The world’s most beautiful wine regions not only offer breathtaking scenery, but also regional delicacies, hospitable people and of course, exciting wines that you will not forget for a long time. Some areas are also a treat for architecture buffs.
After Lavaux, Stellenbosch, Bordeaux, Piedmont and Napa Valley in the first part and the Moselle, Santorini, Mendoza, Okanagan Valley and Marlborough wine regions in the second part, we will introduce you to the other five worlds in the third and final part. Worth seeing are the famous wine regions.
Loire in France
The Loire is not only France’s longest river, but also the link between several wine regions lined up side by side. Pays Nantais is located in the far west, at the mouth of the Atlantic, while Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are 400 kilometers further inland to the east. If you like magnificent, ancient castles, you’ll get your money’s worth in the Loire Valley and you can even stay in some.
Patagonia in Argentina
Majestic glaciers and rugged mountain landscapes are just two of the features of Patagonia, a South American dreamland. Although Patagonia stretches across Chile and Argentina, the viticulture regions are on Argentine territory. For example, due to high latitude up to 39° south, temperatures are cooler than in Mendoza. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay particularly shine here, Malbec is still the most planted grape variety in Patagonia.
Rioja in Spain
Probably the most famous viticulture region in Spain, it is about an hour and a half south of the port city of Bilbao and is about 100 kilometers long. Mountain ranges to the north and south protect the Rioja vineyards from many storms and provide plenty of sunny days. In addition to character-packed red wines, white Riojas are also pressed, some of which are wineed by oxidation and can be stored for decades.
Maipo Valley in Chile
If you’re into wine and traveling through Chile’s capital city, Santiago, be sure to explore the nearby Maipo Valley wine region. The area is known for its vineyards, some of which are above 1,000 meters above sea level, and for its centuries-old viticulture tradition. Taste a local red wine made from the Carmenere or Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties and see if you can smell the typical notes of allspice (small green pepper).
Tuscany in Italy
This dreamland represents not only gently rolling hills, romantic villages and plenty of sun, but also world-famous wine regions such as Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti Classico. About two-thirds of the vineyards are planted with the Sangiovese black grape variety, while vineyards called Super Tuscany work mostly with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As in the Loire Valley, Tuscany has many historic castles (palazzi) to visit.