10 Best Wine Travel Destinations 2014

With whitewashed villages that cling to steep hillsides, which drop precipitously toward the deep blue sea, few people think of the Aegean Islands as a wine destination. But if you look carefully, you will see that the island of Santorini is essentially one large farm, Samos has terraced vineyards on Mount Ambelos, and Crete is home to a variety of white and red grapes. All three islands have excellent choices for lodging and fine dining, and the network of ferries and short-hop flights make visiting one or more of these convenient and simple. —Mike DeSimone & Jeff Jenssen

Where to Dine

In Fira on Santorini, Restaurant Assyrtiko has an excellent Greek and international wine list, delicious cuisine and stunning views from its balcony over the caldera. Restaurant Selene has two levels, one casual and one more formal. Don’t miss the opportunity to take one of its signature cooking classes. When you’re in the town of Heraklion on Crete, treat yourself to a seafood adventure and creative Cretan cuisine at 7 Thalasses.

Where to Stay

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites in Santorini is steps from the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Fira. It offers five-star accommodations, great dining and a trendy lobby lounge. On Samos, Proteas Blu Resort has a beautiful pool and two private beaches. Intimate white-canopied sun beds are the perfect place to relax and catch up on summer reading or to enjoy a chilled glass of wine.

Other Activities

There are many choices for sunset cruising, but if you’re feeling adventurous on Santorini, climb aboard the Schooner Thalassa and sail across the caldera to hike to the top of the volcano. Afterward, swim where the volcanic hot spring meets the sea. When you climb back on board, you’ll catch the most romantic sunset of your life.

Budget Tip

The best way to see the rim of Santorini’s volcanic caldera is to hike from Fira to the town of Oia. The three-hour journey ventures through several small villages, passing picturesque churches and chapels.

When to Go

April to October are the busiest months with the best weather, but true wine geeks aim for the August grape harvest.

Local in the Know

Stela Kasiola, of Santo Wines on Santorini, says, “One of my favorite places to spend a day with friends is Vlychada Beach—it has a spectacular landscape, and the drive there takes you through vineyards and fields of huge volcanic rocks. Besides relaxing on the beach and swimming, you can walk to the medieval castle in the village of Pyrgos. It is a magical place with little winding paths and small churches. It has a great aura and gives you a wonderful feeling of what Santorini must have been like in the past.”

Where to Taste

There’s no better place on Santorini to taste wine while watching the sun descend over the caldera than Santo Wines. Order a flight of six wines and pair them with specialties including cheese, olives, bread and spreads made from tomato and fava beans. Before leaving, visit the newly renovated boutique to purchase wine and locally grown products. In Crete, sit back in a comfortable reclining chair, sample a variety of wines and learn about the history of Greek winemaking at Boutari’s state-of-the-art theater. On Samos, visit the Malagari Winery, part of the Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos, to sample the local sweet wines and to visit the Samos Wine Museum. The union has controlled virtually all of the viticulture and production on the island since 1934, ensuring that standards and quality are high.

Prominent Wines

Visitors to Santorini quickly learn that Assyrtiko is the most important variety on the island. Crisp, clean and delightfully acidic, it’s the perfect wine to pair with grilled octopus-and-tomato keftedes (meatballs)—sheer perfection in every mouthful. Other varieties include Aidani, a lightly floral white wine, and Voudomato and Mavrotragano, earthy, medium-bodied reds that go beautifully with local cuisine. Samos is known for delicious sweet wine made from Muscat grapes, and Crete offers a variety of wines, including zesty Vilana and apricot-scented Vidiano. Mantilari is considered one of the best Cretan reds—it’s aromatic and pairs perfectly with lamb.

What’s that, they make wine in Mexico? Indeed, they do—have for centuries—and not just sacramental wine and plonk. In the northern reaches of Baja California, along Route 3 in the Guadalupe Valley, the quality of wine has risen over the past two decades. Wineries here have teamed up with chefs and hoteliers to create Baja’s very own Ruta del Vino (wine route). Less than two hours from San Diego, the Valle de Guadalupe, anchored by the city of Ensenada, has moved past its Tequila-and-Tecate roots to ones based on the grape. Head south of the border for a wine-and-travel experience you won’t forget. —Michael Shachner

Where to Dine

At Corazón de Tierra, chef Diego Hernández’s cooking centers around myriad herbs, flowers, chilies and spices adorning Pacific Ocean seafood and meat dishes. Deckman’s en El Mogor is American chef Drew Deckman’s al fresco restaurant at Mogor-Badan winery, open June through October. Mexican-influenced haute cuisine, often paired with locally brewed Agua Mala beers, is Deckman’s specialty. At Laja, a pioneering restaurant open since 2001, executive chef Jair Téllez emphasizes Baja products, including borrego (lamb) and epazote (a fragrant herb).

