Ever wonder where you can find the best wine in the world?
White, red, or rosé; most of us enjoy a good glass of wine with our meals or, why not, during a romantic date? Even if you’re not a connoisseur, you’re bound to know that some wines are better than others. In fact, the word “better” does not do them justice. We would like to present you with a list of the world’s biggest wine destinations, in a style similar to our coverage of the best chocolate in the world.
No. 7: Aquitane, France
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The reason Aquitane made our countdown? Well, it produces the most prestigious brand of wine in the world: Château d’Yquem. A bottle of it sold for over $100,000 at an auction in 2011, making it the most expensive single bottle of wine. While in Aquitane, you can also visit the Bordeaux Wine School and the various castles around the region, or you can embark on a wine tour.
No. 6: Napa Valley, California
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Undoubtedly the most popular wine region in the US, Napa Valley boasts about 400 wineries. Napa Valley is best known for producing high-quality Chardonnays and Cabs. And the food here more than complements the selection of wines, so don’t miss out on the local cuisine. When you’re done wine tasting, you can hit the golf course or relax in one of the region’s numerous spas.
Curious where else you can find some of the best wine in the world? Continue reading to find out.
No. 5: Province of Mendoza, Argentina
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The Province of Mendoza is a wine region that features an impressive 1200 wineries. There are a lot of tours and tastings organized so, if you’re ever here, make sure you don’t miss them out. In addition, there are a lot of fun things one can do in Mendoza: skiing, rafting, biking, and hiking.
No. 4: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, South Africa
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Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the two most popular wine regions in South Africa, and they feature all types and sizes of wineries, from small to grand. Stellenbosch is especially well-renowned for its variety of red wines, while Franschhoek prides itself with its selection of white, French-inspired, wines.
No. 3: Hunter Valley, Australia
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The oldest wine region in Australia, Hunter Valley prides itself with no less than 140 wineries. Local highlights include Semillon and Shiraz. You can even embark on a guided tour that will expose you to the beauty of Hunter Valley and will give you a taste of its great wine and food.
No. 2: Sonoma County, California
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Sonoma County is rated higher than the other US contender in our countdown because, although it produces less quantities of wine, it has a much wider variety: Chardonnay, Zinfandel and pretty much anything in between. The wineries here have a more laid-back feel to them and after you’re done wine tasting, you can relax at one of the numerous local spas.
No. 1: Tuscany, Italy
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Tuscany is home to Italy’s most renowned wineries and it is pretty much impossible to find a bottle of wine in this region which isn’t simply exquisite. Highlights include the “Super Tuscans”, Chianti, or Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Apart from producing probably the best wine in the world, Tuscany is also a breathtakingly beautiful region, so your visit will definitely be worthwhile.