Let’s Talk About White Wine Regions
There must be some magic in the words “wine and travel,” don’t you think? For your next vacation consider visiting one of the many beautiful wine regions in the world. If you are a white wine lover this list is for you.
Take a look at our top 10 white wine regions and get inspired to plan your next trip!
1. Loire Valley, France
The mighty Loire River spans more than half of France. Scattered along its winding path are ornate, beautiful castles and chateaux once owned by French royalty. In between these castles, along hillsides are a multitude of famous vineyards and wineries. The 800 kilometers long Loire wine route is the perfect destination for your next wine vacation. You can combine tours of castles with tastings of excellent wine. The Loire Valley is a massive region with plenty of different subregions to explore, in fact there are roughly 70 AOC appellations located in Loire.
Sancerre is one of the most famous wine regions in Loire. The wine here is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and is popular around the world. Classic Sancerre wines possess vivacious acidity, a seductive bouquet of gooseberries, green grass, green apple, and a strong minerality. Be sure to try the region’s most famous Sancerre pairings, local goat cheese.
2. Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont is renowned for its fantastic, full-bodied red wines, but its white wines should not be overlooked! Cortese, a grape variety used to make Gavi wine, is indigenous to Piedmont. This white wine is refreshing and light, making it ideal aperitif or salad pairing.
Did you know Cortese, a grape variety used to make Gavi wine, is indigenous to Piedmont?
3. Burgundy, France
Home to the arguably most famous white wine in the world, and certainly the most expensive, Burgundy is a must-see for wine connoisseurs. La Route des Grands Crus, a wine route that runs from Dijon to Santenay, is the principal wine destination. This wine route is also referred to as, “The Road of Great Wines” and some of the world’s best wineries and vineyards are located along this route.
4. Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
The second-largest New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay, is renowned for producing a wide variety of wines. While New Zealand is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay’s most notable white wine is Chardonnay. Lovers of full bodied, rich whites will love exploring the white wines Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
Did you know Hawke’s Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand.
5. Pfalz, Germany
The German region of Pfalz is wonderfully attractive. Vineyards are surrounded by forested hills, cozy villages, and historic castles.
Pfalz is Germany’s second-largest wine region, best known for their Riesling. A warm, dry environment, a wide variety of soil types and microclimates, and a long tradition of high quality wines are all characteristics of this region.
6. Tokaj, Hungary
“Drops of sweet nectar spilled by God on the lands of Tokaj”. Tokaj specializes in a sweet white wine produced using grapes affected with a mold called botrytis. These unique wines have long been cherished by Europe’s royalty and monarchs. This is one of Europe’s undiscovered white wine gems that deserves special consideration. Tokaj not only produces complex, delicious wines but it also possesses a rich, interesting history that visitors are able to explore.
7. California, United States
Californian Chardonnay is full-bodied and rich, in contrast to many Old World Chardonnays. The majority of these wines are aged in new oak, which gives them a rich, creamy texture and adds butter and hazelnut flavors. A trip to California’s wine country is a must for all lovers of rich, buttery Chardonnays.
8. Veneto, Italy
This stunning region, located in Northeast Italy, is renowned as Italy’s brightest and most colorful. Veneto is a unique region due to the fabulous combination of stunning natural scenery, world-class sandy beaches, and architectural landmarks.
A large number of vineyards and wineries are located throughout this region. Soave, a Veneto white wine made from the grape Garganega, is one of the region’s most famous white wines. In addition to delicious wine, this region boasts great cuisine and world-class restaurants.
9. Wachau, Austria
Small, well-kept villages, a deep, meandering valley, and the languid, grey-green waters of the Danube River make this a significant region to visit. Although Austria has other wine regions, Wachau is by far the best known. This region is known for producing the unusual grape variety, Grüner Veltliner. Although this region has become world-renown, it is actually tiny – a mere 12 miles long!
10. Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough has long drawn large crowds of nature enthusiasts, but for many people, the name Marlborough is synonymous with New Zealand winemaking. And for good reason, a stunning 79 percent of the nation’s wines are produced here.
It is now considered the capital of modern Sauvignon Blanc around the globe. These regional wines are well-liked by gourmets and hedonists due to their potent gooseberry and sweet green pepper scents. Although Sauvignon Blanc is undoubtedly a favorite, Marlborough also produces excellent Chardonnay, Rieslings, and sparkling wines.
Explore Further: Italy Tour
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References:
Anthony Zhang, ‘Ultimate Guide To French Wine Regions’ 2021, https://www.vinovest.co/blog/french-wine-regions
Loire Valley Wine Bureau, ‘Explore the region Loire Valley: The Heart of France’ 2022, https://loirevalleywine.com/explore-the-region/
“Pfalz – German Wine Region.” n.d. Wine-Searcher. Accessed May 27, 2023. https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-pfalz.
“Tokaj Wine Region, Hungary | World Heritage Journeys of Europe.” n.d. Visitworldheritage.comhttps. https://visitworldheritage.com/en/eu/tokaj-wine-region-hungary/54e68463-83b8-4ff0-a9e4-58884dfabd5d.
“Your 2023 Guide to Veneto Wine Region.” n.d. Www.winetourism.com. Accessed May 27, 2023. https://www.winetourism.com/wine-region/veneto/#:~:text=Veneto%20is%20home%20to%20incredible.