Where to Stay

La Villa del Valle is a modern Tuscan-style B&B with six rooms, a nicely appointed public sitting space and yummy Mexican breakfasts. Encuentro Guadalupe Antiresort is an eco-hotel with 20 smartly designed, box-like rooms scattered across a hillside in the middle of the valley. It’s not posh, but it’s unique. Hotel Boutique, with 20 rooms, gardens and vineyard views, is a new entry to the valley’s burgeoning lodging scene, as is El Cielo, which seeks luxury status.

Other Activities

The Museum of Viticulture and Wine (El Museo de la Vid y el Vino) opened last year. It provides a historical look at winemaking in Baja, from 16th-century Spanish missionaries, the birth of commercial production in the 19th century and the movement sweeping the region today. The Rancho Cortes cheese factory is a tiny operation located near El Porvenir—the specialty is cow’s milk queso fresco.

Budget Tip

La Guerrerense, in Ensenada, ranks as the Everest of seafood street carts. Wash down tostadas smothered in urchin, ceviches and fish tacos with a spiced beer cocktail known as a Michelada.

When to Go

Baja wine country is welcoming year-around, although Pacific storms can hit during winter. July and August are hot, with average highs above 100˚F.

Local in the Know

Roberto Tame, co-founder of wine importer Wines From Baja, says the fishing village of Puerto Nuevo (about 45 minutes up the coast from Ensenada) offers the best Pacific lobsters you’ll ever taste. “There are probably 30 restaurants in Puerto Nuevo, but I always go to Villa Ortega’s. The lobsters are pan-fried in lard, so the meat stays tender. They’re served with melted butter and come with beans, rice, chips, salsa and homemade flour tortillas.”

Where to Taste

The Guadalupe Valley’s wineries are mostly boutique operations with unreliable hours, so call ahead for appointments. Alximia just finished a four-year construction of its winery, which looks a lot like Eero Saarinen’s famous TWA terminal at JFK Airport in New York. Top wines include Gaia (Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Syrah), Alma (Tempranillo and Zinfandel) and Helios (Grenache blanc de noirs). Hacienda La Lomita’s tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm.

Come to taste an array of wines with the most creative labels in Baja. Viñas de Garza is one of the valley’s prettiest wineries, built from the ground up by owner Amado Garza. The plant life here is as impressive as blended wines like Colina Norte (Tempranillo, Carignan and Grenache) and Amado IV (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Zinfandel).

Prominent Wines

Irrigation is the lifeblood of the vines here, a basic tenet of desert agriculture. Just about all the world’s warm-climate grape varieties are grown, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Carignan and Grenache among red grapes. The wines tend to be full-bodied and high in alcohol, with lusty black-fruit flavors and an occasional blast of heat and/or saltiness derived from saline-rich water used for irrigation. Among white wines, look to early harvested, oak-free Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Viognier as best bets.

Everything really is bigger in Texas: It’s the No. 5 wine-producing state in the U.S., the Texas Hill Country AVA is the second largest in the nation and its most promising wines boast supersized flavors. But the explosion of new wineries and tasting rooms along scenic Highway 290 west of Austin hasn’t lessened Hill Country’s old-fashioned country charm. It’s still a sea of cowboy hats and pickup trucks, a place where you can sip award-winning wines in a landscape dotted with as many cacti as vines. Visitors may flock to Hill Country to sip wine, but they end up drinking in the romance of the Old West, too. —Alexis Korman

Where to Dine

Paying homage to Fredericksburg’s German heritage, Otto’s serves up local wines and delicious dishes that manage to be both rustic and elegant. Everything on the Wurst Plate (including liverwurst, sauerkraut and even the mustard) is made in house. Need a break from wine? Taste craft beer brewed onsite at Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City. Try the Portobello fries here—even mushrooms get deep fried in Texas. Barbecue fans won’t forget a visit to Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, where the $19.95 all-you-can-eat special includes brisket, sausage and pork ribs, slow-cooked in true Lone Star State fashion.

