The Best Wine Vacations for You to Enjoy This Year
From blissful countryside to city-based wine tours, here are the best places for your next grape escape
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The Italians knew what they were talking about when they came up with the proverb ‘a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine’. Let’s be honest, the best holidays are the ones with a glass of wine in hand. If there’s anything we love more than wine over here at Plum Guide, it’s wine combined with a good getaway. Visiting vineyards, learning about winemaking, admiring the scenery, and gorging on local treats? - we can’t think of a better vacation than that. To help out our fellow wine connoisseurs, we’ve put together an expert guide to the best wine vacations around the world - we do know a thing or two about travel, after all. Whether you’ll be saying ‘cheers’, ‘salud’, or ‘prost’, here are the best places to enjoy a glass (or five) of vino.
Tuscany, Italy
An aerial view of a large green vineyard at sunset, Tuscany, Italy
Vineyards and olive groves spread out across rolling hills, ancient roads lined with cypress trees, sunflower fields swaying in the breeze - Tuscany is a dream destination. It also happens to be one of the most renowned wine regions in Europe, best known for its internationally popular wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - which are on every collector’s list. Stay in cities like Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca, and take a scenic drive through the countryside for an immersive wine tasting experience (paired with delicious local specialities). There are around 100 wineries in Tuscany, and you’ll find most of them in the main wine producing areas of Chianti, Southern Tuscany, and the coastal area. Some of the most impressive institutions include Azienda Agricola Malenchini, Azienda Agricola Villanoviana, and Camigliano Castle. When else would you get to drink wine in a 13th-century castle?
Flower Crown, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Mendoza, Argentina
A pristine winery in the spring on a sunny day, Mendoza, Argentina
Synonymous with Malbec, Mendoza is Argentina’s most important wine region. Located on a plateau at the foot of the Andes, the region is home to roughly 76% of the total vineyards in Argentina. As well as Malbecs, you’ll also find Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Torrontes, and Sauvignon Blanc. The regions of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu are home to some of the biggest names in Argentinian wine. The landscape here is reasonably flat, which makes bicycle tours of various wineries a great option if you want to enjoy the natural surroundings (or just have another glass, and call your designated driver). The Uco Valley is another prominent wine producing region, boasting breathtaking views of the Andes. Some of the best wineries here include Bodegas Salentein, Familia Zuccardi, and Alfa Crux - the latter is worth a visit for the architectural design alone.
Sonoma Valley, USA
A lush green vineyard in Sonoma Valley, USA
Sitting somewhat in the shadow of neighbouring Napa Valley, the Sonoma Valley is a much more relaxed, easy-going destination (with equally exquisite wines). Just an hour’s drive from San Francisco, the 17-mile-long valley is the perfect place for a rustic escape amongst gently rolling hills and meadows. From garden chateaus to Mediterranean-style villas, there are over 100 wineries to choose from in Sonoma Valley. Sip on sparkling vintage and admire gorgeous views at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, or enjoy a glass of award-winning red at the 4th generation family-run Viansa Sonoma - perched on a hilltop overlooking a wetland habitat. There are even places which offer cycling through vineyards, horseback riding, or multiple course wine and food pairings. Be sure to spend some time tucking into farm-to-table cuisine or exploring art, shopping, and various outdoor adventures.
The Moon Dance, Plum Guide home in California, USA
Cape Winelands, South Africa
A mountain behind stunning vineyards, Cape Winelands, South Africa
Just an hour’s drive inland from Cape Town lie some of the world's best vineyards. There’s something for every type of oenophile here, from Pinotage (South Africa’s earthy, smoky signature red) to Méthode Cap Classique (sparkling wine made with Champagne varieties). The towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek are great places to use as a base for the region’s numerous wine tours and trails. Boschendal Estate is a must-visit - one of the Cape’s oldest wine farms producing farm-to-table food and award-winning vintages since 1685. Another must-visit is Delaire Graff Estate, where knowledgeable sommeliers can recommend you the best wine for meal pairings. Can’t find a designated driver? Don’t worry - the wine tram in Franschhoek offers a hop-on-hop-off winery tour, and includes eight different lines to choose from.
Burgundy, France
A large green vineyard in Burgundy, France
Made up of centuries-old vineyards and medieval villages, Burgundy is one of the best wine destinations in France. Its climats, or wine-growing plots between Dijon and Santenay (there are over 1,000), have been granted a UNESCO World Heritage distinction. Each climat has its own name, history, taste, and position in the hierarchy of wines, with names including Chambertin, Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, and Montrachet. Burgundy’s extensive list of wineries can get a little overwhelming, so a good way to start is by driving the Grands Crus de Bourgogne wine route to visit the region’s most celebrated vineyards. Want to pair your wine with some delectable French cuisine? There are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants nearby, such as La Maison Lameloise, La Côte Saint-Jacques, and L’Empreinte.
