Top Vineyard Destinations for Wine Lovers

What does a holiday mean to you? Is it relaxing with your family, sunbathing on a beach or taste testing delicious wines in some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world? If it’s the latter, then look no further!

 

There are so many stunning vineyards across the world, each with their own specialities and if you’re wondering which one to visit first, then keep reading…

 

Italy

Italy produces wine in every one of its regions, and the country is the world’s largest wine producer with almost two million acres of vineyard cultivation. Some of the most famous Italian wines include Barolo, produced in the Piedmont region, Chianti Classico, produced in Tuscany and the sparkling wine Franciacorta, also known as Italian champagne, produced in the Lombardy region.

 

Barolo is an earthy wine, with notes of liquorice and coffee. Chianti Classico is another earthy red, with tasting notes of cherry, strawberry, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, and smoke.

When choosing a vineyard to visit, make sure to book with a reputable excursion operator and you can find out more information about suitable excursions from your hotel reception. It can be hard to choose which vineyard tour is the best for you, so take a look at the additional extras your tour offers such as taste testing, free gifts or delicious meals.

 

Spain

The best vineyards in Spain are dotted throughout the country. The most recognised Spanish wine, Rioja, is appropriately named after the wine region it is produced in. Rioja is a medium to full-bodied red wine with rich flavors of dark berries, plum, tobacco, and herb. Rioja wines are split into four classification levels: Genérico, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. 

Jerez is another popular Spanish wine region, within the province of Andalusia, and is where sherry is produced. As with many other southern Spanish cities, you can enjoy plenty of diverse culture along with the breathtaking vineyards

 

Portugal

If you are a wine lover, (which we assume you are if you’re reading this!), then exploring Portugal’s vineyards should definitely be on your (wine) bucket list. Portuguese vineyards are typically still quite traditional, where the grapes are hand picked and squashed beneath feet in the old fashioned way. Portuguese wines can be quite unique, including fortified wine varieties like Port, which is produced in Portugal’s most famous wine region, Douro Valley. 

There is a vast grape variety in Portugal, due to the cooler northern region and hot, dry southern region creating such different soil types. There are plenty of tours and tastings to choose from throughout Portugal, whether your tipple of choice is a rich, red wine or light and fruity white wine. 

Croatia

When you visit a vineyard in Croatia, no matter where in the country you are, you will not have to compromise on stunning views. There are many wineries dotted throughout the country both close to the coast and more in-land. 

 

Most vineyards throughout Croatia offer wine tours where you can sample the different varieties of wine and take in the breathtaking scenery. Some of Croatia’s most-loved wineries include Kozlovic Winery in Buje, Putalj Winery in Split and Grgic Vina Winery in Trstenik, Peljesac Peninsula. 

The Kozlovic Winery is very close to the Slovenian border and the family-run winery’s history dates back to 1904. They typically grow Croatian grape varieties including Muscat Rose, but do grow some international varieties too including Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

The Putalj Winery is located just outside of Split and offers one of the top vineyard experiences to visitors in the region. The Winery started its life in 2010 by producing a Zinfandel and has since branched out into other varieties. 

 

The Grgic Vina Winery was founded by legendary Napa Valley winemaker, Croatian born Miljenko “Mike” Grgic, in 1996 and produces two of the more famous Croatian wines, Plavac Mali and Posip. 

 

Germany

Though Germany is typically well known for its beer, the country has a lot to offer visitors when it comes to vast wineries. There are 13 official wine making regions in Germany, making the choice of which to visit quite hard!

 

The Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region is the most well-known wine region in Germany, and the vineyards of Bernkastel-Kues are the crown jewel of the Mosel Valley. They are among the oldest and most famous in Germany and boast over 100 wineries, earning the town the title of The City of Vine and Wine.

Rüdesheim vineyards are the key producers of wine in the well-known German wine region of Rheingau. When the Romans settled in Rüdesheim in the 1st century, they brought wine-making with them, and the skill has since been refined and shared in families for centuries. 

 

If you just can’t choose which vineyard to visit, why not try a river cruise? With several stops throughout different regions and countries, you can explore so many different places and vineyards in one trip! You can even enjoy wine tastings and experiences onboard your river cruise, what’s not to love?

 

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world and its main wine regions are the Struma Valley, the Thracian Valley, the Rose Valley, the Black Sea region and the Danubian Plain. 

 

Red wines dominate Bulgarian wine production and you will also find many international varieties which are very recognisable including Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Some of Bulgaria’s native wines include Mavrud, Red Misket and Muscat Blanc.

Mavrud is a medium bodied red with rich, crushed cherry and chocolate-like flavours. Red Misket is a dry white wine with flavors of mandarin orange, rose water, lime and thai basil. Muscat Blanc is an aromatic white, with layers of ripe fruit, flowers and spices.

 

Santorini

Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience with breathtaking views right in front of you. Santorini is a growing name in the international wine market, and is becoming a popular destination for group tours and tastings thanks to the centuries old vines, some dating back 400 years. 

Four grape varieties are produced in Santorini, the white Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani, and the red Mandilaria. You can try these delicious wines on a range of vineyard hopping tours, and some even happen at sunset, offering the most stunning views. 

 

Your Perfect Wine Tour Awaits

Does all that wine talk have you feeling a little tipsy? Make sure to check out our destination pages for our favourite vineyard destinations above to find the perfect deal for you.