Where to Stay

Though there are plenty of charming B&Bs to choose from, Hoffman Haus, located in Fredericksburg, is just a stone’s throw from Highway 290 and features historic, elegantly appointed guesthouses (one is a circa-1871 German homestead with stone accents). At 9 am sharp, a picnic basket containing a farm-fresh breakfast is delivered to your porch. For luxurious, resort-style accommodations, try Travaasa Austin, just 20 miles from downtown. In addition to fitness classes and a stunning spa, you can try your hand at (mechanical) bull riding.

Other Activities

Families will love the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg, where visitors can make their own rope, eat fresh-baked biscuits and soak up Texas Hill Country’s pioneer past (admission is $5). Antique and art lovers should stroll Fredericksburg’s West Main Street. On the first Friday of each month, shops and galleries offer extended hours and pour tastes of local wines.

Explore other exciting, undiscovered and underrated wine regions >>>

Budget Tip

Score five wine sips for $5 at Driftwood Vineyards, where the stellar Hill Country views are free. At Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, “Pie Happy Hour” is 3–5 pm weekdays, when slices cost just $3.50.

When to Go

For cool weather and several activities on the Texas Wine Trail, visit in October (also known as Texas Wine Month).

Local in the Know

“In the Hill Country, you’ll find a more eclectic sense of Southern charm,” says John Rivenburgh, co-founder and vice president of winery operations at Bending Branch Winery. “A local favorite, Guenther’s Biergarten Grill has exceptional food and a unique atmosphere that reflects its fun-loving patrons. Live music is featured most evenings, but if you are seeking other Hill Country entertainment, journey the short road to Fredericksburg, Kerrville or Luckenbach. When Austinites look for live music, they start in the Texas Hill Country.”

Where to Taste

While John Rivenburgh and his father-in-law, Bob Young, don’t market their wines as organic, Bending Branch Winery is a trailblazer in sustainable winemaking in the region. Reclaimed wood tasting-room tables, affable staff and stellar Tannats make this stop a must. At Lewis Wines, 27-year-old winemaker Doug Lewis is producing some of the region’s most promising wines—so call ahead and make an appointment. All releases are made from 100% Texas grapes, including a delicate, fresh 2012 Viognier. The winery’s first bottlings of Portuguese varieties will be released this year. With 20 acres of vineyards, Flat Creek Estate boasts walking paths, a scenic outdoor patio, onsite restaurant and Tuscan-style tasting room. This Lake Travis-area winery is the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon, glass in hand. Laying claim to perhaps Hill Country’s most beautiful tasting room, Perissos Vineyards and Winery overlooks the family farm. Conceived and built by Seth and Laura Martin, this out-of-the-fray vineyard handcrafts estate-grown wines, including stellar Rhône and southern Italian varieties.

Prominent Wines

Because of the hot summers, Hill Country is more about big, hearty reds than cool, refreshing whites. Although some Rhône-style white wines show promise, much of the focus is on reds. “Tempranillo in Texas is paying off,” says Fredrik Osterberg, co-founder of Pedernales Cellars, and his 2011 Tempranillo is a fine example. Syrah also fares well, epitomized by Flat Creek Estate’s 2010 version. It’s a big, inky, full-bodied wine, with aromas of blackberry, bacon and sage, and a peppery finish. Petite Sirah is a different variety, but similarly dark and bold in the hands of Perissos Vineyards. Continuing the theme, Bending Branch Winery’s 2011 Estate Grown Tannat is a robust wine, with powerful tannins.

