Tourist signs dot the roads of Australia’s Margaret River, but not all wine regions are so welcoming.
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Gone are the days when wine tasting was limited to local wineries and borders.
Today’s consumers crave authentic wine experiences on the land where the wine is grown.
In Europe, where the wine economy is largely export-driven, tasting rooms tend to be family-run. This means she may be the only person dealing with visitors, which can often be difficult to schedule.
The United States, Australia, and South Africa are taking a more open-door approach, with wineries being built to accommodate tourists and walk-in visitors.
No matter where your wine trip takes you, consider these questions before you set off.
- What kind of wine do you like?
- What type of experience are you interested in?
- Do I need to make a reservation?
- Is there food available on site?
- How do you get there?
France
Of France’s 11 wine regions, Bordeaux, Burgundy (or Burgundy), and Champagne are the most famous.
Bordeaux is known for its rich red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, while Burgundy is popular for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Champagne produces sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes.
While in Bordeaux, stop by the Cité du Vin Wine Museum, explore the elegant castle, and dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Bordeaux is the only city in Europe with a winery within its walls. Some can be accessed by bicycle or tram.
Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion, France is listed as a ‘château to visit’ on the Viniv Bordeaux website.
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Burgundy is a spectacular landscape covered in vineyards and dotted with centuries-old chateaux. The vineyard area called Klimatz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Champagne region is worth visiting for more than just the bubbles. Wine tours from some old producers may include views of ancient underground cellars used for escape by German soldiers during World War I.
Montagne de Reims is one of the five subregions of the Champagne wine region.
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Most popular French cuisine tasting experiences require advance reservations. Also, business hours vary by region.
Travelers should consider hiring a driver in Burgundy and Champagne. Alternatively, a river cruise like the Rhône River is a great way to see these amazing wine regions.
Italy
One of Italy’s oldest wine regions, Tuscany is a beautiful region of rolling hills, cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards.
While Chianti Classico is the highlight of Tuscany, Brunello from Montalcino is a big draw for connoisseurs. Although both are made from Sangiovese grapes, the flavors are completely different.
Vineyards in the Chianti wine region of Tuscany, Italy.
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Wine festivals are an easy way to enjoy Italy’s regional wines. The Tuscan village of Greve hosts the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in mid-September. Also in autumn, the town of Alba in Piedmont hosts a hugely popular wine and truffle festival. Parking can be difficult, so consider carpooling or taking a taxi.
Hired drivers are recommended in Tuscany. This area is mountainous and has many curves and narrow roads. As in France, visitors must make reservations in advance.
New World wine tourism is casual and easy. Reservations are rarely required and most tasting rooms are open seven days a week.
US
California is famous for its wine tasting, but nearly every state in the continental United States has a wine region or wine tourism region.
Known for its powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley is America’s premier wine region. Visitors can drive between vineyards, bike the Napa Valley Wine Trail, or book a ride on the vintage Napa Valley Wine Train.
Visitors sample wine at Freemark Abbey Winery in Napa Valley.
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Sonoma is a vast region with rolling hills and 80 miles of rugged coastline, best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and, in warmer appellations, Zinfandel. Tasting rooms are spread out in multiple locations, so it will take more time to explore.
The best way to visit both regions is to book a driver. Ideally, you should make a reservation with a winery representative. It used to be common to make reservations in advance, but now many visitors come for tastings. However, reservations will still be given priority.
Other states with strong wine tourism include Texas, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, and New York.
Australia
Wine tourism Down Under is at the cutting edge.
Most wineries and tasting rooms are called cellar doors. Some areas to consider are the Yarra Valley in Victoria. The Barossa Valley near Adelaide and Margaret River, about two hours south of Perth.
Wines from Helen & Joey Estate, housed in the company’s ‘cellar door’ in the Yarra Valley wine region on the outskirts of Melbourne.
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Wine tourism in the Yarra Valley is convenient, with cellar doors open daily and wineries less than a mile apart. On-site dining and lodging are also very common, so visiting the area is easy.
Many major producers host concerts and outdoor events showcasing the region’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and some sparkling wines.
Margaret River offers great surfing as well as wine tasting. Visitors can look for unoaked Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends. The winding road is known to be frequently traversed by kangaroos and a driver is recommended.
The Barossa is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with around 200 cellar doors within two hours of Adelaide. In addition to wine tasting, you can also watch koalas and kangaroos here. Many grape varieties are grown in this valley, including Grenache and Riesling, so you’re sure to find something to suit most palates.
South Africa
South Africa may be considered a new world wine region, but Constantia, a top wine tasting destination, has a centuries-old history.
Established in 1685, Groot Constantia was South Africa’s first wine estate. It is surrounded by other vineyards that make up the Constantia Wine Route, a 20-minute drive from Cape Town.
A tourist wine tour bus passes through vineyards in the Constantia wine region of South Africa.
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Stellenbosch is a popular region with well-established cycling wine routes. The area also has world-class restaurants.
Certain wineries can be reserved in advance, but most wineries are open daily. The country’s top varieties include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz, demonstrating the diversity of South African wine.