Wine and travel make the perfect pair if you’re looking to take in breathtaking scenery and expand your palate. And wine tourism – the act of traveling to consume wine near or at the source – is on the rise for experienced oenophiles and newcomers to the world of wine alike.
“One of the greatest things about wine tourism is that it immerses you in a unique culture and lets you learn about the history and tradition that accompanies making wine,” says Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “There is nothing like drinking a glass of wine fresh from the barrel while enjoying the landscape of another region or country.”
Here are five places around the world to visit if you are a wine-connoisseur or if you just love a good bottle of vino:
Bordeaux, France
More than 85% of the wine produced in Bordeaux is red. Some of the region’s must-try wines include the cabernet sauvignon or the merlot, and you can even get a blend of the two. If you’re looking for the ultimate wine adventure, tour the Cité du Vin wine museum and visit famous spots such as the Château La Dominique or Château Mouton Rothschild.
Porto, Portugal
If sweet port wine is your weakness, look no further than Portugal’s northwestern coast. As the nation’s second-largest city, Porto is known primarily for its port wine production and is home to the oldest wine-producing region in the country. If you visit in harvest season (September or early October), you might be lucky enough to try old-school grape stomping – barefoot in a traditional lagar, which is a giant stone basin.
Tuscany, Italy
Italy is famous for many things – its culture, art, architecture, landscape, cuisine, and of course, wine. Some of Italy’s most renowned wines come from Tuscany, such as Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino, with the Sangiovese grape being the base for most of wine production. Sample some of these iconic wines while experiencing the Italian countryside of vine-covered hills, winding roads, and traditional architecture.
Sonoma County, California
Named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2019, Sonoma County is home to more than 425 award-winning wineries. The Pacific coastline, redwood forests, valleys, and mountains make Sonoma County one of the most diverse and unique winegrowing regions in the world. Sip on a rich red, like pinot noir or a lighter chardonnay while learning about how these wines were created. Each winery offers a wide variety so there will be a bottle for you no matter your preference.
Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
Home to more than 30 wineries as well as a major national wine and grape research facility, Vale dos Vinhedos is known as Brazil’s main wine country. With its countryside houses, small farms, and rolling hills, you might think you’re in Northern Italy at first glance; many compare Vale dos Vinhedos to Tuscany. This wine region produces primarily red wine, such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and ancellotta. White wines are less common, but wineries do indeed produce white grape wines including chardonnay, Riesling, and muscat. Sweet and dry sparkling wines are among Brazil’s most sought-after libations.
The Aon Travel Takeaway? “Be sure to plan your winery tours in advance,” Godlin says. “Yes, having a somewhat flexible schedule can be helpful at times, but when if you’re visiting a city specifically for the wine you want to make sure that you actually have the opportunity to sample them and learn about the process and the culture.”