From Tuscany to Reims to Mendoza
When we travel, one of the things we always try to do is to drink something local. More often than not, that comes in the form of wine. While we wouldn’t consider ourselves wine connoisseurs, we do enjoy wine and trying new things.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the picturesque vineyards of Reims, the world is brimming with incredible wine regions waiting to be discovered. Each one offers a unique blend of history, culture, and of course, delicious wines. So, here’s our take on some of the wine regions we’ve visited.
Europe
Wine has been an integral part of European culture for centuries, with the continent boasting some of the world’s most renowned wine regions. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Italy to the historic cellars of France, Europe offers an unparalleled diversity of wines and winemaking traditions.
Champagne, France (Reims):
Reims is the heart of the Champagne region, famous for its sparkling wines. Champagne is produced using the traditional method, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in bubbly wines known for their elegance and complexity.
Tuscany, Italy:
Tuscany is home to iconic wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans. Sangiovese is the dominant grape variety, producing wines with rich flavors and a distinct Italian character. This is definitely one of the Dinks favorite wine regions.
Veneto, Italy:
Veneto is a prominent wine region located in northeastern Italy, renowned for its diverse and high-quality wine production. It is best known for its sparkling Prosecco, a refreshing white wine made primarily from the Glera grape. The region also excels in producing rich red wines such as Amarone della Valpolicella, a bold, full-bodied wine made from partially dried grapes that concentrate the flavors. Valpolicella, another notable wine from the region, is known for its medium-bodied, fruit-forward character. Veneto’s varied climate and soil types contribute to the production of a wide range of wine styles, from light and crisp whites to robust reds, making it a versatile and important wine region in Italy.
Campania, Italy
Campania, located in southern Italy, is a region steeped in ancient winemaking traditions and offers a range of distinctive wines. The region is renowned for its red wines, particularly Taurasi, often referred to as the “Barolo of the South.” Made from the Aglianico grape, Taurasi is known for its deep color, complex flavors, and aging potential. Campania also produces notable white wines such as Greco di Tufo, a crisp and aromatic wine with notes of citrus and minerals, and Fiano di Avellino, which is celebrated for its rich, textured profile and floral aromas. The diverse terroir and historical significance of Campania’s vineyards contribute to its reputation as a region that produces exceptional and unique wines.
Liguria, Italy
Liguria, a coastal region in northwestern Italy, is known for its picturesque landscapes and distinctive wines. The region’s white wines, made from grapes like Vermentino and Pigato, are particularly notable. Vermentino, in Liguria, is appreciated for its bright acidity, floral notes, and fresh minerality, reflecting the region’s coastal climate and soil. Pigato, another local variety, offers a rich, aromatic profile with hints of peach and herbs. Liguria’s wine production is often characterized by small-scale, family-owned vineyards and terraced slopes, which add to the charm and quality of the wines. The region’s close proximity to the sea and mountainous terrain create a unique growing environment that influences the character of its wines, making Liguria a charming and distinctive wine destination.
Rioja, Spain:
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, known for its Tempranillo-based red wines. Rioja wines are classified based on aging (Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva) and offer a wide range of styles from fruity and fresh to rich and complex.
Mosel, Germany:
Mosel is renowned for its Riesling wines, which are known for their vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and distinct minerality. The steep slopes along the Mosel River create ideal conditions for growing Riesling grapes.
Douro Valley, Portugal:
Famous for Port wine, Douro Valley also produces excellent dry red and white wines. The region’s terraced vineyards and hot, dry climate contribute to the unique character of its wines.
Americas
North and South America have emerged as significant players in the global wine industry, with diverse regions producing a wide array of high-quality wines. In North America, California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County are world-famous for their premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir wines. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is renowned for its excellent Pinot Noir and cool-climate whites. In South America, Argentina’s Mendoza region reigns supreme with its rich and velvety Malbec wines, while Chile’s Central Valley produces vibrant and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenère, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Both continents benefit from a range of climates and terroirs, allowing for the production of a diverse range of styles, from bold and robust to elegant and crisp.
Napa Valley & Sonoma, California, USA:
Napa Valley and Sonoma, located in Northern California, are renowned for their world-class wine production and picturesque landscapes. Napa Valley is celebrated for its high-end wineries and vineyards, offering exquisite wine tastings and luxurious experiences. Sonoma, known for its diverse and laid-back charm, boasts a mix of family-owned wineries and beautiful countryside. Both regions provide exceptional culinary delights, scenic vineyard tours, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making them top destinations for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a memorable getaway.
Mendoza, Argentina:
Mendoza is Argentina’s most significant wine-producing region, famous for its Malbec wines. The high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza produce Malbec wines with intense flavors of dark fruits and smooth tannins.
Colchagua Valley, Chile:
Colchagua Valley is known for its red wines, particularly Carménère, which is considered Chile’s signature grape variety. The region’s Mediterranean climate and diverse terroir contribute to the production of high-quality wines.
Pacific Region
The wine industry the Pacific region has experienced significant growth in recent years, with several countries emerging as notable wine producers. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, the cool-climate regions of the Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, and Marlborough have gained international acclaim for their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir wines. Australia’s Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley are renowned for their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the country’s diverse terroirs.
Barossa Valley, Australia:
Known for its bold Shiraz wines, Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. It also produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Riesling wines.
Marlborough, New Zealand:
Marlborough is acclaimed for its Sauvignon Blanc wines, known for their intense aromatics, crisp acidity, and tropical fruit flavors. It’s one of New Zealand’s most important wine regions.
The Dinks
Not necessarily our favorite but probably the wine region we have seen and done the most in is California. Visiting both Napa and Sonoma is doable in a single trip depending on how much drinking you would like to squeeze in. Here are some of the highlights from the vineyards we visited.
Napa Valley:
- Sterling Vineyards – Unique aerial tram ride with stunning views. I really enjoyed how well their entire tour was put together. It definitely was a memorable experience.
- Beringer Vineyards – Oldest continuously operating winery in Napa with a historic estate. beautiful grounds and great place to enjoy a place and relax.
- Robert Mondavi Winery – Influential in California wine history. Another tour we really enjoyed including going into the wine cellors.
- Chateau Montelena – Famous for its role in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Sonoma:
- Jacuzzi Family Vineyards – Italian-inspired wines and charming ambiance.
- Gundlach Bundschu – Oldest family-owned winery in California with a diverse wine selection. Beautiful lake view and will forever be remembered as the place I left my favorite jacket.
- Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery – Blends tradition and innovation with deep roots in Sonoma.
- Buena Vista Winery – California’s first premium winery with a storied past and high-quality wines.
The Family
Before we had kids, we had the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, and we thoroughly enjoyed the wine experiences both countries had to offer. In Australia, we savored the bold Shiraz from the Barossa Valley and the crisp whites from the Adelaide Hills, while in New Zealand, we delighted in the world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and the elegant Pinot Noir from Central Otago. The combination of beautiful scenery and exceptional wines made our travels unforgettable, and we cherish those memories as some of the highlights of our pre-family adventures.
Summary
We’ve had the pleasure of exploring a few of the world’s renowned wine regions, and each visit has deepened our appreciation for the diverse and rich offerings of global viticulture. From the iconic vineyards of Napa Valley and Tuscany to the unique flavors of Australia and New Zealand, our wine journey has been incredibly rewarding. Yet, there are still many more remarkable wine regions on our bucket list, each promising new experiences and discoveries. As we continue to explore and enjoy these incredible destinations, we’re excited for the adventures and tastings that lie ahead.
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