Combine your enthusiasm for wine and travel and take a trip to some of the world’s best wine tourism destinations with our list of must-visit wine countries.

11 Best Wine Countries To Visit 

Whether looking for a memorable wine or travel experience, these wine regions must be on your list. 

1. Portugal 

Portugal pairs classic and modern wines with rich history, picturesque scenery, and delicious cuisine. You can experience this in its vast wine regions, Douro Valley, Vinho Verde and Porto. These areas are synonymous with their century-old port, which you can sample at various port houses. Portugal is also popular for its red and white varieties, including vinho verde or “green wine”. 

While journeying through the wine country, you can expect scenic drives, immersive vineyard tours, and excellent food. But it doesn’t end there. 

Located west of Portugal’s mainland is the Azores Island, which boasts another famous wine region, Pico Island. It houses Portugal’s highest mountain point and unique vinos. The wines are produced near the ocean and on volcanic landscapes, offering salty and mineral flavours. They are also made using traditional methods and the highest care to ensure high quality. If you have some flexibility, the Azores’ Pico Island is a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Porto. 

2. Argentina

Mendoza, Argentina, is popular for its Malbec wines, a grape commonly grown in France. The region produces many interesting and delicious varieties, which can be tried at various wineries. The city is also famous for its vineyards, which grow against ice-capped mountains.

More than that, Mnadoza has five subregions, including Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley, where you can enjoy unique wine-making, tasting experiences, and vineyard tours. In addition to the Malbec grape, these wineries feature popular red wine varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda and their flagship Torrontes white.

3. France 

France is known for having some of the best wines in the world. Many are produced in one of its most famous wine regions, Bordeaux. Native to five of six grape varieties, Bordeaux has over 100,000 vineyards. Its wineries produce high-quality red and white blends, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon. 

With vast options, picking a tour can be challenging. But If you want to explore some prestigious regions, Saint-Emilion and Médoc are excellent options. You can tour the châteaux, learn the rich history and wine-making processes, and enjoy quality wines with gourmet food pairings. 

4. Italy 

Italy is another popular wine destination for enthusiasts and travellers alike. The country’s popular wine region, Florence, houses award-winning wineries and some of the best wine tasting. It also grows the native Sangiovese grape, producing delicious medium-bodied red wines. To experience them, you can visit the vast vineyards and wineries spanning Tuscany and South Florence. 

Popular locations include Chianti Classico, known for its dry red wine, and the Oltrarno District, popular for its serene and picturesque vineyards. Touring these regions, you can expect an authentic Italian ambience, including rustic architecture, rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and peaceful countryside.

5. USA

While the USA is synonymous with its Napa Valley wine region, it has many other excellent destinations. Starting with Sonoma County, San Francisco. This lesser-known wine region spans the South of San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean. It surrounds Sonoma Valley and Russia River Valley and has over 400 wineries. You can drive through the county and stop by vineyards and food spots. 

Another must-visit USA wine region is Oregon. The city’s Willamette Valley is popular for Pinot Noir wines but offers many other varieties. You can try them while touring the destination’s wineries. Aside from excellent wine options, the destination is amidst picturesque countryside with lush hills and wildflowers and offers a scenic and memorable getaway.

6. South Africa

Another best place for wine lovers is South Africa’s Western Cape wine region, encompassing Constantia, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Each offers vast wineries and breathtaking landscapes. The area is popular for Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and native Pinotage red wines. 

To best experience the Western Cape wine region, book a tour of the Winelands. It offers picturesque sights, stops at different wineries, immersive wine tasting, and excellent dining options. 

7. Australia 

Australian wine country includes over 60 wine regions spanning South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. It encompasses destinations like Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Yarra Valley. Each destination is synonymous with different wine varieties, including Shiraz, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sémillon. 

The best way to tour Australia’s wine country is one region at a time. Each area boasts diverse vineyards, climates, and terrains, and planning and time are required to experience them fully. 

8. New Zealand 

While New Zealand is a lesser-travelled wine region, it should be on your list. It has various wineries on the eastern coastlines of the North and South Islands. The wine country includes the Marlborough region, popular for its Sauvignon Blanc and other blends. The area offers scenic hikes and picturesque views, and you can also stop by the Nelson Region to try craft beer. 

9. Slovenia 

Slovenia is another less common wine destination you must visit. What some don’t know is that Slovenia has a rich viticulture history. Its wine-making goes back over 2000 years and offers an intriguing tourism experience. The country has various wine regions, including Primorska, Posavje, and Podravje. Primorska is among the most popular for its coastal vineyards, Venetian charm, and immersive wine tours. 

10. Greece 

While Greek wine is a rare export, it’s worth a trip to the Mediterranean. Greece has a rich wine-making heritage, and one of its most popular regions is Santorini. The island has the oldest vineyards in Greece, which were sought after for centuries by the Ottomans and Russians. Today, these unique vines grow Assyrtiko and Vinsanto grapes, producing delicious, sweet wines. 

While less popular than Santorini, Crete is another must-visit Greek wine region. Situated in the Southern part of Greece, Crete produces unique wine styles and local cuisine that pair beautifully together. Its wine-making dates back over 3,500 years and boasts many indigenous grape varieties. These produce aromatic, fruity, refreshing red and white wines perfect for sipping poolside on your summer holiday. 

11. Spain 

Spain is a renowned wine region with over 139 wine destinations. While La Rioja and  Ribera del Duero are popular wine regions, many excellent and under-the-radar locations exist, one of which is Malaga. 

The Southern destination is a hidden gem for wine lovers. It has a long wine-making history and produces high-quality fortified semi-dry, sweet, and sparkling varieties. The city also offers picturesque oceans, mountains, and a vibrant culture. 

Start Your Tour With Park On King 

Now that you have a taste of the world’s wines, you can start planning your trip. But before booking your accommodations and tours, it’s best to tick off your airport parking.

Park On King offers quality and comprehensive airport parking to ensure an excellent travel experience. With many wineries to visit, our long-term airport parking services ensure your car is secure and ready when you return. It also gives you more packing freedom and space to bring home more than one bottle.

Book your parking online.