Maison du Vin, Plum Guide home in Burgundy, France
Maipo Valley, Chile
Grapes growing in a vineyard in front of tall hills, Maipo Valley, Chile
Located just south of Santiago, the Maipo Valley is one of the most well-known wine producing regions in Chile. Nicknamed the ‘Bordeaux of South America’, the Maipo Valley has a reputation for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon - but you’ll also find other red varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Carménère, as well as popular whites Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Maipo Valley is the home of viticulture in Chile, where the very first vines were planted back in the 1540s. During the 1800s, viticulture grew significantly and vineyards such as Cousino Macul, Concha Y Toro, and Santa Rita were built - these are still open today, offering fascinating tours and wine tastings. At Concha Y Toro, visitors are shown the original ‘devil's cabinet’, the Casillero del Diablo - which lends its name to a famous brand. This cellar is where owners used to keep their finest wines, and workers were told it was possessed by the devil to dissuade them from stealing.
Porto, Portugal
A close up of two glasses of red wine on a table with a view of the Douro River and Porto's skyline, Porto, Portugal
If you’re looking to combine a wine tasting holiday with a city break, a trip to Porto is one of the best wine vacations in Europe. If you’ve never tried the sweet port wine the region is known for, a good place to start is at the World Of Wine. Set within the former port warehouses, WOW certainly lives up to its acronym, with six museums (including one all about wine), a wine school, restaurants, and bars, plus multiple exhibition spaces. Come evening, head down to the picturesque riverfront promenade, Cais da Ribeira, and sit at one of the cafes to enjoy the views with a glass of vinho. Book a cellar tour of the famed Graham’s 1890 Lodge, or sip on port while you savour the wistful notes of Portuguese fado music at Caves Calém.
Mesk, Fedor & Mots, Plum Guide home in Porto, Portugal
Hunter Valley, Australia
A close up of black grapes in a vineyard, Hunter Valley, Australia
One of the best wine vacations of your life is just a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with vineyards dating back to the 1860s. Local producers combine traditional and innovative methods, making unique, age-worthy Sémillon wines - as well as Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region is home to well-known names like Tyrrel’s, Lindeman, Gwyn Olsen, McGuigan, Stonehurst, and McWilliams. Tucked away in the charming village of Morpeth, Boydell’s Winery offers cellar door experiences, as well as wines paired with seasonal local produce. Speaking of, foodies will be pleased to know that Hunter Valley is also a gourmet hotspot, with cheese, chocolate, cured meats, and olives produced in the region. While you’re here, make the most of the serene surroundings with a horseback tour, or admire the views from a hot air balloon.
Crete, Greece
A view of green grapes growing on a wooden canopy at a vineyard in Crete, Greece
The island of Crete is one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, with traditions dating back to the Bronze Age. In recent years, there's been a new wave of winemakers transforming the wines of Crete. A combination of weather, landscape, new techniques from abroad, and growing indigenous grapes with classical varieties have led to Cretan wines tasting quite distinct. Today, you'll find over 30 wineries that offer wine tasting experiences, including everything from wine and cheese pairings to three course dinners. Visit Dourakis Winery, which hosts many culinary events, art exhibitions, and presentations. Or, head to the women-run Domaine Paterainakis to try the range of organic wines paired with local dishes and extra virgin olive oil, also produced on the estate.
Rapas Delight, Plum Guide home in Crete, Greece
Moselle Valley, Germany
A close up of green leaves at a vineyard in Moselle Valley, Germany
Winding through fairytale villages, vineyard-covered slopes, and picturesque hilltop castles, the River Moselle flows through one of Germany’s most beautiful river valleys. Aside from its breathtaking scenery, the Moselle Valley is also one of the country’s best wine destinations. It’s synonymous with Riesling, a versatile grape which makes some of the finest whites in the world. Light and low in alcohol, these wines have an intense fragrance - with floral notes and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Some of the famous wine villages along the valley include Bernkastel, Brauneberg, Erden, Graach, and Piesport, where you can pop into quaint Weinstube or wine taverns to enjoy a glass (or two), and sample local German cuisine. You can also take tours of the wineries themselves, with some of the best including Weingut Karp-Schreiber, and Weingut-Vinothek Schlöder-Thielen. True oenophiles will want to plan a trip between April and October, when a number of wine festivals take place in the region.
