Best Wine Regions to Visit Around the World
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Wine, the music among beverages has never lost its fame in the world. The old-world wine regions are leading the world of this delicious juice with wisdom and experience. But the new-world is also there, standing shoulder to shoulder with their innovative techniques. There are many old and new fantastic wine regions in the world. So, finding the best wine regions of the world among them is not an easy task. But have no worries as we did exactly that for you, fellow wine enthusiasts.
So, pour a sweet glass of wine and get ready to travel to 20 wine regions throughout 8 countries in the old and new world of wine.
Old World – Best Wine Regions to Visit Around the World
France
France is the world’s third producer of wine by volume with 14.2 million hectoliters a year. You can find almost every type of wine imaginable that is made traditionally in this land.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux enters the best wine regions around the world with wines made of six types of grapes. They are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère. It is also the biggest producer of appellation wines in France with over 57 appellations across Bordeaux. There also are a handful of UNESCO world heritage sites among these wine yards. So, the beauty of the land is the next thing it is famous for the quality of wine they produce. Liber Pater is the most expensive wine to taste that comes from this region and it costs around 4411$. However, the cheapest wine in the area, Cave de Quinsac Clairet de Quinsac is only 4$
Burgundy
Burgundy enters the best wine regions around the world with the most expensive wines there is to some affordable ones. Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 23234$. Yet, the cheapest wine in the area, Vignerons de Bel-Air Coteaux Bourguignons Grande QV is only 8$. However, the quality and taste of Burgundy wine are always at their peak whatever the price is. Burgundy is with a moderate climate and beautiful scenarios. It is relatively a small region but there are over 100 appellations in the area. So, it also is a major player who provides a major quantity of wine to the outcome of France.
Spain
Spain is the world’s second-largest producer of wine by volume with 21.3 million hectoliters a year. The volume of red wines slightly outnumbers white wine in Spain. When it comes to grapes Arien, Tempranillo, Bobal, Garnacha, Monastrell, Pardina, and Palomino are the most common in this land.
Rioja
Berry-scented and barrel-aged red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes are what highlight Rioja wine to the map. They give out 18 million boxes of 12 bottles each every year. They also make Spain the world’s second-largest producer of sparkling wine. The price of Rioja wine is varying according to the types of wine and their made. They variate from 5 $ bottles of Bodegas Estraunza Solar de Estraunza Tintoof to Sierra Cantabria ‘Magico’ bottles of 540 $. Rioja benefits from hot summers and cold winters and the rainfall in the area is relatively high.
Cava
What brings Cava to the mix of the best wine regions around the world is its sparkling wine. The most common grapes they use are Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. They contribute 2.5 million hectoliters to Spain’s wine production every year. The price of Cava wine is varying according to the types of wine and their made. They variate from 3$ bottles of Dubois Semi-Seco Cava to Gramona Enoteca 12 Anys Brut Cava bottles of 145$. Cava benefits from a mild winter and, and early spring. So the growing season of Cava is relatively long.
Italy
Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine by volume with 21.6 million hectoliters a year. Vineyard cultivation covers an area of 702,000 hectares in Italy and makes up 26% of Italy’s foodstuffs exports. When it comes to grapes Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Aglianico, Barbera, and Chardonnay are the most popular in this land.
Veneto
Veneto joins the best wine regions around the world with a variety of wines made mostly of native grapes. The most common grapes they use are Glera, Garganega, and Corvina Veronese. They contribute 8.18 million hectoliters to Italian wine production every year. This is also 3% of wine production in the world. The price of Veneto wine is varying according to the types of wine and their made. Bottles of Cantine Riondo ‘Castelforte’ Appassimento Rosso Veneto are the most affordable with a prize of 3$. The most expensive are Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Selezione DOCG bottles which cost 1378$. Veneto has a climate that changes significantly yet still supports the growth of its sweet wine.