Wine Enthusiast has long known that Texas is an exciting, burgeoning wine region, but it’s a secret no more. CBS recently tapped Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa to lead a segment on the Longhorn State’s booming wine scene. Learn more about the wines coming out of Texas by watching the video here >>>

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From the minute you set foot in Mendoza, the Andes burn an indelible mark in your memory bank. Peaks like El Plata and Tupungato, both over 20,000 feet in elevation, sit sentinel over tens of thousands of vineyard acres, creating a postcard visual. Yet, Mendoza is more than just mountains and Malbec. Over the past 15 years, this desert wine region, located some 700 miles west of Buenos Aires, has evolved into a top destination for wine tourism. New hotels, architecturally impressive wineries and greatly improved gastronomy—no longer limited to the asado, Argentina’s famous grilled-meat feast—are today’s attractions. —Michael Schachner

Where to Dine

Mun @ Casarena is a new winery-based Pan-Asian restaurant in Vistalba run by the Korean-American sushi chef Mun Kim, who also offers make-it-then-eat-it cooking classes. Pan y Oliva at the Familia Zuccardi winery in Maipú infuses house-made olive oil into almost every dish on its Tuscany-meets-California menu. In Mendoza city, Siete Cocinas is chef Pablo del Rio’s forum for refined cuisine from Argentina’s primary food regions, while Maria Antonieta, three blocks from the city’s main plaza, is a bistro with sidewalk tables and good breakfasts.

Where to Stay

Cavas Wine Lodge is a beautifully designed Relais & Chateaux property in the Agrelo wine district. Private casitas offer west-facing views of the Andes. Entre Cielos in Vistalba seamlessly blends into Mendoza’s desert topography. Its funky Flores Blancas “room,” which stands above the vineyard, is more like a spaceship on stilts, while its Hamam Turkish-style spa should not be missed. For more conventional hotels in Mendoza city, the Diplomatic Park Suites, Park Hyatt and Sheraton are well-run, full-service operations.

Other Activities

Los Chulengos is a classic estancia (ranch) in Tupungato. Come here for fly fishing, horseback riding and an asado. Contact Slowkar to get behind the wheel of a Citroen CV3, then cruise the streets of Mendoza—just make sure you’re comfortable operating a dashboard gearshift. Ayllu Arte Popular, in Chacras de Coria, is the place to shop for handmade crafts.

Budget Tip

The Memorial de la Bandera del Ejército de Los Andes in downtown Mendoza displays the original flag carried in 1817 by General José de San Martín, who led the united armies in key battles that resulted in the liberation of Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spain. Admission is free.

When to Go

Avoid Mendoza’s broiling summers and cold winters by visiting in the spring (September-December) or fall (March-April), when the vines and ubiquitous alamos (poplars) change colors.

Local in the Know

Veronica Mausbach, owner of specialty travel agency Vintura, says, “If there’s a heaven, they serve the empanadas from La Juntada Pulperia, located at the corner of routes 92 and 94 in Vista Flores. The secret is in how the beef is processed; not ground, but patiently sliced with a very sharp knife. And the dough melts in your mouth. The place is housed in a traditional casona and no English is spoken, so bring your Spanish dictionary.”

Where to Taste

Atamisque is a French-owned winery situated near the town of Tupungato whose claim to fame is its trout farm, along with a restaurant that cooks the fish to perfection. Bodegas Salentein is Mendoza’s signature winery in terms of architecture and landscaping. Its visitors’ center is home to the Killka art gallery, a tasting lounge and restaurant. Pulenta Estate in the Alto Agrelo district offers visitors a chance to play a fun and educational sensory game: put on a blindfold and try to identify 15 natural aromas commonly found in wine. Bodega Norton in Perdriel provides several tasting opportunities; one of the best is the Empanadas y Vinos tour that includes several wines served alongside a trio of clay-oven-baked empanadas. Vines of Mendoza operates a tasting room and “blending lab” in the heart of Mendoza city. You can taste wines in flights or try to blend like a winemaker (reservations required).

Prominent Wines

Malbec is the grape the runs Mendoza’s wine engine, the region that fuels Argentina’s ever-growing wine industry. Deep in color, aromas, body and flavors, Malbec and Malbec-led blends pair perfectly with Argentina’s world-class beef, hearty pastas and roasted goat, a local specialty. Wineries also work with red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Among white grapes, you will find Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the occasional Semillón or Pinot Grigio, and Torrontés, an aromatic grape more frequently associated with the country’s northern Salta region.

