6 Wine Tours Across the World for Wine Lovers

Being a wine lover, or a wine connoisseur has long been known as a gentlemen’s habit. Sipping and sniffing your way through the most exclusive flavours, from the light Rieslings to citric Chardonnays and spicy Shiraz variants has become a lifelong adventure for many.

It’s hardly a surprise that some of the best vineyards across the world are located in the most scenic settings. So if you’re a lover of fine wine, pack your bags and embark on these 6 heady wine tours across the globe.

Burgundy, France

While Bordeaux is more famous in France as the definitive wine lovers’ destination, Burgundy is not far behind. One of the powerhouse wine-producing regions across the world, Burgundy offers a variety of exquisite wine tours for the connoisseurs, ranging from an overnight cruise along pristine rivers and canals, to day trips where you traipse through Romanesque churches and rollicking hills, tasting your way across wine country. It’s absolutely essential that you make reservations well in advance, since Burgundy is packed at all times of the year. It’s well worth the effort to taste their excellent chardonnays and pinot noirs.

Piedmont, Italy

Piedmont, otherwise known as the elite holidaymaker’s preferred retreat, has plenty of sprawling vineyards, but it complements that with so much else. Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury resorts, holiday homes and opulent hotels with high-quality spas – Piedmont takes full advantage of its enviable base along the scenic foothills of the Alps to conjure a surreal holiday setting. Once you’re done sightseeing and rejuvenating yourself, taste the fabulous Barolos and Barbarescos; fine Italian wines which have garnered a well-deserved reputation for quality and taste. A number of fine wine shops stand here, ready to give wine enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Italian wine brewing, along with tasting sessions. Try visiting during the winter, when the celebrated white truffles make their presence known in the region. 

Douro Valley, Portugal

The terraced vineyards that overlook the pristine Douro River are a more unique form of brewing than what you’d find in France or Italy. The northern wine country of Portugal is also one of the oldest – the Romans were brewing port wines here during the third century AD. Make sure you stop by at the Sandeman Winery to taste the array of wine samples there. A number of lesser-known quintas (estates) stand on the hillocks, giving you a view into the boutique port wine industry that thrives like no other in Portugal. The roads are steep and the ascent towards the more exclusive wineries can be quite a trek. But the fruit is certainly worth the climb.  

La Rioja, Spain

For those who are in love with reds, La Rioja is the place to be. Nestled around sleepy Spanish hamlets is the famous wine country encompassing 500 wineries, all invested in the making of full-bodied reds. Apart from the wine tasting sessions, you’ll also get to witness some fabulous architecture, including the Lopez de Heredia (including the futuristic wine shop designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid). Also of note is Bodegas Baiggori, which appears to be a glass box suspended over the ground. A couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cathedrals, monasteries, and an award-winning hotel wouldn’t go amiss on your itinerary either. 

Barossa Valley, Australia

The open country of Down Under has been praised before for its scenic road trip experiences, unique adventure spots, and the laidback charm of the Aussies. But for wine lovers, the true keystone of Australia lies in the Barossa Valley, famous for producing the Shiraz and Riesling variants of wine. Just about an hour away from the urban jungle of Adelaide, this picturesque valley is sprawling with fantastic wineries bringing their own distinctive blends of taste and experience. From a visit to Yalumba, the oldest family-run winery in the country, to a pit stop at the Seppeltsfield Winery, which is renowned for its Centennial Collection of wines dating from 1878 – there’s plenty to be astounded by here. In true Aussia fashion, several wineries also offer free tour experiences, combined with excellent on-site eateries for meals to wash down with your wine.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Set against the backdrop of craggy mountains and boasting a rich history right down to its oak-lined pathways, Stellenbosch is the oldest wine-producing region in South Africa. Wine tasting enthusiasts often choose to make this a starting point for their wine routes, mainly due to the diversity in things to do and places to see here. Dozens of wineries stand ready to give an exclusive tour and insight into the Chenin Blanc and Pinotage wine traditions of the wine country here. But the best part is that along with the wine tours, you get to witness Africa at its full, raw splendour, replete with wildlife safaris and carriage rides around the rural areas.

Well, there you have it. Get your map out and draw a route for yourself to get a taste of your favourite wines. Cheers!