Tuscany
The next entry of our list of best wine regions around the world is Tuscany. Tuscany is with a mild Mediterranean climate and an incredible landscape of rolling hills and unbelievable views. They also contribute to the Italian legacy by producing 7.3 billion ounces of wine every year. The most common grapes they use in Tuscany wine are Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia near, Trebbiano, and Mammolo. The price of Tuscany wine is varying according to the types of wine and their made. They variate from 4$ bottles of Castello Banfi Entree Red Toscana to Masseto Toscana bottles of 872 $.
New World – Best Wine Regions to Visit Around the World
USA
The USA has a history of wine production of about 500 years old and today all of its states have joined the market. With its 4,500 km2 of vineyards, the United States is the fourth largest wine producer in the world.
Napa Valley
This American viticultural area enters our list of best wine regions around the most celebrated in America. This land has a Dry Mediterranean climate which can only be found on just 2% of the Earth’s surface. They also produce 4% of California’s wine grape harvest. The most common grapes they use in Napa Valley wine are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, and sauvignon blanc. The price of Tuscany wine is varying according to the types of wine and their made. They variate from 5$ bottles of Beringer Vineyards Main & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon to Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc bottles of 6285$.
Sanoma Valley
Next in our list of best wine regions around the world is a viticultural ground 2400ft above sea level. This land is with a wide variety of climate and soil conditions. So, it is ideal for various types of grapes. So, you can find over 1100 growers growing grapes in this area. The most common grapes of the area are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot noir. This land produced around 206100 tons of grapes a year. However, the most expensive wine that comes from this region is Paul Hobbs Cuvee Agustina Richard Dinner Vineyard Chardonnay which costs 148$. The cheapest brand in the area is Resolute – Aerena Chardonnay which is 19$.
Snake River
Snake River enters the best wine regions around the world as an AVA which covers 5 million acres. There are over 45 vineyards in the area. So, this is an area where a variety of grapes is grown. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canadice, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Lemberger, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Riesling, and Syrah are some of them. This land is also in the ideal growing condition for grape farming as it is with a four-season climate. Ste Chapelle ‘Soft Huckleberry’ is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 9$. However, the cheapest wine in the area named Ste Chapelle ‘Chateau Series’ Chardonnay is also only 8$
Australia wine regions
The wine industry plays a major role in the Australian economy not just with exports but also with employment and tourism. There are over 60 designated wine regions in this country. We include four of the best in our list of best wine regions around the world from them.
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is the best-known as well as the most celebrated wine region in Australia. This addition to our list of best wine regions around the world is also the oldest region of the land. The most common grapes you can find in the Hunter Valley area are Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. However, Hunter Valley produces less than 2% of the wine in Australia. This land of beauty has a climate similar to a Mediterranean climate. So, it is ideal for their grapes of choice. Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 160$. The cheapest wine in the area, Rothbury Estate Chardonnay is only 8$.
Tempting to taste a delicate Semillon or a sparkling Shiraz and pair with local food? Why not book a Hunter Valley wine tour from this link – https://www.huntervalley.tours/ . If you would like a more personalized experience with a private guide, there are Hunter Valley private tours to book for an extra cost.
Yarra Valley
This wine region in the east of Melbourne is with a cool climate. So, they mostly grow Bordeaux Blend Red, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay Shiraz which thrives well there. Yarra Valley is with 6,157 acres of vineyards and 160 wineries. It is most famous for its Chardonnay, sparkling wine, and Pinot noir. Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and a bottle costs around 181$. But, the cheapest wine in the area, Redbank Emily Pinot, costs only 9$.
Barossa Valley
Our next pick from the best wine regions around the world is a well-celebrated wine region in Adelaide. The most popular grape in the area is Shiraz. It also covers above half of the land dedicate for vineyards. Grenache and Syrah are also famous in this area. Barossa Valley plays a significant role in Australia’s wine production with its 150+ wineries and 25600 acres of vineyards. Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 724$. However, the cheapest wine in the area, Grant Burge ‘Gb’ 56 Shiraz, is only 8$
Margaret River
25% of Australian premium wine comes from Margaret River which has over 20 vineyards within its 5017 hectares. When in comparison with other regions of Australia, this land has the most reliable climate for the growth of wine. The most popular wines in Margaret River are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc – Semillon. The cheapest wine in the area, Deep Woods Estate Ivory Sauvignon Blanc is only 9$. But, the most expensive wine in the area, Cullen Vanya ‘Flower Day’ Cabernet Sauvignon costs around 319$
Argentina wine regions
Argentina holds an important place among the countries of the new world when it comes to wine production. It is the largest producer of wine in South America. Argentina is also the fifth-biggest producer of wine in the world.
