If you love wine and you love holidays, why not combine the two? There is no better feeling than drinking a glass of local wine whilst gazing over the best views that the country which produced it has to offer and learning a bit more about your favourite tipple into the bargain.
France
France is, of course, one of the world’s most prolific producers of wines and trying to taste the numerous varieties from the many regions could take weeks. From the soft reds of Burgundy to the crisp whites produced in the Loire Valley, from Provencal’s famous rosés to the authentic bubbles of Champagne, France offers everything a wine lover could dream of.
Spain
The wine industry in Spain is booming and it’s not hard to see (and taste) why. It’s impossible to choose one region over another, but wine hot spots include Rioja, Ribera and Navarra. They are blessed both with a fascinating culture, beautiful architecture and great places to stay. You will also find a huge variety of wines to try in the cities, as well as enough culture to satisfy the most ardent history lover.
Italy
Wine has been produced in Italy for centuries. You will find experts at every location you care to mention offering in-depth advice and fascinating historical details. Famous for its wine production, its delicious food, its friendly people and scenery to die for, Italy may just be the perfect holiday location for a wine connoisseur. From Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna and from Veneto to Rome, you can’t help but find a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy some local wine under the trailing bougainvillea.
The Americas
Travelling further afield, why not consider a trip to California? The climate supports masses of vineyards which produce a variety of delicious wines to try. With terrain including the tallest mountains and the valleys and the plains in between, a contrasting assortment of wines are produced by the individual micro-climates that make up this great state. You are guaranteed sunshine and the welcoming atmosphere of this tourist-friendly destination will ensure you have a holiday that you will remember for years to come. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head for Chile. Try visiting the world-famous city of Casablanca for a taste of the fine sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and pinot noirs that are so characteristic of that area. Chile is now rightly regarded as a leading producer of quality wines and is a destination not to be missed.
South Africa
South Africa might not be first country that springs to mind when thinking of combining wine with travel, but think again. South African wines continue to grow in popularity and South Africa is a uniquely beautiful country with a great climate and an abundance of attractive destinations. You could consider a trip to the famous Winelands that nestle among the mountains east of Cape Town and produce some of Africa’s finest wines.
Never before have the world’s best wine-producing areas been so accessible. You can visit www.coachholidays.com to book a trip to a destination where you will find a warm welcome and, of course, a freshly poured glass of fine wine waiting for you.
