TripAdvisor, the world's biggest travel community, has recently drawn up a list of the most popular destinations with wine connoisseurs, based on traveller popularity and expert opinion.
Wine tourism is the latest trend among discerning travellers. Wine culture attracts thousands of tourists a year to the regions with the most illustrious wine-producing traditions; and there are many destinations in the world where it is possible to combine wine and tourism.
But occasionally it is not necessary to travel very far afield to enjoy some of the world’s most outstanding wines in the same region where they are produced. Spain has without doubt become a yardstick for quality wine the world over; however, there is still a lot of work to be done as regards wine tourism, since the country only has one destination among the top ten international wine tourism destinations.
The top ten international wine destinations are as follows:
1. Wines with Tradition. Bordeaux, France
Perhaps the world’s most famous wine destination, the French region of Bordeaux has been characterised by its vineyards for many centuries. The region produces both delicious table wine and some of the most expensive vintages in the world. In Bordeaux, the French passion for good food and wine combine to afford visitors a delicious experience.
2. Grapes from the Far West: Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley has been for some time a byword for fabulous wines and incredibly beautiful scenery, which together attract millions of tourists a year. The region has approximately 400 wineries, and its Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal area for growing different varieties of grape, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfadel.
3. The Charm of Chianti: Tuscany, Italy
Famous for its Chianti and Montalcino reds, the region of Tuscany is a delight to the senses. But it is not only well-known for its excellent wine and exquisite cuisine; beautiful countryside and a rich historic heritage make this region one of the most popular among the most discerning of travellers.
4. A Sparkling Destination: Champagne-Ardenne, France
The French province of Champagne is known the world over for its acclaimed sparkling wines. In this agreeable region, the vineyards, cultivated with authentic devotion, blend with the picturesque landscape and Champagne’s history, creating a sparkling atmosphere like its wines.
5. Far off Wines: Barossa Valley, Australia
In this southern region of Australia, many varieties of grape are cultivated, although one of the most acclaimed is Syrah, for which it is known by expert oenologists. Characterised by its German heritage and its rolling hills carpeted with vineyards, the Barossa Valley is a unique destination both for connoisseurs and for people interested in learning about wine.
6. Tradition and Modernity. La Rioja, Spain
Spain’s most famous wine tourism destination, the wine-producing region of Rioja comprises Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja. The region distinguishes itself for its exceptional red wines, characterised by their ageing in oak barrels and intoxicating aroma. The Rioja has become an emblem for Spanish wines the world over.
7. To the Moon. Sonoma Valley, California
The cradle of California wines is also known as the “Valley of the Moon”. Its most acclaimed wines are its whites, which are produced in fantastic vineyards melding with the beautiful scenery, peppered with charming villages.
8. Sea and Mountain Wines. Central Valley, Chile
Close to Santiago de Chile lies the impressive Central Valley, whose location between the Andes and the Pacific has won its wines international acclaim. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy above all the cabernets of the Maipo Valley and the chardonnays of Curico.
9. The Great Escape: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Located in the heart of the wine-producing region of the Cape, Stellenbosch straddles one of the popular wine routes in South Africa. It boats over 100 wineries open to the public and an urban centre with a vibrant cultural life.
10. A Sip of the Antipodes. Marlborough, New Zealand
Located on South Island, Marlborough is presumably the country’s main wine tourism destination. Famous for its varietal white wines, the region’s incredible Sauvignon blancs are much sought-after.
As Michelle Perry, vice-president of communications at TripAdvisor, declares: “As well as offering some of the most exquisite wines in the world, these destinations also afford travellers the best in hotels, restaurants and wine tours.”
As regards Spain, the country has outstanding wines, although in wine tourism there is room for improvement. The most popular Spanish wine tourism destinations are as follows:
1. Justly Famous: Rioja
Spain’s most internationally renowned wines come from this region that exudes a passion for wine and its production. Prestigious wineries, luxury hotels and villages steeped in history offer wine enthusiast an unrepeatable experience.
2. The Power of a River: Ribera del Duero
Wine belonging to the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin is produced in different municipalities of Burgos, Valladolid, Soria and Segovia. This region produces some of the wines most acclaimed by international experts.
3. Galician Quality: Rias Baixas
To the charm of the Galician countryside and its exquisite cuisine must be added the unique flavour of its wines. The most outstanding are those produced from the famous white grape variety of Albariño, ideal for accompanying the region’s typical seafood dishes.
4. Andalusian Charm: Jerez
The Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Designation of Origin gives this list its Andalusian flavour. Travellers visiting this region of the province of Cadiz can taste excellent wines produced from the Pedro Ximenez, Moscatel or Palomino grape varieties, as well as enjoying the folklore impregnating the region’s many beautiful villages.
5. Sparkling Gold: Penedes
Spain’s most famous sparkling wine comes from the Catalan region of Penedes. Visitors to the area can taste the different varieties of cava in an incomparable setting, close to the cities of Barcelona and Tarragona.
