Whatever your wine preference, there’s a vinous place for your next holiday…

If you’re someone whose interest in different wines and their background has surpassed the color of the drink, then the best places to visit for wine lovers might be on your radar.

While some may look for sun or sand when they’re booking a holiday, those who have an affinity for wine might be looking for something different.

From California’s rich vineyards to Argentina’s traditional wineries and the many regions of France and all the delicious wines they have to offer, here are the best places in the world to visit if you’re a wine lover.

Renowned for their superior wines, the western coast of the United States houses the esteemed Napa Valley and the ever-cool Sonoma. Landmark wineries like Robert Mondavi and the stunningly beautiful Domaine Carneros, a personal favourite due to their intricate wine tour and smooth, creamy sparkling wines, are nestled here among smaller, family-owned wineries offering unique tasting experiences. With an extensive collection of wineries, there is something to suit every wine enthusiast’s palate. Particularly prevalent are the full-bodied Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, coupled with Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc production.

Bordeaux, often considered the world’s most iconic wine region, is composed of five distinct appellations. It is the perfect location for fans of red wine. The northern region, Margaux, is renowned for its dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot, while Pauillac boasts similar types, offering a richer depth of flavour. Pomerol is the destination for splurge-worthy wine varieties, noted for its powerful, silky Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Saint-Emilion is the home of smooth Cab Francs and Merlot, complemented by bold Cab Sav offerings. Fans of sweet, white wines such as Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle should not miss a visit to Sauternes.

La Rioja, nestled in Northern Spain, caters to those interested in experiencing traditional winemaking along with delectable tapas. The region features a variety of wineries, ranging from old-world settings in quaint villages to newer productions in larger cities. Here, you’d admire bold wines, as the region is renowned for its oak-aged Tempranillo and robust Garnacha. The white wines have also made significant strides in recent years, with woody and fruity Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca wines gaining popularity.

Puglia is esteemed for its potent Primitivo wines, often characterised by their bold, fruity notes, but the region is much more than its dominant purple grape. The tart, berry-like Negroamaro grape is used to create medium-to-full-bodied blends, and their herbal Verdeca grape blends into aromatic whites. Visit Puglia for an authentic Italian experience, accompanied by tastings of their bold, full-bodied wines.

Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.

If you are a fan of bold whites, this is the journey for you. The two primary grapes that originate from this region are Chardonnay and full-bodied Pinot Noir. With five distinct areas to explore, there’s plenty to see. Chablis is renowned for its famously smooth Chardonnay, while in Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais, you can find both red and white wines. Be sure not to miss out on Louis Jadot in Macon for the smoothest, highly palatable blends.

Being the home of the oldest defined wine region globally, Porto, the Douro Valley comprises two sub-regions – Douro and Porto. Its defined status means that Porto is the sole producer of Port wine worldwide, ensuring the wine’s quality is maintained. Conversely, Douro produces dry reds using Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Roriz grapes, yielding deep and full-bodied blends resembling Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Champagne, likely the most recognized defined region globally, doesn’t need an introduction. If you enjoy sparkling wine, this is the only destination where you can witness its production. Divide your time between the larger, well-known estates that produce in large quantities, and the smaller wineries that follow more prolonged processes to yield higher-quality products in smaller batches.

Enjoy a sun-soaked journey to Croatia combined with a discovery of their lesser-known wines. They offer a diverse array of whites and reds which can appeal to any wine connoisseur, from the robust Teran reds characterized by high tannins to a kaleidoscope of whites such as the full-bodied Pošip or Malvazija Istarska, a lighter and invigorating variety.

Mendoza might be famous for its rich and peppery Malbec wines, yet it is also a significant producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Torrontes, and Sauvignon Blanc. While it is ideal for those attracted to full-bodied wines, it also caters to people with more delicate palates. Consider touring renowned wineries like Catena Zapata or Trivento. For a more traditional experience, Zuccardi is the place to be, while Trapiche offers a more contemporary vibe. Don’t forget to take a moment to savor the exquisite Bodega Norton.

