Summer cocktails and aperitifs come and go, but wine is a year-round beverage, with perfect variations for all occasions. Wine lovers can make an easy holiday all over the world as wine regions span continents and cultures. Here are six of the most popular wine regions in the world to consider for you next vacation.
Italy
If there’s one place that comes to mind for wine-loving travelers when planning a trip, it’s Italy, famous for wine-stocked grocery stores, quality grapes, and wineries galore in regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, and Veneto. Wines from Italy are often characterized by these regions, and in Tuscany some of the world’s finest red Chianti is produced. Each year, approximately 2.9 million bottles of Chianti Classico are produced, according to Wine Enthusiast.
Spain
Spain is famous for having the largest vineyard acreage of any country in the world, and as a result wine-making regions encompass many areas of Spain, including Catalonia, North Central Spain, Valencia Coast, Southern Spain, and more. Spain’s wine varieties are perhaps lesser known by name, but are unique to the country. Popular varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Mencía, Albariño and more.
France
Neck and neck with Italy every year are France’s winemaking regions. But in recent years, France has been taking the top spot for wine production. According to Wine Folly, in 2023, France marked an 8.4% increase in production over the previous five years. Some of the most famous wine regions here include Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Loire Valley. Plus, regions like Provence attracted travelers not just for wine, but for acres of lavender fields and seaside towns and cities. France produces between seven and eight billion bottles of wine annually.
Chile
Chile’s wine production has ramped up in recent years, and it sees a lot of influence from France’s wine industry, but the first wine grapes were planted in the country by Spanish missionaries in the mid-1500s, according to Wine Folly. The country has various famous valleys rich in grape-making soils. A few famous full- and light-bodied red wines come out of Chile’s winemaking regions, including Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Wine Society notes that buying wine from Chile today is more expensive than buying fine wines from Spain or France.
Australia
At high end restaurants with impressive wine lists, you’ll probably see varieties from Australia among Italian, Spanish, or French classics. This is mostly because of the country’s many wine regions including Barossa Valley, known for Shiraz and Riesling; Margaret River, producing Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends; Victoria, boasting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Muscat Blanc; and Hunter Valley’s Syrah and Sémillon. Wine Folly notes that Australian wines are almost always bottled with screw caps, even aged varieties, so they can be stored upright for your convenience.
California
Wine production in the U.S. is dabbled in many states, but over 80% of the country’s domestic wine production happens in California, according to Wine Institute. Various wine regions from Sacramento to San Diego are home to vineyards and wineries, with production most concentrated in the Central Valley, and areas like Napa Valley and wider Sonoma County attracting many wine lovers. In Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc are some of the most highly produced varieties. In this renowned region, tourist enjoy wine tasting tours, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, stay at luxury hotels, and enjoy proximity to great cities like Sacramento and San Francisco, as well as many state and national parks. Wine Folly indicates that around 4 million people visit this region annually to taste the wines and enjoy the landscapes.
