Wine Regions to Visit Globally Bordeaux France

If you can only go to one wine region, Bordeaux is a sure shot.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of France, Bordeaux sets the tone for winemakers across the world, from California to South Africa and Argentina to Australia.

Even if you are relatively new to the world of wine and by no means an oenophile, you probably will have heard the term Bordeaux blend.

Drawing from bold, ripe grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, the area’s winemakers have created full-bodied and elegant wines that have mass appeal, stand the test of time, and command high prices.

With charming, dusty French hamlets hemmed in by ancient vineyards and a fascinating history, what’s not to love?

Tip: Get plenty of walking in, and don’t be nervous about the less expensive wine when wandering Bordeaux’s storybook hamlets.

It’s difficult to find a bottle that’s not delicious.

Napa Valley USA

In the 1970s and 1980s, California famously became one of the top places to grow the grapes Bordeaux was renowned for.

Particularly after The Golden State beat out France during a blind taste test arranged by British wine shop owner Stephen Spurrier named The Judgement of Paris.

California brought a uniquely scientific and academic approach to how it treated its wines, and today produces some of the best on the planet, with a range extending to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

But it’s so much more than that.

You’ll fall in love with the lifestyle and free spirit of the Bay Area and the rolling hills of Wine Country as much as you will its delicious liquids.

For a wine vacation with all of the trimmings, Napa is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to go your own way and check out some of the smaller producers on a self-guided tour.

Wine Regions to Visit Globally Tuscany Italy

Want to drink all of the Sangiovese under the Tuscan sun?

Do your best Diane Lane impression with a trip to Tuscany, where you can pop from perfect wine tastings in cities such as Florence and Siena to more remote areas, including Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano.

No matter where you go, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be spoiled with all of the best delicacies from the region, from ragu di cinghiale to pappa al pomodoro.

Just make sure you’re hungry.

Tip: The small cities and towns are inevitably charming, so base yourself out of one where you really like the style.

If you prefer Super Tuscans, head to Bolgheri.

Burgundy France

Where Bordeaux was always mercantile and commercially focused with a passion for its robust grapes and exporting them to the rest of the world, Burgundy was always a little more insular and academic.

The appellation (state-certified wine region) produces structured and nuanced Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that reflect the region’s terroirs (the landscape and nature) that almost make you feel as if you’re transported to rolling French hills no matter where you are.

That said, there’s nothing quite like drinking it in situ at the foot of the French Alps or in the region’s capital, Dijon.

Tip: Rent a bike and pedal from winery to winery, or arrange a tour with a driver if you want to get stuck into the wine tasting.

Wine Regions to Visit Globally Mendoza Argentina

The Andes are one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain ranges, and the area around Mendoza in Argentina is one of the best landscapes for wine-growing on the planet.

In a matter of miles, the altitude shoots up from the equivalent of lowland California to highland France, shielding the vines and fruit from pests.

The temperature change charges the grapes with sugar during the day and balances them out with acid in the evening.

However, what you’ll remember more than the towering mountain range standing guard to the west is the local culture.

It’s common to see gauchos, the Argentinean equivalent of cowboys, on horseback in full traditional costume.

Bring an appetite, too — barbecue is a way of life here, and an asado is more or less inevitable.

Tip: Head south to Uco Valley and get up close and personal with real-life gauchos, who ride horses bareback in full traditional attire.

Douro Valley Portugal

Strike out from the charming, historic city of Porto at the mouth of the Douro River in Portugal to explore a valley like no other.

Shiveringly cold during the winter and blazing hot in the summer, its steep shoulders slope down in an endless staircase of terraces to a river that can be navigated by automobile, rail, watercraft, or airplane.

While the Douro Valley is best known for producing Port, one of the world’s most famous fortified wines, it’s also a great place to explore some of the local grape varieties, which are less popular and less expensive but no less delicious.

No matter which way you decide to explore the Douro, you can be certain that it’s a landscape that will remain with you for years to come.

Tip: For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, fly up this otherworldly valley in a prop plane.

Wine Regions to Visit Globally Stellenbosch South Africa

South Africa boasts some of the oldest vineyards in the New World, and Stellenbosch is one of its most beautiful.

Within striking distance of Cape Town and the perfect counterpart to a safari, Stellenbosch produces a wonderful array of wines and excels in Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay, not to mention a unique blend of Pinot Noir and Cinsault named Pinotage.

The food is equally appealing, and while South African barbecue, known as braai, is certainly popular, there are plenty of fine dining options, too.

Tip: Visit Leopard’s Leap in Franschhoek for their famous rotisserie.

Wine Regions to Visit Globally Piedmont Italy

Nestled in the rolling hills south of the Italian Alps, Piedmont translates to English as the foot of the mountain.

Closer in spirit to Burgundy than it is Bordeaux, the region is best known for its Nebbiolo, a grape which pretty much only grows here (if it’s any good), as well as excellent whites such as the Cortese from Gavi di Gavi.

The landscape here is one of the most beautiful in Italy, with thick forests, ancient castles and the countless steeply pitched vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco.

Pair a bottle with a spread of charcuterie and a cauldron of risotto; it’s hard to go wrong.

Tip: Try to go during the white truffle season from September to November. It’s an event in itself.