The Cotes du Rhône region is a paradise for anyone who enjoys Syrah, Cinsault, Picpoul, Grenache, and Viognier, as well as wines crafted in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. It is a haven for admirers of both red and white wines, offering a diverse choice of wineries to visit, from prominent producers to smaller, antiquated establishments. Guigal is a must-visit if you’re seeking something truly extraordinary.

Chile houses three primary wine-producing regions, each boasting a myriad of wineries open for tours. The main highlight, due to its closeness to the capital, is the Maipo Valley, famed for its potent Cabernet Sauvignons. For Syrah enthusiasts, the main source is the Elqui Valley – the climate here is a tad cooler, but the wines are equally full-bodied. For those keen to explore high-end wines, be sure to schedule a visit to the Colchagua Valley, celebrated for its exceptional Carmenere.

If you plan on spending a warm summer night with a cooling glass of rosé, most likely you’ll choose one from Provence. However, have you ever considered that this famous pink wine region also creates delightful red and white wines? Take a journey across the region to experience all the flavors – ranging from medium-full-bodied reds, light whites, and even bold alternatives. Plus, there is, of course, the ever-popular and pleasing rosé practically available on demand.

Unsurprisingly, the most celebrated wine region in Provence is Stellenbosch, famously known as the hometown of the Pinotage grape. Here, there are hundreds of wineries to be explored, featuring blends from rich, full-bodied Pinotage and Shiraz to the classic Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also find robust yet silky Chardonnays and light, fruity Sauvignon Blanc combinations.

Travel a couple of hours northwest of the capital and you will find Ribera del Duero, a region known for its strong, tannic wines, offered by large, polished wineries. Although there are also smaller, traditional wineries available, a greater array of these may be found in Rioja. This is a must-visit destination for lovers of robust red wines.

Sicily, the birthplace of the popular, juicy Nero d’Avola, is your go-to location for intense, savory, and often jammy red wines. Many small, family-owned wineries dot the region, providing an opportunity to taste rich reds or perhaps the milder Nerello Mascalese, which is perfect for producing light-bodied reds or smooth rosé wines.

The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is likely one of the most sought-after whites globally, featuring a light to medium-bodied aromatic wine that pairs surprisingly well with a variety of dishes. These wines are liked by many but might not be the top pick for lovers of oak-flavoured, buttery or robust whites. Nevertheless, Marlborough offers an abundance of bottles of this easy-drinking favourite.

The Loire Valley, a prominent French region, masterfully produces reds, whites, rosés, and even sparkling wines. This valley is an excellent choice for fans of light and medium-bodied wines, with a focus on producing high-quality Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc. You can also find blends of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay here. For red wine lovers, the spotlight is on the Cabernet Franc, with an emerging interest in Cab Sav and Pinot Noir.

Mosel is renowned for crafting relatively light and zesty wines with a lot of minerality. This character results in light-bodied whites and medium-bodied reds from this region. However, the most revered wine here is from the Riesling grape, which often comes in light but fruit-filled blends.

The Southern Australia wine region, different from the state of South Australia, includes areas from Western Australia to Adelaide, Melbourne and nearby areas in Victoria, and reaching up to New South Wales. Getting through this region is a grand journey, but it’s a must-do for those who favour full-bodied wines. The region takes pride in its heavyweight Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as the standout reds and robust Chardonnays for white wine enthusiasts.

Alsace, located on the boundary of Germany and France, is celebrated for its individualistic styles and flavours of wine. This distinctiveness is a product of the combined influence of both countries. Interestingly, Alsace is predominantly recognized for its dry Riesling, a divergence from the sweeter variants that are more common. Its additional offerings include light, fragrant mixes made from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. The sparkling Crémant d’Alsace, known for its exquisite bubbles and velvety flavours, originates from this region and is often used as an alternative to the quintessential Champagne.

Jerez de la Frontera, an old city located in Spain, is famous for its fortified white wine, Sherry, locally known as Jerez. Exploring this ancient city allows visitors to enjoy the Spanish climate while learning about the age-old methods of producing this dry wine.

