7 of the world’s best wine regions

Stunning wine locations to cheers to.

By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Fill your glass and join us on an epic wine tour of the world’s best grape-growing regions. Here are 7 jaw-dropping ones to raise your glass to and add to the bucket list.

1. Star-quality drops

Marlborough, New Zealand

Not only is New Zealand’s sunniest region, Marlborough, famed for appearing in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, it’s also the country’s largest wine-growing region. It’s best known for its zesty sauvignon blanc, and visitors can take their pick from more than 150 wineries and 50 cellar doors.

Bright green Marlborough vineyard in New Zealand.
Fluorescent green vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand. Image: iStock

2. Heaven on Earth

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa

Wildlife safaris are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about South Africa – not wine country. But off the beaten track, about an hour and a half southeast from Cape Town, is the relatively new wine region Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Aptly translating to ‘heaven on Earth’, this cool-climate valley produces wines that taste heavenly. You can also sip a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay overlooking the mountains in South Africa’s Cape Winelands – one of the country’s wine regions which boasts some of most majestic scenery.

Winemaker looking down from a rocky outcrop towards resting vineyard in winter.
Cape Winelands is another region in South Africa with cool-climate vineyards. Image: iStock

3. Spice things up

Chile, South America

Just as South American food bursts with flavour, so does Chilean wine. Spices, mint, blackcurrant, olives, chocolate and even tobacco are blended to produce the country’s most famous cabernet sauvignon. Check out Casablanca Valley, where tours include horse-drawn carriages and cable cars.

Empanadas on a plate with a glass of wine.
Just like its food, Chilean wine has a kick to it. Image: iStock

4. California dreaming

Napa Valley, USA

Swap the bright lights of Hollywood for California’s famous Napa Valley. With more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is a wine connoisseur’s dream. Meaning the land of plenty, the valley lives up to its name when it comes to grapey goodness, thanks largely to its Mediterranean climate. Sunny, dry days and cool evenings allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. One of the best ways to see Napa’s stunning vineyards is to take to the sky in a hot air balloon and gaze at the beauty beneath.

Hot air ballooning over Napa Valley winery.
Hot air balloon ride over vines in the Napa Valley, California. Image: iStock

5. Love in a bottle

Bordeaux, France

With close to 125,000 hectares under vine, Bordeaux is the largest wine producing region in France. Sample wines and gourmet produce or go on a private tasting tour of the Saint-Emilion region. You can find these luxurious wine experiences through RAA Travel.

Green winery along dirt road in France.
Bordeaux is the largest wine producing region in France. Image: iStock

6. Vino at the heart

Tuscany, Italy

In the heart of Italy you’ll find Tuscany. Picturesque rolling hills and medieval villages dot the Tuscan countryside, making it the perfect backdrop to enjoy a vino. We’ve tailored some luxurious Tuscan experiences just for you.

Vineyards in Tuscany at sunset, Chianti region.
Rolling hills and medieval villages surround Tuscan vineyards. Image: iStock

7. A taste of home

South Australia, Australia

Call us biased, but South Australia produces some seriously good wine. And you don’t have to travel far for a taste – many regions are just a stone’s throw away from Adelaide. We’ve made it easy for RAA members to take their pick from wine experiences across the state. All you need to do is head to RAA Travel for exclusive wine and food pairings, cellar door tours and many more close-to-home experiences right here in your backyard.

Couple walking through a vineyard with a bottle of wine.
Unwind with a glass – or bottle – at Pikes Winery, Clare Valley. Image: SATC/Mike Annese

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