Top wine regions around the world
Beyond France and Napa
For those whose taste for exploration applies to their palate as well as their passport, we present our Top 10 Wine Destinations.
Read our Top 10 wine regions in Canada and the United States and our airport wine guide.
Santiago, Chile
Located between the Andes Mountains and the coastline, Santiago shares similarities in geography with Casablanca Valley, the Maipo Valley and San Antonio. Winemaking here dates back to the 16th century, and Chile is now the fifth-largest exporter of wines in the world, and the ninth-largest producer. Search and compare flights to Santiago to drink native Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenere.
Jerez, Spain
Though not especially versatile, we like Jerez for its dedication to what it does best: Sherry. Simultaneously dry and smooth, Sherry made in this region goes well as an aperitif with rich flavors, like olives or cheese. Search and compare flights to Cadiz to have access to more than 100 vineyards in the region.
Central Otago, New Zealand
New Zealand is constantly recognized for its sense of adventure, and the fun continues into its winemaking. The country owns the title for the most southerly wine-producing regions in the world – some varieties even hail from the floors of glacial valleys. The highly-respected Central Otago area boasts a lavish mix of stunning scenery and love for Pinot Noir. Search and compare flights to Dunedin.
Adelaide, Australia
Once you get your wine in Adelaide, the fun part is bringing it to one of the many “BYO” restaurants nearby. The Adelaide Hills, Lenswood, and Picadilly Valley are well-respected in the industry. Search and compare flights to Adelaide to experience the capital of the Australian wine industry.
Mendoza, Argentina
Celebrated as much for its party atmosphere as it is for its wine culture, Mendoza is surrounded by vineyards. It accounts for almost two-thirds of the entire country’s wine production. Some vineyards near the Andes and Mount Aconcagua are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay are of particular interest here. Search and compare flights to Mendoza to be in the heart of Argentina’s winemaking industry.
Tuscany, Italy
Located in central Italy and extending as far as the Mediterranean coast, Tuscany is notable for its Chianti, Brunello and Sangiovese grapes. It also serves up delicious desert wine, Vio Santo, which is a blend of grapes from various parts of the region. Most wineries here boast a devotion to environmental responsibility, so search and compare flights to Florence to experience the decadence of this Italian region.
Bordeaux, France
We could have written an entire Top 10 on France alone, but Bordeaux makes our top pick. While it’s sometimes veers to the wine world's more expensive side, there are in fact deals to be found on Bordeaux alongside more modest fare. White Bordeaux, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are more subtle, clean, and mineral driven. Almost all wines here are blended (most famous are the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon), so search and compare cheap flights to Bordeaux to get a taste of a unique concoction.
Mosel Valley, Germany
Known mostly for its sweet-tasting Riesling, Mosel produces what some consider to be the world’s best white grape. Surrounded by steep slopes of slate soil, the vines grow without much exposure to direct sunlight. For a saccharine sip of authentic German Riesling, search and compare flights to Frankfurt.
Cape Town, South Africa
Chenin Blanc is the star player here, as the Cape Fold Mountains provide the perfect soil for grape growth and wine making. Stellenboch, world-renowned for its variety of soils, is just outside of Cape Town and is making a name for itself with its reds. Other parts of the region to entice wine lovers include Franschhoek, Wellington, Constantia and Paarl. Search and compare flights to Cape Town to see them all.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Its steeply-terraced vineyards make the Douro Valley one of Portugal’s premier wine regions. The area used to be known for ordinary-tasting table wine, but with industry leaders working hard to develop its specialty, the region has flourished and is winning prestige for its wines – its reputation for producing the best Port is recognised around the world. Search and compare cheap flights to Portugal to indulge in the Portuguese national drink.
Additional Resources
Love That Languedoc
A blog written by Ryan O'Connell of Domaine O Vineyards, which explores the splendors of the wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region
Joseph & Curtis Custom Wine Cellars
Custom wine cellars and custom wine racks for the wonderful gems you'll come home with from your wine vacation.