7 of the world’s best wine regions

Posted 19 February, 2020 Lauren Ferrone

Fill your glass and join us on an epic wine tour of the world’s best grape-growing regions. Here are 7 jaw-dropping ones to raise your glass to and add to the bucket list.  

1. Star-quality drops

Marlborough, New Zealand

Not only is New Zealand’s sunniest region, Marlborough, famed for appearing in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, it’s also the country’s largest wine-growing region. It’s best known for its zesty sauvignon blanc, and visitors can take their pick from more than 150 wineries and 50 cellar doors.    

2. Heaven on Earth

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa

Wildlife safaris are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about South Africa – not wine country. But off the beaten track, about an hour and a half southeast from Cape Town, is the relatively new wine region Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Aptly translating to ‘heaven on Earth’, this cool-climate valley produces wines that taste heavenly. You can also sip a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay overlooking the mountains in South Africa’s Cape Winelands – one of the country’s wine regions which boasts some of most majestic scenery.    

3. Spice things up

Chile, South America

Just as South American food bursts with flavour, so does Chilean wine. Spices, mint, blackcurrant, olives, chocolate and even tobacco are blended to produce the country’s most famous cabernet sauvignon. Check out Casablanca Valley, where tours include horse-drawn carriages and cable cars.    

4. California dreaming

Napa Valley, USA

Swap the bright lights of Hollywood for California’s famous Napa Valley. With more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is a wine connoisseur’s dream. Meaning the land of plenty, the valley lives up to its name when it comes to grapey goodness, thanks largely to its Mediterranean climate. Sunny, dry days and cool evenings allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. One of the best ways to see Napa’s stunning vineyards is to take to the sky in a hot air balloon and gaze at the beauty beneath.