the world. Wineries are classified according a 19th century system devised for Napoleon. In the humid, hot summer, when conditions are perfect for growing grapes, tourists flock to the region to immerse themselves in the charm of the French countryside. With 10,000 châteaux producing wine, you’re never going to run dry. The most famous wine route is the La Route des Châteaux. Drive on the left bank of the Gironde River, where you can find the most illustrious chateaux, including Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Margaux.
7. Napa, California
The Northern Californian regions of Napa and Sonoma deliver the wine and beauty of Old Europe, easing up significantly on the history and the stuffiness. Producing a wide variety of wines, millions of people visit every year to enjoy the flavours and sights of the large-scale wineries like Roberto Mondavi and Charles Krug. Boutique vineyards like Jarvis, Quintessa, and Ladera Vineyards are fawned over by wine critics and travelling lushes alike. Vineyards, fantastic weather, rivers and annual festivals, how could you go wrong?
8. Valle Central, Chile
Certainly I’m no connoisseur, but I’ve found a friend in the Chilean Carménère. It’s a full, fruity and spicy red that is only just catching on in North America. It’s grown here in the Central Valley, located across the Andes from Argentina’s Mendoza, sharing many of the same characteristics. It is however considerably closer to Santiago, the capital city, and thus easier to get to. Cabernets are grown mainly in the Maipo Valley, with other varieties grown in vineyards along the Maule Valley. With the Andes in sight, it’s easy enough to cross into Argentina’s Mendoza to enjoy the best of both wine worlds.
Whichever wine route you choose to discover, remember to drink responsibly and leave driving to the tour guide!