5 Best Wine-Tasting Experiences in the World

Wine tasting has become a genuine travel activity with so many callers offering more than just red or white in the glass. It all comes down to a unique experience that people can retell their friends, stepping out of the classic tour and giving it an exciting twist. If this sounds great to you, here are the 5 best wine-tasting experiences in the world you shouldn't miss. 

1. Kangaroos and winemaking in  Australia

Probably one of the most adventurous destinations, Australia has several regions that produce world-renowned wine while being uniquely interesting at the same time. First on the itinerary should be Hunter Valley with the oldest tradition of winemaking in the country. The luxurious vibe of top-tier cuisine, diverse Hunter Valley accommodation offers, hot air balloon rides, and pampering spas turned it into a popular weekend destination.

Stop by Whispering Brook winery to learn about the winemaking process while trying to spot resident kangaroos between the vines. You can go a step further and join the Get Your Hands Dirty event at Brokenwood Wines in February for traditional grape stomping in the large barrels. 

What makes Hunter Valley more special are music events usually held during festivals and on the estates, like Rod Steward and Cyndi Lauper set to perform at Roche Estate in April. Make sure to visit Baiame Cave to see the preserved Aboriginal rock art of the Wonnarua people depicting Baiame — the creator of life and land.

2. South Africa's famous vineyards

South Africa has one of the most fertile vineyards in the world and is famous for its signature grape Pinotage. Most wineries (or wine farms, as they are called here) are located near Cape Town in the Stellenbosch region. One of the most notable wine estates there is Stark-Conde famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon produced organically. With a tasting room with a 360-degree view of the Jonkershoek Mountains and vineyards, sipping the wine is truly an otherworldly experience.

Hartenberg winery is open the whole year round offering wine tasting even during the winter, although it's most visited in the summer. The estate organizes picnics on the lawns as part of the tour, as well as lunch on the terrace or you can just take a nap. Here you can also see over 75 bird species, Nguni cattle, and mongoose that leave on the estate. 

However, if you are interested in safari, Saxenburg Estates Winery has a game camp that is open to visitors. The staff will gladly take you for a walk to see the South African wildlife before tasting their exquisite Shiraz. 

3. Architecture and wine museums in France

When someone mentions wine, France is usually the first country that comes to mind. It has some of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world, like the Provence and its landscapes at the foothills of Mont Ventoux. Here, you will find Vignerons du Mont Ventoux winery and get to know its history on a dune buggy ride. 

However, you can go a step further by stopping by the Château du Payre estate on the bank of the Garonne river in the Bordeaux wine region. This eco-friendly winery will teach you how to make wine by helping you create your own bland and you can even win a prize for it from the local judges. 

Being this close to Garonne is a great opportunity to do some sightseeing in the city of Bordeaux, like Place de la Bourse designed by Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV’s favorite architect. Visit the bohemian Chartrons neighborhood and its Wine and Trade Museum where you can hear more about wine trading and even join some tasting. 

4. Renaissance and Chianti in Italy

In Italy, wine and food are best friends you are rarely apart. If you are a foodie and want to try some amazing wines, then visiting Sicily should be on your bucket list. At Podere dell'Etna Segreta winery you won’t just eat and taste, but also learn how to cook Sicilian dishes after the tour of the estate. On the other hand, at Cantine Gulino in south-eastern Sicily, you can taste wines from nearly extinct grape varieties, like Moscato di Siracusa, and Nero d’Avola. 

Of course, we can't talk about Italian wines without Tuscany, considered to be the most famous for its Chianti which goes hand-in-hand with slices of authentic prosciutto. We suggest you stop by the Antinori estate that's been in the winemaking business since the late 14th century and try chef Matteo Cambi’s Chianti burger. Since Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, you will enjoy the nearby Uffizi museum in Florence — the finest art collection in Italy. 

5. Chocolate and wine tasting in Chile

Considered one of the biggest producers of wine, Chile has been in this business since the Spanish conquests in the 16th century. It has three main wine regions — Elqui Valley, Maipo Valley, and Colchagua Valley. 

We suggest you first stop by the Maipo Valley and its Undurraga Winery founded in 1885. They are dedicated to creating unique and highest-quality grapes with minimal intervention, by studying soils and minimizing the use of chemicals. 

Not all wineries are this old. Viña Chocalán in the same region was founded in 2001 and quickly became the leading producer of Chilean wine. They have a special type of wine tasting where they pair it with locally-produced chocolate, another product popular in Chile. 

But, once in Chile, make sure to try pisco — a brandy made from young fermented wine that the country is famous for. This spirit is made only in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions because of the agreeable environmental conditions, like low humidity and desert. Since they are located in the Elqui Valley, besides pisco, stop by the Falernia Vineyard to try its signature Syrah.  

Final thoughts

These may be the best wine-tasting experiences in the world, but they are also great travel destinations to explore other cultures and landscapes. After all, nothing brings out the stories better than a cozy setting overlooking the lush vineyards and offering a cheese platter with the most special wines.