If a genie was to grant you three wishes and you chose great food, great wine and gorgeous surroundings, you’d land in California’s Sonoma County. An hour north of San Francisco, with an enviable coastline to the west, Napa Valley to the east and rugged Mendocino County to the north, there’s no better place to indulge your hedonistic tendencies. Sonoma County produces some of the New World’s best cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Rhône-inspired wines, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bounty of local fare ranges from oysters and Dungeness crab to spring lamb and Liberty duck, while the county can grow everything: fruit, vegetables and herbs. If that weren’t enough, the region also has a longstanding reputation for fine artisan cheeses. —Virginie Boone

Where to Dine

Perpetual Michelin-starred restaurants Madrona Manor and Farmhouse Inn are the top choices for gourmet fare, while longstanding local favorite Zazu Kitchen & Farm has recently moved into swanky new digs. In Healdsburg, don’t miss either of chef Ari Rosen’s Italian eateries: Campo Fina for lunch and bocce on the outdoor patio, Scopa for dinner and Winemaker Wednesdays. Nearby Barndiva celebrates the best of fresh, locally sourced food with an equally inspired cocktail list.

Where to Stay

The largest concentration of upscale digs is in Healdsburg. Within walking distance are the eco-luxurious choices of sister properties, the h2hotel and Hotel Healdsburg, both with restaurants. Just outside of town, Madrona Manor has gorgeous gardens and a classic Victorian vibe, while the Farmhouse Inn will provide refined accommodations after a big-time meal. In Jack London’s backyard of Glen Ellen, the Gaige House is an Asian-inspired hideaway with full spa services.

Other Activities

With tall mountains, rivers and an enviable stretch of coast, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here. Sonoma County Regional Parks is a good resource for all of them, including campsites run by Caryl Hart, wife of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.

Budget Tip

Both the towns of Healdsburg and Sonoma feature friendly downtown squares, offering free concerts, farmers markets, arts and crafts shows and a great spot for picnics. They also serve as good distractions for the kids.

When to Go

Blessed with good weather much of the year, the real magic happens during harvest, typically August through October.

Local in the Know

Bill Price, a prominent local winery owner and investor, says, “The first place I always send people is one of our terrific vineyards, like Durell, Hyde, Monte Rosso or Gap’s Crown—they are the source of Sonoma’s greatness, and beautiful to boot. Kistler, Kosta Browne, Chateau St. Jean and Gary Farrell offer superb wine-tasting opportunities. For food, I love the Glen Ellen Star, Stark’s, Girl and the Fig and local spots like the Fremont Diner and Juanita Juanita.”

Where to Taste

The Wine Road unites wineries in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley. The Russian River Valley’s Westside Road makes a good starting point: consider Arista, Rochioli, Thomas George Estates and Porter Creek. Along Highway 116 near the tiny towns of Occidental and Graton are Iron Horse, Paul Hobbs, Merry Edwards, Red Car and Dutton-Goldfield. In downtown Sebastopol, find tasting rooms at The Barlow, Kosta Browne, Wind Gap, Freeman Winery, La Follette, Marimar Estate and MacPhail Wines, while Spirit Works Distillery produces handcrafted gin and whiskey. Experience the true Sonoma Coast in Fort Ross-Seaview, one of Sonoma’s newest appellations, by visiting Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery for ocean-enabled Pinot Noir and Pinotage, or the wilds of remote Hirsch Vineyards (by appointment). Slightly further inland, check out Littorai (by appointment) for a single-vineyard tasting or tour. Further north in Dry Creek Valley, it’s worth tasting Zinfandel at Dry Creek Vineyard, Lambert Bridge, Pedroncelli, Ridge Lytton Springs, Mauritson Wines and well-loved A. Rafanelli (by appointment).

Prominent Wines

Sonoma County is a wine wonderland. It’s blessed with such diversity in soils and microclimates that it can grow nearly every grape variety well, from Alicante Bouschet to Zinfandel. But the real beauty of Sonoma County zeroes in on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The two varieties define the growing world-class reputations of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross-Seaview and Carneros AVAs. In Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel is the standout, so much so that a higher-elevation outcrop north of the valley, Rockpile, earned its own AVA designation in 2002. Farther inland, Alexander Valley and Knights Valley produce distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon.

