From a chilly glass of chardonnay after a heart-pumping hike, to a candy swig of syrah whereas waves lap at your toes, a glass of homegrown wine can flip any journey into a luxurious journey. Lovers of grapes, wine connoisseurs, and even informal samplers who similar to to sip, listed below are some world-class wine locations you don’t need to miss!
Cape City, South Africa | View South Africa Discovery Itinerary
Viticulture in Cape City dates again to the 1650s when the city was a small refreshment station for vacationers alongside the Spice Route between Europe and Asia. Cape City’s wet winters and lengthy, dry summers are perfect for grape-growing, and lately, town has turn into considerably synonymous with wineries. From the candy sauvignon blanc of the picturesque Contantia valley to the signature shiraz of the scenic Paarl route, there are quite a few varieties that pair properly with Cape City’s trumpeted culinary delights on this hip, cultural mecca.
Piemonte, Italy | View Piemonte Itineraries
Nestled in northwest Italy on the foot of the Alps, Piemonte is one among Italy’s most acclaimed wine-growing areas. Recognized for its prime quality Barolo (“king of wines”) and deep crimson barbaresco, the beautiful wines grown right here fantastically complement the area’s wealthy, truffle-infused delicacies. With nice, pastoral landscapes, medieval castles perched atop alpine villages, and sprawling vineyards giving rise to world-class wines, Piemonte is the proper spot to pop open a bottle.
Kakheti, Georgia | View Hiker’s Journey to the Caucasus Itinerary
While you consider well-known wine-growing areas, South Africa and Italy come to thoughts shortly. However the tiny Caucasian nation of Georgia, although lesser identified, is definitely the oldest producer of wine on this planet—proof of 8,000-year-old classic wine was just lately found right here! Three quarters of Georgia’s wine grapes are grown in Kakheti the place the area’s excessive iron, “cinnamonic” soil, is ideal for rustic, earthy flavors. Georgia’s wealthy historical past, welcoming tradition, and scenic landscapes make it a beautiful place to refill your glass!
Cafayate, Argentina | View Adventures of Salta and Jujuy Itinerary
In Argentina’s Calchaqui Valley on the sting of the Andes, one of many highest wine-producing areas on this planet—Cayfayate—is gaining a superb status for the prime quality of its torrontes and malbec. At 5,600 toes above sea stage, grapes develop thicker skins due to the extra intense daylight. Plus, the stability of cooler nights results in splendidly completed wines—significantly suited to the torrontes riojana selection. You received’t discover any massive parking tons, crowds, or tour buses right here, simply donkeys grazing on the street, gauchos on horseback, and dramatic desert landscapes which can be the proper backdrop for selecting up a glass of crisp, floral white or a full-bodied crimson. Throughout our adventures right here, we keep at a colonial-style manor home surrounded by vineyards. Heavenly.
Porto, Portugal | View Hiker’s Journey to Portugal Itinerary
Overlooking the enchanting Douro River, the stately metropolis of Porto is finest identified for its candy port wine, although quite a lot of completely different wines have been produced within the Alto Douro Area for over 2,000 years. The terraces which have been carved into the hillsides over the centuries add to the general magnificence, having earned the whole area a UNESCO World Heritage designation. On this artsy city the place craftsmanship is prolific and foodies are well-satiated, you may get pleasure from a glass of wealthy, tawny port alongside all kinds of culinary choices. From Michelin-starred eating places to Portuguese tapas bars, gourmand steakhouses, and roof-top terraces perched above bell towers and fountains, there is no such thing as a scarcity of savory delights on this scenic coastal city.
Mount Etna, Sicily | View Mountaineering in Sicily Itinerary
Known as Mama Mount Etna by those that dwell close by, the mineral-rich volcanic soil that surrounds this steaming mountain is nice for rising grapes. Within the seaside city of Taormina, the place Mount Etna smokes within the background, the vineyards are famous for less-common kinds of grapes which can be used to create syrah, merlot, and cabernet. Noteworthy writers like Goethe and Hemingway have been drawn to the attractive little city of Taormina for hundreds of years, and may’t you simply see them now? Ocean breeze sweeping by, pen in hand, and a satiny glass of merlot…magnifico!
