Whether you love sparkling wine, Merlot, Rose, Champagne or something else entirely, why not set off on your very own wine tour? There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a holiday that combines three of the greatest things in life: travel, amazing scenery and, of course, fantastic wine.
Wine tourism is growing in popularity, and new vineyards and estates are springing up all the time, not only in the world’s great wine regions of France and Italy, but also in newcomers to the wine world such as China. So why not set sail on a wine trip? We’ve assembled five trips to whet your appetite, from sunny South Africa to awe-inspiring Australia. Enjoy!
Stellenbosch, South Africa
The town of Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s greatest wine destinations. Aside from its mountain range backdrop and olde worlde streets, it’s one of the country’s premier wine producers. It even has its own wine trail — the Stellenbosch Wine Route — which was established way back in 1971. Travel experts Expedia, who have named South Africa as one of the world’s greatest wine countries, suggest a visit to the Simonsig Wine Estate, a family-owned winery which produced South Africa’s first ever bottle of fermented sparkling wine. Simonsig is thoroughly modern: it has sustainable wine production methods, mentorship and leadership programmes for staff and even has an on-site creche for working parents.
West Sussex, England
England isn’t the first place you think of when you think of quality wine, but your mindset could well and truly be about to change. Once a source of merry mirth, English wine is today something of a success story: the English wine sector has nearly trebled from £55.7 million in 2011 to £132 million last year. There are now hundreds of vineyards nationwide producing two million bottles a year, and a thriving wine estate sector. Top of your list should be Nyetimber Vineyards in West Sussex — 170 acres of grapey goodness set just next to the South Downs. Nyetimber is the first vineyard in England to produce Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, so this place is unique.
King Valley, Australia
At the foothills of the Alpine National Park in Victoria’s High Country, King Valley offers lush landscapes, rolling mountains, fast-flowing rivers and traditional Australian hospitality. At first sight you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d taken a wrong turn and ended up in northern Italy instead of the land down under! Don’t miss the Sam Miranda winery in Oxley. It’s run by an Italian family who moved to Australia in the 1930s, and offers phenomenal views over the valley. The winery produces Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco and Arneis, as well as a fantastic tasting experience.
The Okanagan Valley, Canada
While the US is known as a wine producing giant, its neighbour Canada should not be overlooked. The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, set along the stunning Okanagan Lake, produces some fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Thanks to its riverside location, many of Okanagan’s estates afford fantastic views over the water.
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is one of the most famous wine destinations in the world. Its natural beauty, vast array of vineyards, beautiful orchards, picture perfect towns and perfectly nurtured farmers’ fields have seen it nicknamed the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French. It’s easy to take a tour of the Loire Valley by car, or on a properly escorted trip. Highlights include Chambord, a Renaissance royal residence of amazing proportions, and Les Caves Duhard, a wine merchant and cellar awarded the coveted Vignoble & Découverte label.
Do you have a favourite wine region? Let us know!