We all know the love of the French for good wines: from Bordeaux to Provence rosé, the Hexagon is a land of predilection in this field. But let's open our horizons and discover other productions! Wine tourism has developed considerably over the last few years: what could be better than tasting great wines against a backdrop of sumptuous landscapes? FromItaly to California andSouth Africa, Petit Futé offers you its 10 favorite destinations for wine lovers.
N° 10 - Santorini and its Vinsanto
For 3,500 years, Santorini, in the Cyclades archipelago, has been famous for its vineyards. This ancestral know-how produces succulent and refined white wines. Among them, the assyrtiko, the athiri or the aidini, but it is without question the Vinsanto which is the most famous. Produced since ancient times, this white and sweet nectar is made according to a very particular method of vinification: the grapes are dried on the ground or on straw. A real pleasure for the summer!
N° 9 - Marlborough, the vineyards of New Zealand
In the north-east of theSouth Island, the Marlborough region produces more than half of New Zealand's wines! Its endless vineyards surrounded by high peaks, especially in the small town of Blenheim, offer a splendid setting for cultivation. Its exceptional growth is due in particular to the sauvignon blanc grape variety. These generally fruity wines with exotic aromas delight the palates of connoisseurs!
N° 8 - The Alto Douro region, Portuguese wine cellar
For more than 2,000 years, the Alto Douro, in the north-east of Portugal, has been a wine region. If there is a wine that characterizes this area, it is obviously the port wine, renowned throughout the world! A weekend in the Douro Valley allows you to admire the sumptuous landscapes classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site while discovering the cellars where this sweet nectar is kept, in Villa Nova de Gaia in particular. In September, during the grape harvest, the visit is even more interesting.
No. 7 - The Aconcagua Valley, on the Chilean wine route
With its cold and humid winters, its hot and dry summers and its breeze coming straight from the Pacific, the Aconcagua Valley, north of Santiago de Chile, is a land of choice for wine production. In 1854, Maximiano Errázuriz imported French vines and founded his winery. Today, his estate produces world-renowned and award-winning wines. Tasty nectars to taste in the heart of the Andes!
N° 6 - La Rioja, land of Iberian wine
In the north of Spain, at the foot of the Pyrenees, the autonomous community of La Rioja produces some of the country's finest wines. There are more than 1,200 wineries where you can taste one of the most famous wines in Spain: Rioja. Although some of its grapes are white, it is most famous for the power of its reds. Haro, the main city of La Rioja, is a wonderful baroque city. The importance of viticulture can be seen in its numerous wine cellars: one of them was designed by Gustave Eiffel!
N° 5 - Mendoza, capital of Argentinean wine
Fifth wine producer in the world, first in Latin America,Argentina is a wine destination of choice! Near the Chilean border, in the Andes Mountains, the region of Mendoza is famous for its vineyards located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. This altitude favors the growth of vines and the cultivation of grape varieties such as the famous Malbec or Chardonnay. The city is full of cellars open to visitors. Numerous visits, on foot or by bike, also allow to discover its vineyards.
N° 4 - The Stellenbosch region, the vineyards of South Africa
In the southwest of South Africa, Stellenbosch is the heart of African viticulture. This mountainous area bordered by the Atlantic Ocean meets all the conditions to obtain quality wines. The production is mainly based on red wines: Pinotage is a local hybrid grape variety that deserves to be known! Stellenbosch is also one of the most beautiful wine routes in the world: its geological diversity will fill your eyes.
N° 3 - Tuscany, in the land of Chianti
The Chiantigina is one of the most beautiful roads inItaly. This road, which starts south of Florence, crosses the Chianti classico and its thousands of hectares of vineyards. Its hilly landscapes, where cypresses and olive trees grow, are the backdrop of a wine-making tradition dating back to the 13th century. If you are already familiar with Chianti, try the Rosso di Montalcino or the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano before visiting the many historic villages along the way. Love at first sight is guaranteed!
No. 2 - Napa Valley, California's wine excellence
California's Napa Valley produces some of the world's most renowned wines. To discover it, nothing could be easier: its famous Route 29 crosses this bucolic landscape where vines grow in the sun in more than 50 quality vineyards. Here, the king grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A short stop in the city of Napa will allow you to enjoy its quality organic markets where tomatoes, olive oil and cold cuts can be tasted with a great wine!
N° 1 - The Médoc and the Bordeaux wine roads
From the north of Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave, the vineyards of the Médoc can be discovered over more than 100 km. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular wine routes in the world. Its great growths classified in 1855 under the impulse of Napoleon III have made its reputation. All along the way, you will discover the chateaux and estates that give it all its prestige and you will be charmed by this land of character, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary.
