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10 Winegrowing Regions worth Visiting

Originally published 02 August 2010

Whether you’re a serious wine buff, teetotal, or simply enjoy the odd tipple, winegrowing regions are always fascinating places to visit.

A vineyard in Paarl, South Africa.

1 - The Winelands, South Africa

Within easy driving distance of Cape Town in South Africa, the valleys of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have become known as 'The Winelands'. Visiting wine estates in each you have the chance to sample fantastic local wines.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to South Africa or call our South Africa specialists directly on 01993 838 550 to discuss your travel ideas.

Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley can be explored on a tour or in your own car.

2 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley was originally settled by German Lutherans whose small townships and church spires still survive today. You can visit to small, independent wineries along with the international cellar doors.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Australia or call our Australia specialists directly on 01993 838 810 to discuss your travel ideas.

The Bekaa Valley in Lebanon produces red wines to compete with the best from Bordeaux.

3 - Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

A poorly-kept Lebanese secret is the superb wine that comes out of the Bekaa Valley. This should perhaps come as no surprise - the Bekaa Valley provides excellent conditions for vines and wine has been made here for millennia; add to that the brief, but pervasive period as a French protectorate and you have a recipe for great viticulture.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Lebanon or call our North Africa and Arabia specialists directly on 01993 838 400 to discuss your travel ideas.

Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim, in New zealand, an ideal wine growing region.

4 - Blenheim, New Zealand

Enjoy a wine tour around the Blenheim region accompanied by your guide, a true wine lover who is passionate about sharing their knowledge of both the region and its wines with you.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to New Zealand or call our New Zealand specialists directly on 01993 838 820 to discuss your travel ideas.

With the Andes in the background, the Colchagua Valley is undoubtedly one of the most stunning wine regions.

5 - Colchagua Valley, Chile

Not far from Santa Cruz, in the Colchagua Valley, you will find yourself in the heart of one of Chile’s principal wine-growing regions, surrounded by neat vines stretching towards the Andes.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Chile or call our Chile specialists directly on 01993 838 640 to discuss your travel ideas.

It's possible to drift gently over the vines of the Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon.

6 - Hunter Valley, Australia

Delve into the wineries of Pokolbin, one of the main vineyard areas, and take a backstage tour to learn the secrets of winemaking. You can hire a bike in Pokolbin to explore, take a horse-drawn carriage, or early risers can drift gently over the vines in a hot air balloon.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Australia or call our Australia specialists directly on 01993 838 810 to discuss your travel ideas.

The Mendoza region produces around 70% of Argentina’s wine output.

7 - Mendoza, Argentina

Where Argentina rears up into the foothills of the Andes, lively Mendoza is at the heart of the self-styled ‘land of sunshine and wine’. The sight of the rows of lush green vines against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks makes this an extremely picturesque outing, before you’ve even begun to sample the wares!

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Argentina or call our Argentina specialists directly on 01993 838 630 to discuss your travel ideas.

The vineyards of Martinborough are particularly well known for their pinot noir.

8 - Martinborough, New Zealand

Martinborough is a unique wine village, popular as a weekend lazy and indulgent retreat for Wellingtonians, with around 30 boutique vineyards, most within walking distance of the charming town square. The region only produces 3% of New Zealand's grapes, but offers a broad range of styles, particularly known for its pinot noir.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to New Zealand or call our New Zealand specialists directly on 01993 838 820 to discuss your travel ideas.

The Okanagan region, located in southern British Columbia, is known for its excellent ice-wine.

9 - Okanagan Valley, Canada

The Okanagan is the country’s premier wine region, fast gaining international recognition for its variety of grapes and particularly for its excellent ice-wine. Any wine-tasting tour will be spectacular here, with the backdrop of Lake Okanagan with its golf courses and ski resorts set amongst rolling hills.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Canada or call our Canada specialists directly on 01993 838 700 to discuss your travel ideas.

Historic Launceston and the Tamar Valley blend history, scenery and the superb flavours of food and wine.

10 - Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

The Tamar Valley in Launceston is the state's premiere food and wine location. Travel the wine route through the valley and you can visit many award winning cool-climate wineries, for which Tasmania is gaining a world-beating reputation.

Find out more about tailor-made trips to Australia or call our Australia specialists directly on 01993 838 810 to discuss your travel ideas.

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