Province of Mendoza
This addition to our best wine regions around the world list is the biggest wine region in Argentina. It is also responsible for 70% of wine comes from the country. 45% of grapes they grow are Malbec. The grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also popular in the area. The climate of this large land is with semi-arid desert conditions. The most expensive wine in the region costs around 700$ and it is called Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada. However, the cheapest wine in the area, Trapiche Alaris Malbec is only 3$.
San Juan
San Juan is a wine region with a desert-like climate above 40ºC in the daytime but 10ºC at the night. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz are the most common grapes you can see in these vineyards. This is also the second-biggest wine region in the country. They produce one in five bottles of Argentine. Bemberg Estate Wines ‘La Linterna’ Parcela No. 13 Finca La Yesca Malbec, is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 71$. The cheapest wine in the area, Bodega El Esteco Elementos Torrontes is only 3$.
World’s best wine regions – New Zealand
These remote islands in the Pacific are with 10 major wine-growing regions. They joined the market of this sweet beverage not so long ago but they are climbing up in the world of wine fast. Today they are with a wide range of wine varieties that attracts the wine enthusiastic community.
Marlborough
The next entry in our list of best wine regions around the world is also the most important wine region in New Zealand. This vineyard covers over 64,250 acres and is home to 500+ growers. Marlborough has cold winters but hot summers making it well-suited for the grapes of choice they grow. Sauvignon Blanc takes over 66% of its production. Point Noir and Chardonnay are also popular in this area. Seresin Sun & Moon Pinot Noir is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 83$. The cheapest wine in the area, Duck Point Sauvignon Blanc is only 7$.
There are many wine tour operators in the Marlborough area.
Hawke’s Bay
This is among the best wine regions around the world is the oldest wine region in New Zealand. It is also the second-largest wine region in the country. The most expensive wine that comes from this region is Church Road Tom Syrah and it costs around 140$. The cheapest wine in the area, Longridge Merlot is only 5$. The sunny climate of the area supports its growth of Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux Blend Red grapes. They are also responsible for 10.2% of New Zealand wines.
Wairarapa
Wairarapa produces 1% of the New Zealand wine and had 2.5% of New Zealand’s vine area. It is also the home to 72 wineries in the country. This entry to the best wine regions around the world prefers Point Noir above all. Sauvignon Blanc and Point Gris are popular in the area. Urlar Select Parcels Noble Riesling is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 54$. The cheapest wine in the area, Matahiwi Estate ‘ME’ Chardonnay is only 11$. Due to the long cost line, the land enjoys a semi-maritime climate.
South Africa
South Africa entered the game of the wine market at the very beginning. Infect, Infect, have been making wine since the 17th century. There even was a time the wine of this nation ruled over all others in the world.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch has a much hot and dry climate relative to other entries of the best wine regions around the world in this list. However, it is home to many varieties of wine too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Bordeaux Blend Red are the most popular among them. De Toren Expression Unique Book XVII Red is the most expensive wine that comes from this region and it costs around 253$. The cheapest wine in the area, Zevenwacht 7even Rose is only 4$. They also make approximately 1100 million litres of wine each year.
Paarl
This is the last entry to our list of best wine regions around the world. This region has a history of 360 years behind it. They also have over 6,000 ha of vines and 120 wineries. Long, hot summers and cold, rainy winters are the common climates around the region. The most common grapes grown in the area are Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. The most expensive wine comes from this region and costs around 83$ and it is named Vilafonte Series C Red. The cheapest wine in the area, Boland Cellar Five Climates is only 5$.
Add these destinations to your list of stops this holiday to enjoy the true magic of wine in the places of their origin. Keep in mind that the prices given are the average prices in the market. So, they could slightly vary as to the place you buy the wine.
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