America has its share of great wine-producing regions, but some of the best wines can be found outside of the United States. So if you frequent Fredericksburg or navigate trips to Napa, it’s time to broaden your horizons and your palate. Whether you love a crisp sauvignon blanc from New Zealand or prefer the classic wine produced in France, these regions are must-visits for wine lovers.
After visiting Napa or Sonoma Valley in California, it’s time to upgrade your wine travels and head to France — specifically Bordeaux. This region of France has 60 appellations — legally determined and protected wine regions — and more than 7,000 winemakers. With all those wine regions and makers, it’s no surprise that Bordeaux is also home to a 144,000-square-foot wine museum. Cité du Vin celebrates wine so much that its architecture aims to mimic the swirl of a wine glass. For visitors who want to spend their entire trip entranced by wine, stay at the Hotel Lalique, located in Sauternes, which is the same region that produces Sauternes wine. Wherever you decide to go, wine is the heart of Bordeaux.
Around five hours away from Bordeaux, France, lies another first-class wine destination — La Rioja, Spain. With more than 500 wineries, this region has everything a wine lover could want. At the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture located in about 5 miles of vineyards, guests can learn about the history of wine, its production and the cultural significance of the liquor. For those who’d rather taste different varietals than learn about them, Vivanco and 80 other wineries open their doors to the public for tours and tastings. One of these wineries, Bodegas Muga, is family-owned and still makes its own barrels. And if you’re tired after a long day of travel, hotels like Hospederia De Los Parajes offer wine-based spa treatments like wine baths and facials. From the museum to the vineyards to the spas, wine is the star in La Rioja.
South America might not be on your list of wine destinations, but it should be. Known for its chardonnay and sauvignon blanc production, the Casablanca Valley has wineries that will keep you tasting for days. The Emiliana Vineyard is the largest organic winery in both Chile and the world, with its 140 blends sourced from authentic Carmenere and Syrah grapes. The Viñamar Vineyard, meanwhile, specializes in sparkling wines like moscatos, bruts and rosés. Those traveling with kids can even find a kid-friendly winery in El Cuadro. With guided carriage tours through the winery and a horse and rider presentation on its Rodeo field, El Cuadro ensures every guest enjoys themselves. No matter which one you decide to visit, the wineries in the Casablanca Valley all offer beautiful views, exquisite experiences and of course, delicious wine.
New Zealand’s Marlborough region is home to 90% of its sauvignon blanc plantings, which is why it’s known as the sauvignon blanc capital. Along with sauvignon blanc, this region also produces pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a trip to Marlborough as part of the country’s Classic Wine Trail, which is more than 200 miles of cycle trails that showcases four different wine regions and more than 100 wineries. To make your trip to Marlborough even more memorable, plan to attend the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival, held annually in February. Along with its festival, visiting Marlborough’s wineries is a must. Brancott Estate Wines is home to the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, while the Yealands Estate Winery is a coastal masterpiece. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Marlborough’s fine wines and experiences.