Wine tourism is a good reason to visit another country or take a ride on your own. And we will show you a list of places worth visiting for fine connoisseurs of wine, cognac and other strong drinks.
The selection was compiled on the basis of the recommendations of the experts of the resource Winerist. Information on the cost of tours to wineries is taken from open sources - the sites of travel agencies that provide such services.
10. Yarra River Valley, Australia
The wildfires that have raged in Australia since August 2019 have not affected the Yarra River Valley, which is considered the center of Australian winemaking. Everything from wine and small-scale cider to trendy breweries and excellent local seafood for a snack can be found here.
An excursion to the most popular wineries in Yarra (there are about 80 of them in the valley) will cost an average of $ 352 (23,664 rubles) for a group of 1-3 people. Please note that this price does not include tasting ($ 1 to $ 5) and lunch.
This superb experience is served alongside the quintessential Australian lifestyle and is complemented by stunning views of the mountain range in Yarra Ranges National Park.
9. Bordeaux and Cognac, France
Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and a Mecca for wine lovers. However, this city is worth a visit not only for the excellent alcohol, but also for the splendid architecture, for example, the Cathedral of Saint-André, whose walls are decorated with paintings from the XIV-XVI. And also in Bordeaux there is the longest pedestrian street in Europe - Sainte-Catherine.
It is impossible to talk about Bordeaux without mentioning its equally famous neighbor, the city of Cognac. In the intimate atmosphere of this tiny city and its environs, it is so pleasant to see the whole process of creating various varieties of the legendary drink and, of course, to do a tasting. There are about 500 cognac companies on the territory of the town.
By the way, not only cognac is produced in Cognac, but also cheese from cow or goat milk, to which cognac is added.
If you don't want to take an expensive excursion to Bordeaux, you can save some money and visit the Wine Museum. The entrance ticket costs about 1,500 rubles ($ 22). The price includes a wine tasting on the Belvedere on the 8th floor.
But the "cognac tour" costs 539 dollars (36,181 rubles) per person.
8. England
Good old England is a popular wine and food tourism destination. Beautiful southern counties such as Hampshire and Sussex produce world-renowned sparkling wines, and Kent has over 50 operating wineries.
One of the most famous wine producers in England is the Gusbourne Estate (Kent). Guided tours include drinks, a 3-course lunch and access to some rare editions of wine.
We also recommend visiting the oldest vineyard in Kent - Biddenden, open all year round. Since 1969, Biddenden has been producing a wide range of wines, but excellent sparkling wines have become its trademark. Enjoying them will cost you, on average, $ 110 (7,387 rubles).
7. Moldova
This small country, located between Romania and Ukraine, is a fortunate combination of pastoral countryside, gorgeous architecture and rural charm.What's more, Moldova is also home to the largest underground wine cellar in the world and has over 150 wine producers of all shapes and sizes.
The cost of a bottle of local wine starts at 60 lei (about 230 rubles). And if you want to buy a tour of the best Moldovan vineyards and wineries, it will cost 250-1300 lei or 760-5000 rubles per person (the price depends on the inclusion of souvenirs in the package).
Natural beauty of Moldova, delicious local food and wine, what else do you need to have a good vacation?
6. Franciacorta, Italy
This wine-growing area is located just an hour's drive from Milan and is one of the treasures of Italy. The delicious sparkling wines of Franciacorta are carbonated using the same traditional method of champagne as for French champagne.
The cost of a tour around the territory, excluding tasting and transport, is about $ 165 per group (11,093 rubles).
Local drinks provide an unforgettable experience for the most discerning wine tourist. The most famous brands include: Enrico Gatti, Monte Rossa, Corteaura, Majolini, Fratelli Berlucchi, Bellavista, etc.
Add to this the many UNESCO sites, serene Italian lakes and mind-boggling local cuisine, and Franciacorta is the perfect holiday destination.
5. Sicily, Italy
The dazzling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are the setting for the pearl of Sicily, which combines architectural splendor with some of the finest vineyards in the world.
Marsala, a strong Sicilian dessert wine, has a rich flavor profile, the main notes of which include sweet vanilla and brown sugar, hints of apricot and even tobacco. The taste of these wines is so good that most of them never leave the borders of Sicily. You can't blame the Sicilians for wanting to keep the best for themselves, can you?
The cost of a wine tour in Sicily is, on average, $ 767 (51,520 rubles) for groups of 3 to 5 people. This program usually includes a tasting of the winery's wines, as well as related products.
4. Alentejo, Portugal
The largest area in Portugal will impress you with ancient architecture with strong Roman influence, endless fields, tranquil city beaches, and, of course, local wines.
Feature of wines from Alentejo is fresh taste and very pleasant aroma. Red wines have a richer and more tart taste, while white wines taste more "calm".
A tour of the beauties and wine cellars of Alentejo with tasting of local wines in the capital Évora will cost about $ 367 or 24,732 rubles.
3. Western Cape Province, South Africa
The region surprises and delights with its absolute commitment to the very best in food and wine tourism. It is home to the famous wineries located in the towns of Stellenbosch, Franshoek, Elgin and the settlement of Parl.
In addition, the Western Cape is one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth, and even a staunch teetotaler will find many interesting places to visit here.
We recommend starting your South African wine journey from the "city of oaks" - Stellenbosch - which has over 100 wineries, most of which are open to the public. The trip will cost $ 265 (17,874 rubles), including lunch at one of the wineries.
2. Santa Barbara, USA
Many Russians associate the name of this city with one of the longest soap operas in the history of cinema. In real life, however, Santa Barbara is renowned for its beautiful beaches, laid-back Californian culture, and of course an array of amazing local food and wine.
The price of an individual tour with a visit to four Santa Barbara wine cellars and a tasting starts at 9,000 rubles (135 dollars).
1.Russia
Why go to another country, thousands of kilometers from home, if the best places for wine tourism in 2020 are in Russia? And much cheaper than abroad.
For example, the cost of the wine and gastronomic tour "Don Wine Roads" is 2,990 rubles per person for a group of 20 or more.This price includes not only transport services, but also lunch and wine tasting at the Chateau Elbuzd winery.
Slightly more expensive - within 6,000 rubles - is a group trip to the Uppa Winery winery in Crimea, where one of the the best Russian wines... The program includes a tasting of 4 bottles of wine.
It is not difficult to find a wine tour in Russia, and if you have not thought about such a trip yet, then perhaps this year is the time to try something new. Literally.