Baden is Germany’s warmest, sunniest region. Nestled in the country’s southwest border alongside Switzerland and France, Baden stretches from Lake Constance’s glistening shores along the brooding Black Forest to historic Heidelberg. Castles, thermal springs, expansive conifer forests and half-timbered villages lie in between to explore. So much sunshine means that the Pinot varieties can play a starring role, but Riesling also gets its due. Topography and a patchwork of soils create steep vineyards, arresting landscapes and stunning wines. Taste the differences between wines grown on granite, basalt and loess soils, and enjoy Baden’s distinctive cuisine. —Anne Krebiehl

Where to Dine

The cosy gaststube at Spielweg in Münstertal offers Baden cuisine at its finest. Hunting for the best ingredients is a literal pursuit of owner-chef Karl-Josef Fuchs—seasonal game is a speciality, as are cheeses from the in-house dairy. Converted stables are the rustic backdrop at Winzerhaus Rebstock in Oberbergen, run by the Schwarzer Adler winery. Enjoy flammkuchen here, a sour cream, bacon and onion tart. No visit to the region would be complete without Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte—Black Forest cake—at Café König in Baden-Baden.

Where to Stay

In Oberkirch, family-run Zur Oberen Linde set in the Ortenau, Baden’s central stretch, offers half-timbered perfection. Experience all-out luxury and glamour and rub shoulders with the international jetset at the five-star Brenners Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden. In the far south, head to Gästehaus Siebter Himmel in Burkheim for antique-furnished rooms in the heart of one of the Kaiserstuhl’s most picturesque villages. Take an evening excursion with the costumed nachtwächter, the medieval night-guardsman.

Other Activities

Strap on your hiking boots for scenic, signposted Black Forest or vineyard trails. You can also attain spa nirvana in Baden-Baden’s unrivaled Friedrichsbad or play roulette in its sumptuous Casino. Climb the gothic spire of Freiburger Münster for spectacular views, or visit one of the countless local distilleries to savour eaux de vie made from cherry, plum and pear.

Budget Tip

Get down-to-earth in besenwirtschaften, the historic pop-up restaurants run seasonally by wineries that serve their products with rustic local foodstuffs, based on ancient law. Watch for the prominent homemade signage.

When to Go

Visit in fall for besenwirtschaften, game, zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), colorful vineyard foliage and the best hiking weather.

Local in the Know

Robert Schätzle, winemaker at Weingut Schloss Neuweier, loves the rotating modern-art exhibitions at the Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden. The spa town’s Festspielhaus houses ballets, operas and concerts that regularly attract world-renowned artists and orchestras. For scenic beauty, he recommends a drive on the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, the 37-mile stretch from Freudenstadt to Baden-Baden on the panoramic highway B500. A sports car equals fun here.

Where to Taste

Schloss Staufenberg in Durbach, a striking castle that still belongs to the Margrave of Baden, offers cellar tours with barrel tastings paired with amazing views that reach all the way to Strasbourg Minster. Taste Riesling—called Klingelberger here—from granitic slopes. For an architectural highlight, taste Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) at Franz Keller’s contemporary winery built right into the mountainside in Oberbergen. Sip delicious vintage fizz at Schloss Neuweier just outside Baden-Baden. Compare Germany’s best Pinots—including Blanc, Gris and Noir—grown in side-by-side volcanic and loess soils from neighbouring villages at Weingut Bercher in Burkheim, Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil and Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen (check for opening times). The Pinot Noirs from limestone soils by genius Bernhard Huber in Malterdingen are another absolute must. On Friday nights from April to October, Staatsweingut Meersburg on Lake Constance offers tastings in its vaulted cellar.

Prominent Wines

Baden’s southerly locale is ideal for Pinot varieties: Pinot Noir has been cultivated here since the Middle Ages. Baden has 5,641 hectares of Pinot Noir alone—more than either New Zealand or Australia. Traditional, light styles are matured in large fuder (casks), whereas smaller, Burgundy-style pieces give full, long-lived styles. While elsewhere, Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) and Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) are often treated as also-rans, they reach astounding heights in Baden, where some are matured in wood. Riesling thrives, particularly in the granitic soils around Baden-Baden and the Ortenau area, while the southerly Markgräflerland area offers light-bodied, white Gutedel.

Wines from the Barossa are Australia’s ambassadors, bringing the country’s sunny warmth to tables around the world. The region itself is increasingly visited—a trend that’s sure to accelerate as Australia’s tourism campaign places greater emphasis on the country’s food and wine culture.

