Visiting the world’s top wine countries
French chateau’s, grape ranks as far as the eye can reach and a sunset while tasting a fresh batch of Bordeaux. Who wouldn’t want to experience such an evening at the vineyard? Even if you are not into wine, the sights and scenery of vineyards across the globe are worth the visit. We have listed the top five wine countries for you to enjoy.
1. Napa Valley in California, United States of America
John Patchett established the first commercial vineyard in Napa in 1859. Napa Valley is a sunny county in California where mostly grapes making cabernet sauvignon are used for wine purposes. Besides being the home to the most delicious wines, Napa is known for its impressive scenery, sunny weather and lavish look and feel in California. You can enjoy various wine tours while exploring the beauty of southern California.
2. Mendoza region, Argentina
The qualitative Malbec & Chardonnay wines are from the Mendoza region in Argentina. The most stunning wine country located in the Andes mountain range. Because of the altitude in the Andes region combined with the direct sunlight and cool temperatures giving the wines a freshness, the wines of Argentina are popular around the world. Visiting the region isn’t too bad either. The views, hospitality and tastings are truly heartwarming.
3. Bordeaux & Burgundy Region, France
Because we simply could not choose. In our defense, France is the ultimate winecountry so it’s only just that we choose two regions to cover.
The Bordeaux region along the west coast of France is one of the places where red wine grapes thrive and flourish. 85 percent of Bordeaux wines are red, and origin from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. Wines from the left bank region are very well suited for aging and have a deeper more spicy taste, whilst the right bank wines are more fruity and inviting to drink at a younger age.
The Burgundy region had a more medieval and ancient feel to it. Known for its castles, charming vineyards and warm summers, Burgundy is the perfect location for a relatively close by winetasting weekend. The pinot grape flourishes in the Burgundy climate that has cold winters and hot summers. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the region’s top wines.
4. Stellenbosch, South Africa
South-African wine has a history dating back all the way to the 1600’s. The first wines were produced around Cape Town, where the most legendary wine houses are still located. You may have heard of the legendary vineyards with a view over the table mountain that you will find around Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the second oldest wine area of South Africa, after Constantia. Over 14 percent of the yearly wine production is out of the Stellenbosch area. This is by far our personal favourite place for winetasting. The setting is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Idyllic, warm and exotic at the same time. Stellenbosch white wines are mostly blended Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines include Shiraz, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon.
5. La Rioja, Spain
La Rioja is the home of Rioja, probably one of the most popular wines in the world. The Rioja region holds the Spanish tradition of wines aging with the producer very dear. The buyer is assured that the wines they buy are perfectly aged when drinking. Rioja wine is not only a treat for your pallet, the traditional Rioja bodega’s (winehouses) often pair with great Spanish tapas and views that leave your mind blown.
What is your favorite wine county? How do you prefer to travel to them? Let us know in the comments!
