With vacation season well and truly upon us it’s time to get good and ready for some exciting trips; whether a short-holiday break or a longer travelling expedition. From frequent to occasional globe hoppers; sometimes, we all can find ourselves a little unsure of which destination to add to our list next. Planning can be a bit tough if you feel spoilt for choice, but the best thing to do is decide what you are looking for? Are you craving a city break full of cultural sights, or a beach holiday to relax fully? Perhaps instead, it’s something in between? Well if you’re a wine lover at least, this guide will make things a tad easier, with so many stunning and wine worthy regions to explore, let’s pour a glass and take a look at some of the top picks.
Tuscany
Tuscany is part of central Italy, stretching from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian. It’s rich with beautiful landscapes of Mediterranean greenery along with gorgeous beaches and crystal waters along the coast. Florence is the capital of this region of Italy, famed for its stunning architecture and history. One of the most visited tourist destinations in Florence is the Duomo Cathedral. The Duomo is based on Gothic designs by Arnolfo di Cambio; its construction began in 1296 and was completed 140 years later.
Chianti is considered one of the most stunning parts of the Tuscany region and Chianti wine, made from Sangiovese grapes, typically includes flavours of red fruits, herbs and balsamic vinegar with smoky undertones.
For another unmissable wine tasting experience, many flock to the town of Montalcino. Brunello di Montalcino wine is found here, it’s famous internationally and is very unique because it is the only wine made entirely of Sangiovese grapes. The taste depends on whether it is a younger or an older wine. The younger wines usually include flavors of blackberry, strawberry, violets or licorice. With the older wines, one can taste slightly sweeter flavours of cherries and dried figs.
Of course, Italy is also famous for its delicious cuisines and rest assured there will be plenty of welcome advice from the locals to help you pair your favourite wine with some delicious dishes!
Calistoga
Calistoga is a city in Napa Valley California. It’s small, beautiful and famous all around the world for its spas and top wineries. Castello di Amorosa is an iconic winery, an elegant castle inspired by 13th century and Tuscan designs, that attracts visitors all year long. Here you’ll find ample delicious wines from the vineyards of Napa Valley, with so much choice to suit your tipple from red-cherry Pinot Noirs to dry Gewürztraminer with flavours of lychee and apricots.
If you’re the arty type you should check out Ca’ Toga Galleria D’Arte, created by Carlo Marchiori across two locations; Villa Ca’ Toga and Ca’ Toga Art Gallery. The Villa is made up of several rooms all themed with architecture and art that fuses traditional Italian Renaissance art with mythical themes. The art gallery showcases Marchioris’ sculptures, prints, and drawings.
When looking for a place to stay, Sonoma Vacation Rentals offer plenty of attractive options with ample benefits and packages to delight the wine lover! With so much to enjoy here, you’re unlikely to be disappointed! Castiloga is a genuinely versatile destination, suitable for families, friends, or couples wanting a romantic break alone.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is located in California, right in Sonoma’s wine country. Here you will be spoilt for wineries to visit along with truly spectacular scenery. There are three main wine valleys, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. Close to Castiloga, you’ll be able to see what both of these stunning places have to offer if you choose either for your wine-themed getaway! (Every year, wine-lovers from across the globe flock to wine country to experience their ideal adventure!)
Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is a picturesque village that sits right in the heart of the world-famous Bordeaux wine region; it’s a highly popular tourist destination for its breathtaking scenery and many sights. Château Coutet is an excellent winery in Saint-Émilion that will impress any wine enthusiast. The winery offers different types of tours that include wine tasting as well as the opportunity to learn about: the biodiversity of the site and organic wine; the vines and the wine processes; and the history of the site itself. Château Coutet has hundreds of years of history, since the 17th century, it has been passed down through many generations. You’ll love this quaint place and find the wine on offer second to none!
For further sights to fill your history boots, Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Emilion is a Unesco world heritage site for a very good reason. This stunning monolithic church will delight your eyes and your cameras both with its beautiful bell tower that was built between the 12th and the 15th century. If you’re feeling brave, why not climb the 196 steps for some truly spectacular views?
Mosel-saar-ruwer
Mosel-saar-ruwer is a famous wine-growing region of Germany, the heart of which is the Mosel River. The vineyards are set elegantly along the river, sloping towards its banks. The wines styles here are traditionally made from the Riesling grape, which usually produces flavours of peach, lime or green apple. In Mosel, this wine is also said to have a mineral- like taste, or to include notes of honey. Many who visit Mosel will have the city of Trier on their to-do-list. Here you can visit the oldest cathedral in Germany, or indulge in a bike tour to take in the charm of the city and sample some excellent museums along the way.
With so many destinations for wine lovers to take their pick from, it can be hard to make a final decision! If you have a preference for types and styles of wine, perhaps your decision can be informed by this? If not, put them all on your wine-lovers bucket list and get going!