Any South Australian will proudly let you know that its first European settlers were not convicts like those in Victoria or New South Wales. Many of the newcomers to the Barossa were Silesian Lutherans seeking religious freedom. That initial influx in the first half of the 19th century continues to mark the region, giving it a unique flavor. —Joe Czerwinski

Where to Dine

Many of the Barossa’s cellar doors offer lunch and snacks in addition to tastings. Thursday through Sunday, take a long lunch at Hentley Farm’s restaurant, or reserve for Saturday night—the only night they’re open for dinner—well in advance. For more conventional hours, visit 1918 Bistro & Grill, where the simplest dishes are often the best. The finest dining is at Appellation (dinners only), where Executive Chef Ryan Edwards emphasizes local ingredients like sausages and bacon from Linke’s Central Meat Store in Nuriootpa.

Where to Stay

Folks often come to the Barossa just for the day, as it’s an easy hour-long excursion from Adelaide. To make the most of your visit, however, stay overnight. For pure luxury, The Louise is the top pick. Each suite boasts its own outdoor shower, plus a whirlpool tub in a bathroom bigger than many Manhattan apartments. The Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, next to the Tanunda Pines Golf Club, has an Endota Spa onsite.

Other Activities

Menglers Hill Lookout offers a terrific vista over the entire valley and a noteworthy sculpture park. Don’t miss the Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for breakfast and a colorful, all-encompassing view of the region’s bounty. Celebrity locavore Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is the birthplace of the movement in Australia.

Budget Tip

If you’re planning to stay a week or so, rent a cottage and serve your own meals alongside wines purchased from the day’s cellar-door visits.

When to Go

There’s no bad time, but winters can be cool and damp, while summers are hot, but dry.

Local in the Know

Stephen and Prue Henschke (Stephen’s family are fifth-generation Barossans), suggest an afternoon in Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park admiring the native flowers and kangaroos while walking the trails. “Some of our favourite dining spots are Ferment Asian, Appellation, Vintners Bar & Grill and 1918 Bistro & Grill, and we’re looking forward to trying Casa Carboni soon.” While all of them support local wineries, “Ferment Asian has an incredible list,” says Stephen. The Henschkes also suggest visiting some of the beautiful Lutheran churches, South Australia National Trust properties, like Collingrove Homestead, and sampling the foodstuffs turned out by the region’s traditional German butchers and bakers.

Where to Taste

Nearly every winery has some sort of cellar-door operation, ranging from a simple tasting bar to more elaborate settings, including tours and cafés. For historic interest and great wines, Rockford, Seppeltsfield, Henschke and Yalumba should be at the top of any list. See the traditional open-top slate fermenters and large oak casks at Rockford and purchase as much of the Basket Press Shiraz as you can—it’s no longer available in the U.S. At Seppeltsfield, cruise past the palm trees and sample the incredible range of fortifieds. Splurge on a Para Tawny from a milestone year, like a birth year or anniversary. Henschke’s tiny cellar door in the Eden Valley often has some gems open for tasting. Yalumba has its own cooperage and a vast array of wines on offer. At relatively new producers like Two Hands and Torbreck, seize the opportunity to taste Ares and RunRig for a fraction of the price of a full bottle.

Prominent Wines

Shiraz is the variety most closely linked to the Barossa—justifiably so. The stereotype of massive, jammy wines lingers, but Australian vintners are increasing seeking out finesse and elegance. Grenache and Mataro (Mourvèdre) also feature prominently in the vinous landscape, and can make stellar wines. Cabernet Sauvignon can be tricky because of the heat, but shines in some subregions and vintages. Lest one think of Barossa as red-wine-only country, remember that it includes not only the Barossa Valley, but also the higher-altitude Eden Valley, home to some of Australia’s best Rieslings. A young Eden Valley Riesling and a plate of Coffin Bay oysters is a terrific way to start a Barossa meal.

The historic, tree-lined farming community of Walla Walla, until recently best known for its sweet onions, has quickly become the epicenter of Washington wine tourism. It’s an easy 50-minute flight from Seattle, or a relaxing four-hour drive through eastern Washington.

