Wine tourism is a good reason to visit another country or ride your own. And we will tell you a list of places that are worth visiting for connoisseurs of wine, cognac and other strong drinks.
The selection is based on the recommendations of Winerist resource experts. Information about the cost of tours to the wineries was taken from open sources - travel agency sites that provide similar services.
10. Yarra River Valley, Australia
Forest fires that have been raging in Australia since August 2019 have not affected the Yarra River Valley, considered the center of Australian winemaking. Here you can find everything: from wine and small-scale cider to trendy breweries and excellent local seafood appetizers.
An excursion to the most popular Yarra wineries (there are about 80 of them in the valley) will cost an average of $ 352 (23,664 rubles) for a group of 1-3 people. Please note that this amount does not include tasting (from 1 to 5 dollars) and lunch.
This superb experience is served along with the quintessence of a laid-back Australian lifestyle and complemented by stunning mountain views in the Yarra Ranges National Park.
9. Bordeaux and Cognac, France
Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and Mecca for wine lovers. However, this city is worth visiting not only for excellent alcohol, but also for magnificent architecture, such as the Cathedral of Saint-Andre, whose walls are decorated with paintings XIV-XVI. And in Bordeaux is the longest pedestrian street in Europe - Saint-Catherine.
It is impossible to talk about Bordeaux without mentioning his equally famous neighbor, the city of Cognac. In the intimate atmosphere of this tiny city and its environs, it is so nice to see the whole process of creating different varieties of the legendary drink and, of course, to do the tasting. On the territory of the town there are about 500 cognac companies.
By the way, cognac is produced not only cognac, but also cheese from cow or goat milk, in which cognac is added.
If you do not want to take an expensive excursion to Bordeaux, then you can save money and visit the Wine Museum. Entrance ticket costs about 1,500 rubles (22 dollars). The price includes a wine tasting on the belvedere on the 8th floor.
But the “cognac tour” costs 539 dollars (36 181 rubles) per person.
8. England
Good old England is a popular destination for wine and gastronomic tourism. Beautiful southern counties, such as Hampshire and Sussex, produce world-famous sparkling wines, and Kent has more than 50 operating wineries.
One of the most famous wine producers in England is the Gusbourne Estate (Kent). Excursions there include drinks, a 3-course lunch and access to some rare runs of wine.
We also recommend visiting the Kent's oldest vineyard, Biddenden, open all year round. Since 1969, Biddenden has been producing a wide range of wines, but excellent sparkling wines have become its hallmark. Enjoying them will cost you, on average, 110 dollars (7 387 rubles).
7. Moldova
This small country, located between Romania and Ukraine, is a successful combination of pastoral countryside, magnificent architecture and rural charm. Moreover, Moldova is also home to the largest underground wine cellar in the world and has more than 150 wine producers of all shapes and sizes.
The cost of a bottle of local wine starts from 60 lei (about 230 rubles). And if you want to get a tour of the best Moldavian vineyards and wineries, it will cost 250-1300 lei or 760-5000 rubles per person (the price depends on including souvenirs in the package).
The natural beauty of Moldova, delicious local food and wine, what else do you need to have a good vacation?
6. Franciacorta, Italy
This wine-growing area is located just an hour from Milan and is one of Italy's treasures. In order to saturate the delicious sparkling wines of Franciacorta with carbon dioxide, the same traditional method of champagne is used as in the manufacture of French champagne.
The cost of a tour around the territory, excluding tasting and transport, is about $ 165 per group (11,093 rubles).
Local drinks provide an unforgettable experience for the most discerning wine tourist. The most famous brands include: Enrico Gatti, Monte Rossa, Corteaura, Majolini, Fratelli Berlucchi, Bellavista, etc.
Add to this many UNESCO monuments, serene Italian lakes and breathtaking local cuisine, and you will understand that Franciacorta is an ideal place to relax.
5. Sicily, Italy
The dazzling turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea serves as a frame for the pearl of Sicily, which combines architectural splendor and some of the best vineyards in the world.
Sicilian strong dessert wine - Marsala - has a rich flavor profile, the main notes of which include sweet vanilla and brown sugar, hints of apricot and even tobacco. The taste of these wines is so good that most of them never leave the borders of Sicily. You can not blame the Sicilians for the desire to preserve the best for themselves, right?
The cost of a wine tour in Sicily is, on average, $ 767 (51,520 rubles) for groups of 3 to 5 people. This program usually includes wine tasting, as well as related products of the winery.
4. Alentejo, Portugal
The largest region in Portugal will impress you with its ancient architecture with strong Roman influence, endless fields, calm city beaches, and, of course, local wines.
A feature of Alentejo wines is a fresh taste and a very pleasant aroma. Red wines have a more intense and tart taste, white wines have a more “calm” taste.
A tour of the beauties and wineries of Alentejo with a tasting of local wines in the capital Evora will cost about 367 dollars or 24,732 rubles.
3. Western Cape, South Africa
This region surprises and delights with its absolute commitment to the best experience in gastronomic and wine tourism. It is home to the famous wineries located in the cities of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Elgin and the village of Parle.
In addition, the Western Cape is one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth, and even a staunch teetotaler will find many interesting places to visit here.
We recommend starting your South African wine trip with the "city of oaks" - Stellenbosch - which houses over 100 wineries, most of which are open to the public. Traveling along it will cost $ 265 (17,874 rubles), including lunch at one of the wineries.
2. Santa Barbara, USA
The name of this city for many Russians is associated with one of the longest soap operas in the history of cinema. However, in real life, Santa Barbara is famous for its beautiful beaches, laid-back Californian culture, and, of course, many amazing local food and wine.
The price of an individual tour with a visit to the four wine cellars of Santa Barbara and a tasting starts at 9,000 rubles ($ 135).
1. Russia
Why go to another country, thousands of kilometers from home, if the best places for wine tourism in 2020 are in Russia? And much cheaper than abroad.
For example, the cost of a wine-gastronomic tour “Don Wine Roads” is 2,990 rubles per person, with a group of 20 people or more. This price includes not only transport services, but also lunch and wine tasting at the Chateau Elbuzd winery.
Not much more expensive - within 6,000 rubles - is a group trip to the Uppa Winery winery in the Crimea, where they create some of the best Russian wines. The program includes tasting 4 bottles of wine.
Finding a wine tour in Russia is not difficult, and if you have not thought about such a trip, then perhaps this year it's time to try something new. In the literal sense of the word.