Greece possesses multiple wine regions, spread across its mainland and numerous islands. These regions are a confluence of unique Mediterranean climate and topography. Your summer vacation could be a mix of island hopping and exploring these diverse wine regions. Notable wines from these regions are the robust Malagousia whites that bear likeness to Chardonnay and the famed Xinomavro reds.

The coastal Mediterranean region assures a plenitude of reds, whites, and rosés making it a perennial destination for wine lovers. A few must-trys include the Cabrières reds, white Picpoul de Pinet, sweet Muscat, and the popular Crémant de Limoux. This smooth sparkling wine with its delicate bubbles is gaining a reputation as a worthy rival to the iconic Champagne.

The southern English counties, despite being relatively new to the wine industry, are producing a variety of impressive sparkling wines. The best blends are predominantly from Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, and Cornwall. Notably, the Gusbourne winery in Kent has an exceptional Blanc de Blancs, distinguished for its golden hue and buttery taste. Additionally, if you are in the vicinity of the Bucks/Berks, Harrow & Hope’s Pinot Meunier and Stanlake Park’s Rosé Superior are worth sampling, true to its superior title.

The South West France wine region, one of the most significant in the world, is an ideal destination if you are looking for a quick visit to the world’s finest wineries. The region has a great collection of classic French reds and whites, with a little Spanish influence due to its proximity to the Spanish border. The Cahors Malbec, a bold red wine, is highly recommended for red wine enthusiasts.

Veneto, aside from being the inspiration and the backdrop for numerous literary pieces, offers a selection of light to medium-bodied wines. The lighter reds include Corvina, Rondinella, Valpolicella, and Bardolino, and Soave, Pinot Grigio, and the world-renowned sparkling Prosecco make up the white selection. There are also Trebbiano, Riesling, and Chardonnay, but the light wines are undeniably the stars of the show.

Navarre is acknowledged for its dry yet fruity Garnache rosé wines. However, the same grape is also utilized for red wine production, often blended with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, resulting in a dynamic wine. If you prefer white wines, Viura, and Garnacha Blanca varieties are available, as well as Moscatel if you have a sweet tooth.

The wine-making process in Washington State, a newer player in the game, stands out from the global scene as its vineyards and wineries are miles apart. It’s worth spending some time touring the vineyards, observing the cultivation of grapes, and exploring small wineries in the surroundings. The area is known for Bordeaux-like red blends and white Rieslings.

Tuscany, known for creating some of the most celebrated Italian wines, offers Sangiovese-based dry red wines including varieties like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Wines here are marked by high acidity, firm tannins, and deep notes of luscious fruit and berries.

Oregon boasts of sleek and modern wineries, with Pinot Noir being their star product. A variety of Syrahs and Cabernet Sauvignons are also available. In terms of white wines, they offer Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

For an Italian wine alternative to the classic Chianti, Piedmont is renowned for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, all of which are made from the Nebbiolo grape. The area’s wines are characterized by medium to high body blends, high acidity, tannins, with a hint of fruity flavours.

Though it may seem unlikely, this region is renowned for light, citrussy white wines. If you are an avid fan of such wines, chances are you’ve savored the unique taste of the slightly peppery Grüner Veltliner which originates from this region. Here, you can spend your time tasting the renowned white wines or delightful Riesling. Not to forget, quality Pinot Noir wines are also available for red wine enthusiasts.

In her capacity as Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, Aleesha lends her extensive knowledge about the finest techniques, cutting-edge tools, and recent products. She possesses a special expertise in skincare and fragrance.

In her previous role as Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, she was in charge of beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. Earlier, she worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, secured an AOP awards nomination while part of their news team and contributed to notable publications like Women’s Health, Stylist, and Goodto. Aleesha also has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.

Considering the erratic supply of sunshine in the UK, it’s always a smart move to have foods rich in vitamin D readily available. The expert’s top choices for easy eating are shared below.

By Grace Walsh

Published 27 May 24

Whether you want a weekend with the girls or a mother-daughter getaway, these are best places to pop over to…

By Aleesha Badkar

Published 26 May 24