The Ten Most Unique Places in the World to Taste Wine
Ernest Hemingway, a famous author, wrote the following about wine: “One of the most natural and civilized things in the world that have attained the highest level of perfection is wine. Compared to other purely sensory things, it offers a wider spectrum of delight and appreciation.” Ernest Hemingway succinctly and precisely generalized the impact of wine. Numerous nations have maintained their unique wine traditions for centuries, and today tourists from all over the world travel to those well-known wine destinations for wine tasting. With these ten breathtaking wine-tasting destinations, you will never want to leave your love of wine.
1. Douro Valley, Portugal
This picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a few hundred kilometers from Porto, is home to charming Quintas (wine estates) from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as vineyards with stone terraces that rise over the Douro River. The well-known Vinho Verde white wine is made in the Duoro Valley. This unique wine tasting region is both breathtakingly beautiful and steeped in Old-World history!
Additionally, a few smaller Quintas offer less well-known table wines created from indigenous grape varietals like Alfrocheiro. Historic wineries like Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta de La Rosa, and Quinta das Carvalhas provide guided tours and wine tastings to visitors. At Quinta de Guimaraes, Quinta do Bomfim, and Quinta do Crasto, you may savor some of the finest Portuguese pours as well. An alternative is to embark on a wine cruise to see the breathtaking area from the water.
2. A Nuclear Bunker at Chateau Siran, Bordeaux
Although the wine at Chateau Siran is traditional, the tourism experience there is extremely unique. A tour of historical relics will be the first thing you do. From 2,500-year-old amphoras to a wide variety of Toby Jugs and tonnelets (small earthenware barrels), which were originally used to serve wine, these vessels span the centuries.
Next is the nuclear bunker, which was built during the cold war to save the family and wine library and initially opened (and shut) its door in 1980. Before entering the 30,000-bottle wine storage, visitors enter the underground through a Swiss-made nuclear-proof door. Since the bottles are older than 1912, you might have a big party if a tragedy happens while you are nearby. You can have a little lunch and a bottle of wine on the winery’s roof on sunny days while being surrounded by vines. Not a bad spot for our second highest ranked wine tasting spot in the world!
3. Franschhoek, South Africa
Franschhoek is a wine lover’s paradise, located in the center of the Cape Winelands amongst soaring mountains. The charming settlement is surrounded by vineyards where you may sample a variety of beautiful wines (think full-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Shiraz and whites like Chardonnay and Semillon).
The Vineyards of Chamonix, Allée Bleue, La Motte, and Solms-Delta are notable examples. You can also go on one of the well-liked food and wine trips, which include everything from olive and chocolate tasting to wine and grape harvesting. This is truly one of the most unique wine regions to explore in the world.
4. Go Llama Trekking at Divine Llama Winery, North Carolina
It might not seem like the most logical way to spend a day off, but a two-mile journey with llamas and a wine tasting are unforgettable. In the Southeast of the United States, the largest llama farm is located at the Divine Llama winery. A winery is also present. When you stroll around the lovely property, having a furry friend to keep you company is nice.
You might be thinking North Carolina isn’t known for the world’s best wines, but we figured this one would appeal to those who love both wine and animals.
5. Donum Winery, Sonoma in a Roam Among Giant Sculptures
Are you a major art fan? or a supporter of significant art? In any scenario, a trip to the Donum Winery in Sonoma, California, would be enjoyable. Wine Communicator Charlotte Kristensen notes that the estate’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are of “top-class” quality and that there are more than 40 enormous sculptures, created by artists like Keith Haring, Tracey Emin, and Louise Bourgeois, scattered across the property.
For planning purposes, Kristensen advises making reservations in advance and visiting the website. Make sure to take a photo with Richard Hudson’s 2016 sculpture “Love Me,” which is a huge polished steel heart, she advises. This is a spot that the art lover in your family will truly enjoy!
6. Domaine du Meteore, South of France, which has Dine-in-a Crater
There is a crater in the region that is now covered in vines. Deep inside the crater, Domaine du Meteor now serves dinners (on Wednesday–Saturday nights). You can pack a picnic and travel down after lunch. The produce is fresh and local, and the servings are substantial. On a hot day, the estate’s cool white wines are the perfect complement. What could be more unique than wine tasting in a crater in France?
7. Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Saint Émilion, one of the oldest wine towns in the Bordeaux area, is well-known for its richly colored and robust red wines. One of its top tourist destinations is Les Cordeliers, a rustic vineyard situated amidst the remnants of a Franciscan convent from the fourteenth century. For more than a century, Les Cordeliers has been making sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux wine in its historic cellars. Château Coutet and Château Troplong Mondot are two other outstanding wineries that are a must-see.
The Saint-Emilion Wine School’s Maison du Vin is a great place to learn the fundamentals of wine tasting. Daily from mid-July to the end of August, and on Saturdays from April to November, the sessions are held.
8. Bodega Colome, Argentina
Bodega Colome, located in Salta, Argentina, is home to some of the world’s highest vineyards, with vines that have been planted as high as 3,111 meters above sea level.
Although it’s a “must-see” for daring Wine travelers, wine writer Jacqueline Coleman warns that getting there is difficult: “To get to the property, you have to drive kilometers up the mountain on a dirt road after you leave the small village of Molinos. If you want to stay in touch with the outside world, you will need a reliable automobile, plenty of water, and possibly a satellite phone.”
In addition, you may visit the only museum in the world devoted to the American artist, James Turrell, in addition to drinking wine and viewing those high-altitude vineyards. This wine tasting spot is both unique and adventurous!
9. Barossa Valley, Australia
Some of Australia’s best Rieslings and robust Shiraz wines are made in the magnificent Barossa Valley vineyards. In Château Tanunda’s magnificent barrel chamber, you can play a round of croquet and then sample some wine. Additionally, the rustic Pindarie Wine offers Mediterranean grape varieties like Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano. Thorne-Clarke, Grant Burge, and Seppetsfield are three further noteworthy wines. For those wine drinkers who are more creative, Penfold’s winemaking facility gives guests the chance to create their own vintage by blending Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro.
10. Persian Palace at Darioush, Napa
You are on the Silverado Trail, passing renowned vineyards, in a flash. The next thing you know, you are entering a massive Persian palace with pillars both inside and out. The wines are also excellent. They will delight lovers of high-quality Napa wine.
You will be rewarded for visiting Darioush at sunset with a silhouette of pillars set against a stunning color scheme.
There you have it! Our list of the top 10 most unique places in the world to taste wine.
Want to read more about Napa Valley? Try out these books!
References
1. Noma Nazish, ‘10 Beautiful Travel Destinations For Wine Lovers’ Apr 24, 2018. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/04/24/10-beautiful-travel-destinations-for-wine-lovers/?sh=96ed75538a81
2. https://www.winetraveler.com/travel-resources/10-top-unique-wineries-experiences-around-the-world/
3. Noma Nazish, Travel Destinations for Wine Lovers.
4. https://www.nancydbrown.com/sonoma-wine-blends-with-art-at-donum-estate/
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/04/24/10-beautiful-travel-destinations-for-wine-lovers/?sh=96ed75538a81
