Oenophilia—a love of wine, a devotion to wine, an enjoyment of wine. If this word describes you in any way, then at one point or another you’ve probably thought about or visited a winery. Crisp, fresh wine paired with an addictive atmosphere makes for a lovely day. Turn that happy day into an adventure with a vacation centered around your favorite drink. We’ve listed out some of the best destinations for wine lovers and included some of the top wineries you should visit—check them out below!
8 Travel Destinations for Wine Lovers
1. Valais, Switzerland
If you’re dying to try some of Switzerland’s high-quality wine that hardly ever leaves its borders, head there for vacation. Their expensive currency typically keeps the fine wines within the country. In fact, the country produces around 200 million bottles of wine a year and less than 2% of that is exported. A trip to the Alps will give you a taste of some incredible wines that only the locals are familiar with. Stay at one of the many upscale alpine resorts, and spend equal time flying down the mountains and sipping on wine from some of the region’s best vineyards.
Where to Sip:
Domaine Gérald Besse and Domaine Jean-René Germanier—or head out on the Valais Wine Trail.
2. Tasmania, Australia
Your love of wine is the perfect reason to go to Australia. Tasmania is the Australian state internationally known for its chardonnay and pinot noir and it’s on the rise for its crisp riesling and pinot gris. The region’s versatility will have you sipping on some of the best varieties every day. Most wineries offer tours and tastings, but make sure to call in advance so you can delve into some delectable wines.
Where to Sip:
Derwent Estate, Josef Chromy Wines, and Stefano Lubiana Wines.
3. Willamette Valley, Oregon
Napa and Sonoma are always wonderful places to visit, but Willamette Valley of Oregon is full of delicious wines and a diverse landscape. It has the whole package for an unforgettable vacation. Oregon’s wine country is home to two-thirds of this state’s wineries and vineyards and offers some of the most stunning luxury resorts right next to mountains and forests. The mild climate of Willamette yields beautiful burgundian wine varieties with an untouchable New World flair. If you don’t want to leave the States, then a trip to Oregon should be on your bucket list.
Where to Sip:
Adelsheim, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, and Bergström Winery.
4. Moselle Valley, Germany
Moselle Valley will dazzle you; world-class wine isn’t the only beautiful thing you’ll find here. It’s like you landed in a fairytale—rolling hills, storybook castles, and a lazy river are just a few of the enchanting features of the area. The best time to visit is during late summer and early autumn to reap the rewards of the fall harvest. Many towns have wine festivals that provide an incredible taste of some of the local favorites. The region produces some of the best rieslings in the world and contains some of the steepest vineyards in Europe.
Where to Sip:
Mosel Weinmuseum (160 different wine samples!), Weingut Van Volxen, and Weingut Mönchhof.
5. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Mexico’s wine region is booming, so it’s a definite must-visit destination on your bucket list. You’ll find a lot of reds in this region, but plenty of well-made whites as well. The region is Mexico’s wine country, so you’re sure to get your fill of delicious wine and breathtaking views. The area has become a tourist hub for wines, so you’ll find plenty of relaxing and luxurious accommodations to round off your trip. Enjoy your glass while taking in the picture-perfect sunset, and then enjoy the lively night life—it’s a trip you won’t forget.
Where to Sip:
Viña de Frannes, Vena Cava, and El Cielo Winery & Resort.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is absolutely stunning with bountiful landscapes and unending wine varieties. One of the best ways to take in the beautiful city is to explore the many different wineries. Constantia—Cape Town’s backyard—was where South Africa’s glorious wine first came to fruition. It’s picturesque farms still produce world class, award-winning wines. If you’re a true oenophile, then South Africa must be on your list of places to visit. Enjoy a delicious glass of wine and take in the rolling hills and thriving community.
Where to Sip:
Steenberg Farm, Eagle’s Nest Wines, and Beau Constantia.
7. Piedmont, Italy
One of three classic wine regions in Italy, Piedmont boasts magnificent vineyards at every turn. The region produces some of the world’s finest red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, which is reason enough to hop on a plane. Visit in the fall for both delightful wine and equally scrumptious cuisine. Stay in Turin for the Italian city vibe but still get up close to some of the country’s most gorgeous wineries and vineyards. Italy itself has so much to offer travelers, so even if you don’t want to go to Piedmont there are plenty of other gorgeous options.
Where to Sip:
Fratelli Barale, Marchesi di Gresy, and Azienda Agricola Taliano Michele.
8. Provence, France
There’s so much to love about rosé. Provence is the top producer of the wine and one of the most scrumptious styles of rosé, so a trip here is a smart choice. Not to mention, Southern France is unbelievably beautiful and absolutely spellbinding. Home to a backdrop seemingly out of a fairytale, the region has more than 400 vineyards. Stay in the wonderful city of Marseille and then head out to sip at one of the wineries—you’ll need to take a month-long vacation to experience it all.
Where to Sip:
Domaine de Fontenille, Château de Berne, and Château d’Esclans.
There are so many incredible destinations for wine lovers— we highly recommend visiting these beautiful spots, whether you choose to visit now or plan it for later. Until your trip, sign up for our wine home delivery, so you can get the best of the best sent right to your doorstep. We have everything you need—from the perfect red for your barbeque to some refreshing whites for the next girl’s night in. Happy sipping!