Best Wine Regions Around The World

If you’re a lover of wine and are currently deciding where your next trip abroad should take you, then why not consider a holiday focused on sampling the best wine in the world? Take a trip to one of the world’s best wine regions for a truly unique experience, which will see you enjoying fine wines in gorgeous settings. Explore the origins of your favourite red, white, rosé or sparkling, see how the grapes are cultivated and get an understanding of the winemaking process.

Here are some of the best wine regions around the world that should definitely be high on your bucket list:

Champagne, France

France is synonymous with wine, and is considered by many to produce the finest in the world.

There are 10 major wine regions throughout the country, including the Champagne region, where the world-famous sparkling wine is produced. Just a two hour drive to the northeast of Paris, you’ll find the town of Epernay, which is home to Moet et Chandon. You can take a tour through the wineries and cellars that are dotted throughout the region, sampling glass upon glass of the bubbly beverage as you go. The drink was first made by accident, while winemakers were attempting to create a still wine, but it was soon embraced for its unmistakable characteristics that largely stemmed from the region’s unique climate conditions.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

China probably isn’t the first country to spring to mind when thinking about the best wine countries or regions, however it was recently ranked by Expedia as one of the best sparkling wine countries in the world. Located approximately 400 miles from Beijing, and close to the Gobi desert, young vines cover the Helan mountains. More than 100 wineries have been established here in recent years, and many more are set to appear. The region produces many Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as some white varieties such as Chardonnay. For those looking for a wine holiday with a difference, China is the perfect destination. Head to the Grace Vineyard for excellent reds, and to the Chandon Winery for a taste of some of China’s best sparkling wine.

Catalonia, Spain

Although Spanish wine culture may not have had the same clout as its Mediterranean rivals in the past, the last few decades have seen it become one of the world’s leading contenders thanks to large investments that have capitalised on the country’s diverse terrain and indigenous grape varieties. Having said that, Catalonia has been producing vintage wines for centuries, with countless vineyards specialising in both reds and whites. It is also the homeland of the much celebrated Cava, which is the Spanish version of Champagne.

There are 10 exceptional wine regions that you should consider exploring throughout Catalonia, and one of the standout wineries has to be the Caves Codorniu, which dates back to the 16th century. The winery, which is situated near the town of Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, produced the first ever bottle of Cava back in 1872 and is the oldest family-run wine business in Spain. Throughout your trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore some of the stunning coastline that Catalonia has to offer, which boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the country.

Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil

Brazil is the third largest producer of wine in South America, although much of the wine is consumed locally. The main wine region in the country, Vale dos Vinhedos (which translates as ‘Valley of the Wineries’), can be found to the south in Rio Grande do Sul, close to the border of Uruguay. When you first sight the rolling hills and lush forests, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re in the fields of Tuscany. In fact, most of the vineyards here were originally planted by Italian immigrants, so you’ll definitely feel the European influence once you explore further, and you might even hear some locals speaking in Talian,  which is an old Venetian dialect. The area produces a whole host of wines ranging from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, while it also prides itself on its selection of sparkling wines. During your stay here, you’ll be able to spend time in the canyons of Cambará do Sul, or relax by the gorgeous cascading valleys of Gramado.

Treviso, Italy

Italy recently overtook France as the largest wine producer on the planet, and is one of the only countries that can rival its Gaelic neighbour for its sparkling wines. Treviso is known as the Prosecco region of Italy – the word ‘Prosecco’ is the name for the grape that grows there. The Prosecco region is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its breathtaking views, so if you’re looking for a holiday that combines delicious wine with stunning vistas then this is the destination for you.

Just 39km from Treviso, the Bortolin winery produces well over 400,000 bottles of Prosecco each year. Not only will you be able to taste some of the fine wines that the Bortolin family have been creating since 1968, you’ll do it in the stunning settings of the Valdobbiadene hills, which span out for over 20 hectares. Spend the night in the nearby village of Follo, and from there head to the beautiful cities of Venice and Treviso, that are both threaded with winding canals.

Curico Valley, Chile

Bordered by the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Curico Valley wine region runs through the centre of this long and narrow country and its location means it is largely sheltered. As a result, Chile is blessed with having very fertile soil and has the perfect conditions for creating all kinds of vintages. Head to Viña Echeverría, about 40 minutes from San Fernando. The family-run vineyard dates back to the 1930s, although the Echeverria family has been growing grapes in Chile since the 1750s. More than 30 different wines are produced in this 65-hectare vineyard – including Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – using 10 different grape varieties, and you’ll be able to sample them while touring the vines.