10 Fantastic Wine Destinations that Aren’t Bordeaux
25 July, 2019
- Words by
- Olivia Morelli
Bordeaux,
Bordeaux,
France’s largest
wine region, has drawn oenophiles for centuries. Yet as global
wine production hovers around record levels, we’re shifting our
gaze to the destinations where you can enjoy a bottle sans crowds.
From the fertile Napa Valley to boutique Chilean wineries, these
are some of the best.
Wine destinations to put on your radar
Napa Valley
US
With more than 400 wineries,
California’s famous wine region is perfect for a San
Francisco day trip or a more lengthy retreat. Don’t leave
without filling your suitcase with bottles of cabernet sauvignon,
the region’s specialty.
Provence
France
While Provence is known more for its lavender fields than its
vineyards, the region is said to produce the world’s best rosé. One
for the snap-happy Instagrammers, it’s a place where days are best
spent sipping on glasses of perfectly pink wine amid endless
lavender fields of soft indigo and tranquil mauve.
Mendoza
Argentina
In the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza has earned itself a
reputation as the wine capital of Argentina. With lots of different
microclimates, the region produces a whole host of varietal. That
being said, its award-winning malbec is a must-try.
Thessaloniki
Greece
Douro Valley
Portugal
With a 2,000 year history of grape harvesting and wine
production, the valley’s vineyards have a stellar pedigree. Explore
the region’s quaint villages, wander along the river and sample its
famous sweet port wine.
Tuscany
Italy
Even the most unrefined oenophiles among us know that Tuscany is
home to some of the world’s best wines. The rolling vineyards of
this region – featured in countless movies and a source of
inspiration for many paintings – produce some of Italy’s most
exported bottles. Be sure to try the chianti if you’re partial to
dry, medium-bodied wine.
Yarra Valley
Australia
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne,
the hills and fields of Australia’s beloved wine region are
quenched by the Yarra River. Escape from the city for long, scenic
walks, wildlife spotting and sampling the region’s famous pinot
noir and chardonnay.
Cape Town
South Africa
A popular destination for wine holidays, some of Cape
Town‘s best vineyards are just outside the city. With a
wine-making tradition stretching back more than 300 years, the
Constantia Valley is the oldest wine region in the Southern
Hemisphere and a favourite wine connoisseurs.
Marlborough
New Zealand
Renowned for its zesty sauvignon blanc, Marlborough is a
relatively new hotspot on our wine radar. Explore New Zealand’s
northeastern tip: wander round the Wairau Valley before tucking
into a seafood lunch accompanied by a local tipple.
Casablanca Valley
Chile
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the
Casablanca Valley is a wine destination for the modern oenophile.
Known for its crisp whites, the valley is the fastest-growing wine
region in Chile,
home to many boutique wineries complete with latest wine-making
technology.