If you love to travel and love wine, then we've got a treat for you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best wine-producing regions in which to enjoy the world’s best bottles. From Australia to Canada, with stops in between in Europe, South Africa and South America, you’re sure to find places and wines with which to fall in love.
One note before proceeding, however; we’ve tried to be as international as possible with our list, so please note that we restricted ourselves to just one entry per country.
No.10 - Baden, Germany
Located in the southwestern corner of Germany, Baden is known as one of the country’s finest wine regions. Its vineyards are perfectly situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. The result is a combination of nine distinct wine-producing mini regions, all of which offer varying soil types and support different grape varieties for amazing wine varietals.
One of the more interesting producers in the region is the Shelter Winery, which was founded in a former Canadian Air Force bunker. Today, owners Hans-Bert Espe and Silke Wolf produce wine in small batches -- though it's enough that they have outgrown the former military base.
Best bottle: Shelter Winery Pinot Noir 2004. Nice and light. Very easy drinking.
No.9 - Rioja, Spain
Evidence of wine production in Rioja province dates back to the ninth century: This is one of Spain’s northernmost wine-producing regions, sheltered from the strong winds that are characteristic in this province by the Cantabrian Mountains.
If you find yourself in Rioja, stop by the Marqués de Riscal winery. It’s one of the oldest producers in the region, and one of the best.
Best bottle: Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2001. Pleasant bouquet, strong tannins and a lingering finish.
No.8 - Western Cape, South Africa
More than 120 estates are set into South Africa’s Western Cape region, an area very popular with the tourists for its ocean, mountain views and wines.
We recommend a stop at Eikendal Vineyards. The growing conditions there are ideal for top-quality wines. The setting is stunningly beautiful and the hospitality top-notch.
Best bottle: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2004. Intense cherry color with a nose of plums, spices and licorice, and tastes of dark fruits and chocolate.
No.7 - Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada
Although most of Canada is far too cold to produce grapes suitable for winemaking, parts of Southern Ontario and British Columbia actually have climates that resemble that of Northern California. Indeed, BC’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula are two such areas, both known as top ice-wine producing regions.
Iniskillin is one of the top Niagara producers. It has been producing ice wine since 1984, and has won countless international awards for the best bottles.
Best bottle: 2006 Riesling ice wine. It rates a 94 on Wine Spectator’s scale and recently won grand gold at Vinitaly 2008. Riesling is complex, with wonderful harmony and texture.
No.6 - Maipo Valley, Chile
Chile’s Maipo Valley -- located a shade south of the capital city of Santiago -- is home to some of the oldest vineyards in South America. Despite its small size, it is one of the best-known growing regions in the country.
In terms of local wineries, visit Viña Quebrada de Macul. It’s a small estate outside of Santiago that’s played home to some of the country’s most respected winemakers.
Best bottle: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Domus Aurea Clos Quebrada de Macul. Full-bodied with ripe tannins and currant aromas. Very sensual, and very enjoyable.
No.5 - Victoria State, Australia
Located in the southeastern portion of Australia is the state of Victoria, where you’ll find more than 350 wineries scattered across five distinct regions: the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong region, Sunbury, and Macedon Range.
The Ainsworth Estate is worth a stop. It’s one of the best producers of cool-climate wines, and its wines have won more than 100 medals.
Best bottle: Ainsworth Estate Shiraz 2001 Reserve. Savory and sweet, with aromas of red fruit, berries, oak, chocolate, and mushroom. A very elegant wine.
No.4 - Duoro, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro region is famous for its port wines, of course. However, not all grapes produced here are reserved for port production. Indeed, some of the vines grown in and around Porto are bound for more conventional bottles.
Our winery of choice is the Quinta do Crasto. A new player on the block, this group has been producing wines only since 1994, but has become one of the most visible manufacturers from the Douro region.
Best bottle: Quinta do Crasto Maria Theresa 2001. One of the few single-vineyard wines produced by the estate. The bottle is sublime: complex, lush and smooth with great balance.
No.3 - Napa Valley, California, USA
Named by the Wappo Indians who first inhabited the valley, the word "napa" means "land of plenty." Not surprisingly, it is one of the United States’ most prolific wine-producing regions, home to more than 400 wineries.
Be sure to stop by the Spring Mountain Vineyard. It’s an 845-acre estate, where 225 under-vine acres are broken into 135 hillside blocks, each of which has its own unique soil, exposure and microclimate. This place is all about diversity.
Best bottle: Spring Mountain Elivette 2001. Exceptional depth, power and concentration. Worthy of Wine Spectator’s 91-point rating.
No.2 - Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is known for its vibrant cities, beautiful countryside, rustic cuisine and, of course, Chianti wines, the best of which are made from the Sangiovese grape.
Our favorite winery is certainly Il Molino di Grace. Located in Panzano, this vineyard was named the Emerging Vineyard of the Year in 2004. In 2007, it was named by Wine & Spirits annual buying guide as one of the best 100 wineries in the world.
Best bottle: Molino di Grace 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva. Rich, complex and elegant, with notes of red fruits, cherry jam, herbs, and black pepper. Well-structured and complex, with a long, complex finish.
No.1 - Bordeaux, France
With about 117,000 hectares of vineyards, 9,000 wine-producing chateaux, 13,000 grape growers, and sales of more than 14.5 billion euros annually, Bordeaux is indeed the international capital of wine.
When visiting, be sure to see Chateau Moulin de la Clide. This is a small family-owned vineyard, located on just 12 acres, but with 30-year-old vines. Its production is limited to 2,000 bottles per year, but the result is splendid.
Best bottle: Chateau Moulin de la Clide St. Emilion 2001. Dark cherry color, strong nose of red fruit, good body and a rich finish.
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