France
|
There's a very good argument for ending the list here – France is widely considered the heartland of world-beating wine. We won't though, that would be boring.
Champagne is always a good place to start, so we'll start there. The region's sparkling wine is the envy of the world. Many try to emulate it, but only wines produced in this region can legally be called Champagne. Home to Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, Reims is the region's unofficial capital and makes a great base for exploring the picturesque vineyards, charming towns and historic sites dotted everywhere.
Glass of red more your vibe? Try Bordeaux for merlot and cabernet sauvignon, Burgundy for a prestigious pinot noir or the Rhône Valley for an indulgent Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You can't go wrong with the Loire Valley if you love sauvignon blanc, and Provence is the place to be if you're after a dry, refreshing rosé.
France travel guide
Great wine, iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes. There are countless reasons why France consistently ranks as the most visited country in the world.
Hassle-free guideItaly
|
Italians know a thing or two about wine too. Once you've spent a bit of time exploring the vineyards and restaurants nestled in the gorgeous rolling hills of Tuscany, you'll realise a glass of Chianti is more than a match for France's famous wines.
The going's good for lovers of robust reds, but there's plenty for everyone else too. Head to Lombardy for a flute of Franciacorta, Italy's answer to Champagne, or Veneto for a crisp Soave and a prosecco or two.
Italy Travel Guide
Italy is a country steeped in ancient history and culture. With bustling cities and a stunning coastline, you'll be hard pressed to choose just one place to visit.
Hassle-free guideSpain
|
Spain is an ideal getaway for wine enthusiasts. It boasts a huge variety of different styles and regions, so if one thing's for sure you'll never go thirsty.
Spain's most famous wine region is probably Rioja, which is well known for high-quality reds made from tempranillo grapes. Find out why by visiting the charming towns of Haro and Logroño, where you'll find traditional bodegas and modern wineries to experience the diversity of Rioja wines.
Rías Baixas is worth a visit too. This region in Galicia is known for its crisp and aromatic Albariño white wines, which pair perfectly with the region's seafood-rich cuisine. Elsewhere, Catalonia's rugged and picturesque landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a wine tasting. And yes, it has the wines to match. Head to Priorat for big, complex reds or the Penedès region for cava – Spain's sparkling wine. Pair it with some tapas bits and you'll be in heaven.
Or for something a bit different try out Jerez de la Frontera, the home of sherry. Head there to sample everything from light table whites to dark and indulgent dessert wines at one of many sherry bodegas you'll find in the city.
Spain Travel Guide
From the cultural hotspots on the mainland, to the volcanic Canary Islands and the stunning beaches of the Balearics – Spain has everything you need for every kind of holiday.
Hassle-free guideArgentina
|
Like malbec? Head to Argentina – they know what they're doing.
More specifically, seek out Mendoza for bold, robust and internationally acclaimed reds. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the hundreds of wineries found along the Argentina Wine Route. And along the route you'll find everything from rural, family-run restaurants to tasting menus from celebrity chefs.
Whatever your budget, there's a glass of wine with your name on it.
The best places to drink beer in the world
More of a beer person? Here are the world's best destinations to grab a pint or two.
Prost!Chile
|
Chile has everything for the perfect wine-drinking holiday. Stunning views of the Andes Mountains, delicious food and, well, great wine.
The two wines to try are carménère and cabernet sauvignon. Originally planted in Bordeaux, carménère is now rarely found in France, with most coming from Chile's Central Valley growing region. It's often mistaken for merlot and makes for a rich, fruity red.
For the perfect cabernet sauvignon, the Colchagua Valley is probably your best bet. The region's vineyards benefit from a warm climate and excellent soil conditions, and there are around 30 wineries to explore. Head to Colchagua's capital San Fernando to board the Tren del Vino, a steam-powered wine train that takes you through the region's most important vineyards and offers on-board tastings.
The best places to drink coffee in the world
Would rather curb the hangover? Here are the world's best coffee-drinking destinations to perk you up.
Find out more...USA
|
There are plenty of great wine regions in America to explore, but if there's one place you should be making a beeline to it's California. The conditions are perfect for growing high-quality wines, which they do on a regular basis.
California's home to one of the most famous wine regions in the world – Napa Valley. The valley is dotted with world-class wineries and vineyards that offer stunning views and exceptional wine-tasting experiences. It's hard to beat the cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay you'll find here.
The laid-back Sonoma County gives Napa a run for its money, whose diverse microclimates produce gorgeous pinot noirs, zinfandels and sauvignon blancs.
USA Travel Guide
Whether national parks, monuments or one of America's 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more your thing you're guaranteed a memorable trip.
Hassle-free guideAustralia
|
With hospitality as warm as the weather, you'll have a great time sampling Australia's unique wines in scenic vineyards and fancy restaurants.
Australians make some of the world's best shiraz, which is best sampled in Barossa Valley. The grenache and cabernet sauvignon around here is pretty stunning too. Or head to Margaret River in Western Australia if you prefer chardonnay and sémillon-sauvignon blanc blends. The region's Mediterranean climate and proximity to the ocean make it the perfect place to grow and drink a glass or two.
Melbourne Travel Guide
Find out what makes Melbourne the cultural capital of Australia. Here's a hint: street art, history and an energetic nightlife.
Hassle-free guideNew Zealand
|
Like all good wine-drinking destinations, New Zealand is blessed with stunning natural beauty that provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing glass of wine in good company.
New Zealand's best wine export is probably sauvignon blanc, the best of which you'll find in Marlborough. Set against the mountainous Southern Alps and Wairau River, you'll struggle to find a more perfect place to sample world-renowned wines. Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, and Brancott Estate are the big names to look out for.
For a glass of red you'll want to head to the southern part of the South Island, Central Otago, where pinot noir is the wine of choice.
