Enjoying a glass of high-quality wine, in one of the epic wine regions of the world, is a transporting experience. For those who want to know more about the wine-making process and taste specific wines, visiting wine regions around the world makes for a perfect vacation.
The Aegean Islands, Greece
With little white houses scattered over steep hillsides and a blue sea in the background, the Aegean Islands are considered to be more of a holiday attraction. But when you look carefully, you will see that the island of Santorini is essentially a large vineyard. Samos and Crete are home to a variety of white and red grapes. All of them have excellent choices in restaurants only to make your visit a unique dine and wine experience.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
In Mexico, wine has been made for centuries and its quality increased significantly in the last few years. Now they even have an area called Ruta de vino (wine route) were you can experience Mexican food complemented with local wines. While you are there, visit The Museum of Viticulture and Wine to find out more about winemaking in Baja and its four centuries long history.
Mendoza, Argentina
As soon as you arrive in Mendoza, first thing that will occupy your attention are the Andes. The region is 20 000 feet high in the mountains and is covered with vineyards that provide a spectacular view that attracts both wine and regular tourists. Mendoza has recently evolved into a top wine destination with improved gastronomical offer. Their wine is called Malbec and it is deep in color and rich in aromas only to match beautifully with the Argentina’s world-known beef.
Baden, Germany
Baden is the warmest region in Germany settled alongside Switzerland and France. It is full of castles, thermal springs, forests and walking and cycling paths. Since its soil is unique in texture and mineral levels, wines grown there have a unique taste. Try them combined with local cheeses and a local sour cream called flammakuchen. For those who would like to see something typical for this region, a visit to Schloss Staufenberg is a must. It is a striking castle that offers not only sightseeing tours, but wine and food tastings as well.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Wines from Australia are well-known among sommeliers and Barossa is one of the most prominent uprising wine regions. It is also a tourist region since it provides a range of activities for young people, families and elderly. Every winery tries to attract visitors with a special experience when tasting wines and food. If you are in Australia, but without enough free time to visit wineries, you can buy rose wine from Jims Cellars and enjoy tasting wines with friends in your own home.
Languedoc, France
One of the world’s largest wine-producing regions is Languedoc. The South of France has always been futile for grapes since it is close to the Mediterranean Sea. This region offers one of the best wines in the word combined with its famous French cousin. Surrounded with stunning landscapes this area is perfect for wine connoisseurs.
Sonoma, USA
Sonoma is a place that combines interesting food, good selection of wines and wonderful surroundings in California. Near the California coastline, you will feel like you never want to leave Sonoma again when combine local Chardonnay with seafood.
With an unexpected ease you can pair wines with local food and realize that it could never taste like that in your home. Since there is no right substitute for traveling and visiting wine-growing regions, pack your bags and track your favorite wine down to its origins.
Mark's Travel Journal 