What’s better than a good glass of wine? A few good glasses of wine, watching the sunset after spending the day exploring vineyards in the glorious sunshine…that’s what. Wine making regions are some of the most beautiful places in the world and with countless wineries offering tastings, tours and gourmet restaurants, they’re a great choice for a relaxing getaway. So sit back, relax and enjoy these 5 best destinations for wine lovers.
Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand
A whole island of wine? Waiheke Island really is as dreamy as it sounds. Packed full of vineyards, restaurants and beautiful beaches, it’s perfect for a day trip away from the city. Take the 45 minute ferry from Auckland Harbour and hire bikes to make the most of your time there. There’s also a zip line, horse trekking and the most beautiful holiday cottages you can imagine if you fancy extending your stay a little longer.
Staying in Auckland? Why not try these other great day trips?
Northern California, USA
Despite wine being made in every state (yes, really), Northern California is one of the best spots to visit. Napa Valley is probably the most famous area. Just an hour out of San Francisco, Napa attracts the most tourists and is often packed during the summer. Stop here if you like, or drive a bit further north to Anderson Valley for a more laid back trip. If you have the time you can even head up into Oregon for some great recovery hikes, or more wine. More wine is always a good option.
Swan Valley, Perth, Australia
A lot of the Swan Valley wineries sit on the banks of the Swan River making a wine tasting cruise a perfect (and surprisingly affordable) option. Many of the cruises offer wine tasting lessons, 3 course lunches at award-winning restaurants and entertainment on board so you can really make a day of it. Oh, and did I mention the unlimited wine on board? Best. Day. Ever.
Make the most of your time in Perth with my 10 favourite things to do, here!
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is definitely known for more than just the wine, but it certainly is a great bonus. What better way to enhance a trip to Florence or Pisa than with a day or two (or three, or four) in the Chianti region, exploring the medieval towns and rolling hills packed with vines with a glass of Italy’s finest firmly in your hand.
Champagne, France
I’ll give you one guess as to what this region’s speciality is…that’s right, this area of northeast France is not only famous for producing the king of all wines, champagne, but it’s also the only place in the world to do so. Only wines made from grapes grown here are allowed to call themselves champagne, which means one bad summer in France and the whole world could be plunged into a devastating champagne shortage. All the more reason to drink it while you can! If you need a break from the bubbles, you’ll find endless hiking trails, beautiful lakes and quaint towns to explore. What a perfect trip!
Where are your go-to destinations for wine lovers? Let me know in the comments!
Katie x
I’m a bit biased, but one of my favorite wine destinations is Leelanau Peninsula / Traverse City area in Michigan! There are some amazing wine and cider trails here. It’s also the cherry capital of Michigan; the cherry wine is exquisite. This region is along the 45th parallel (halfway between North Pole and equator!) which is the same as other famous wine regions like Bordeaux in France.
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There’s a cider trail too! That is heading straight to the top of my bucket list!
I’m not a big wine lover but I have been to the beautiful area of Champagne and found it beautiful! I’ll have to keep the rest on my list when my taste buds start preferring wine more! đŸ™‚
My Dad has a masters in wine, so I spent a lot of time in Champagne region as a kid… I haven’t been since I turned 18 and could drink! I really want to visit other new world wine areas like you suggested in New Zealand and Australia! I also want to hit up South Africa and Argentina for their wine!
AHhh this is the life! I’ve been to a few wineries in the South Austraila that I lovedddd! Im living in New Zealand and can’t wait to plan a wine tour!
We love Napa Valley. We went there for our 2nd anniversary. Even better was Sonoma Valley, which isn’t too far away from Napa.
I’ve been to two of those places, and while I live in San Francisco, I still haven’t been to Napa! I can’t remember if I visited Swan Valley when I lived in Perth. Probably not since I’m not a huge drinker. But Napa is totally on my list, thanks for including it in yours!
Great list! Wine is made in every state of the US and in every county of California. Granted, I have not been to Napa (or Sonoma) but I can tell you the Santa Ynez Valley, Paso Robles and Temecula wine regions are great. Plus, I have heard they are way more affordable than the Northern California region. It is an opinion. I do not think you can go wrong visiting any place in California.
Unfortunetly i have not visited any vineyard yet.but your post definelty inspires me to explore them. Hoping to visit places mentioned in this list someday
What I love with vineyard is that not only you get great wine but the views are usually so nice as well! The one in NZ looks so pretty. I only visited one in France so far!
As a fellow wine lover, I really enjoyed your article. I have been to all the regions you mention, except for Swan Valley. Two more I would add to the list would be Hunter Valley just north of Sydney and the Mendoza region in Argentina. It’s a dream of mine to have my own vineyard one day!
For some reason I never include visiting wineries when I travel, I think I need to add when I plan my next trip. Also, you should come to Georgia to try our wines đŸ˜‰
Why do you like to travel? What inspires you to travel?
You’re as beautiful as your blog.
I had my days wine-drinking in the past.
Looking to continue indulging, although with limits.
Thanks for the post.