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12 Mar

4 of the Best Wine Regions to Visit Before You Die

Are you a red, white or rose person?

4 of the Best Wine Regions to Visit Before You Die

Whether you consider yourself an aficionado or just the occasional drinker, a good glass of wine is something we can all appreciate.

Whether you're looking for something off the beaten track or want to taste the best the world has to offer, here are four of the best wine regions to visit before you die.

 

1. South Africa

Oneiric

Image: Oneiric Wine Farm

Located just outside of Cape Town is South Africa's famous Cape Winelands. Established in 1971, Stellenbosch is the oldest winemaking region in the country and has been making their signature Chenin blanc and Pinotage wines ever since.

If no one wants to be the designated driver, you can take the wine tram through Franschhoek Valley. Choose from six different routes and either spend the night at one of the boutique hotels or get a transfer back into the CBD.

For wine tasting that's off the beaten tourist track, head to Elgin Valley. Situated an hour outside of the city, it's on it's way to making a name for itself as one of the best wine regions in South Africa.  Head to Oneiric Wines and try their award-winning First Quantum.

Another outstanding region is the Paarl Wine Route, being the 2nd oldest in South Africa and famous for its full-bodied and rich, robust red and crisp white varietals. Shiraz steals the show here, followed closely by Chenin blanc and Chardonnay. Head straight to Vondeling Wines for their tasting experience and pair it with a traditional farm-styles Vintner’s Platter. 

2. France

Saint Emilion

France is home to two of the world's best wine regions - Burgundy and Bordeaux are a must visit for any oenophile.

To get a taste of the different wines available, go on a tour. You will need to book in advance, but you'll be rewarded with incredible scenery, a delicious pairing and some of the finest wine both regions have to offer.

Make an appointment at Domaine Joliet. It's wines have been considered some of the greatest in Burgundy for generations. No visit to Bordeaux is complete without visiting the famous chateaux of Medoc, St-Emilion and Graves.

 

3. New Zealand

New Zealand Vineyards

The Land of the Long Cloud may be known for its hobbits, adventurous activities and epic scenery, but its wine region in Central Otago produces some of the world's best wines.

It's the southernmost winegrowing region in the world and is known for its pinot noirs and aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

If you visit in the summer, you can cycle to each of the wineries. After hitting the slopes in the winter, nothing is better than cosying up to a glass of Pinot Noir in front of a roaring fire.

Each of the six sub-regions has wine tours to help your palette discover this unique part of the South Island. Rippon Vineyard is one of the oldest wineries in Wanaka, and its history make it a must-visit vineyard in the Central Otago region.

New Zealand Mercury Bay

4. Georgia

Gergeti

Georgia is the birthplace of wine.

Archaeologists have found ancient wine presses that date back to 5th-4th millennia BC.

But what sets the country apart from other wine regions in the world, is how they make the drink. Georgians store their wine in clay vessels under the ground for up to a year. They also keep the juice and grapes together longer than Europeans, giving Georgian wine it's unique flavour and strength.

The best place to go in Georgia for wine tastings is in the region of Kakheti. There are several wineries and towns that you can visit to learn all about their ancient method of cultivating wine. Sighnaghi and Telavi are two of the most popular destinations on Georgia's wine route.

Where do you think are the best wine regions in the world?



 

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