Wheat fields, row crops, rolling hills and a thriving, tourist-friendly downtown await, but the Walla Walla appellation boasts more than 120 wineries and dozens of well-tended vineyards. The AVA spills over into Oregon, where many of the best vineyards can be found. They cover the north-facing slopes of the Blue Mountain foothills, and open out below onto the ancient riverbed known as the Rocks. —Paul Gregutt

Where to Dine

Always packed, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen features delicious and creative plates. Whitehouse Crawford—set in a renovated wood-planing mill—spotlights local meats, poultry and produce, and features regional wines. As good as any French bistro in the state, Brasserie Four serves up frites to die for, croque monsieur and house-made paté, in addition to well-priced regional and European wines. For a hearty breakfast—at any time of day—try Bacon & Eggs. If your comfort-food needs run broader, visit Maple Counter Cafe for farmhouse breakfasts and lunches.

Where to Stay

Built in 1928 and located in the heart of downtown, the landmark Marcus Whitman Hotel includes a cozy bar, an award-winning restaurant and a spacious, welcoming lobby. In the complex and just across the street are more than a dozen tasting rooms. The Inn at Abeja combines a winery and B&B. A bunkhouse, barn and chicken coop have been transformed into luxury lodging. Guests may sample the wines, among Walla Walla’s best. Vine & Roses is a classic Victorian-era B&B, generously appointed with museum-quality antiques.

Other Activities

Beside the region’s various wine-tasting events, top dates on the annual calendar include the Hot Air Balloon Stampede (May), Wheelin’ Walla Walla Weekend (September) and the County Fair and Rodeo (September). An easy walking tour of downtown (1.5 miles) highlights the city’s revitalized center.

Budget Tip

Grab lunch at one of several local food trucks (Andrae’s for poutine, Tacos Monarca for Mexican), or visit one of the local drive-in burger joints (Fast Eddy’s, Ice-Burg). You’ll eat well for cheap.

When to Go

Lovely weather and nonstop events are common in May and June, and then again during the fall.

Local in the Know

Catie McIntyre Walker owns the Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman wine shop. “The Walla Walla Symphony is the oldest operating symphony west of the Mississippi. Today, it showcases many series and guest artists. In fact, most evenings, there’s music downtown from jazz to rock, and often concerts at our new Power House Theatre. Museums like Fort Walla Walla and Kirkman House feature our rich history, from fur trading to being the largest community in Territorial Washington.”

Where to Taste

Wine weekends run from early April through the Holiday Barrel Tasting in December. Spring Release (first weekend in May) and Fall Release (first weekend in November) are the biggies. The Walla Walla Wine Alliance posts a complete list on its Web site. Downtown are dozens of tasting rooms, including top local producers Corliss, Doubleback, Forgeron, K Vintners, Rotie, Seven Hills, Sinclair Estate, Spring Valley and Tero. Pick up a winery map (free at most tasting rooms) and head out of town. At the airport is a mix of founding wineries (Buty, Dunham Cellars, Five Star, Tamarack) and startups. Toward the foothills east of town are K Vintners, Abeja, Walla Walla Vintners and à Maurice. Head south, and you’ll find some of the biggest players—Amavi, Dusted Valley, Northstar, Pepper Bridge—along with exciting boutiques like Beresan, Rasa, Rulo, Saviah, Sleight of Hand and Va Piano. Just west of downtown are Bergevin Lane, Canoe Ridge, Foundry and Gramercy Cellars. A bit farther out on (or near) Highway 12 are L’Ecole No 41, Long Shadows, Reininger, Waterbrook and Woodward Canyon.

Prominent Wines

The region’s first five wineries—Leonetti Cellar, L’Ecole No 41, Seven Hills, Waterbrook and Woodward Canyon—are all still thriving. Only Leonetti is closed to visitors, but winemaker Chris Figgins also has his own brand (Figgins) and tasting room, as does his Doubleback project with former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Walla Walla’s reputation was made by these wineries and their renderings of classic Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Increasingly, Rhône varieties have taken hold, led by Syrah. In Walla Walla, these all produce dark, intense red wines of remarkable power and complexity.

A part of Languedoc-Roussillon, the world’s largest wine-producing region, Languedoc lies in the sunny south of France, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Mountains. It stretches west from the Roman city of Nîmes to the borders of the Aude départment. A vast expanse of multiple landscapes, grapes and weather patterns, this up-and-coming area stands out for its exciting, excellent value wines and unspoiled, vine-covered vistas. With its sandy, golden coastline and cool, green climes inland, visitors have the best of both worlds. —Louise Hurren

Where to Dine

Some of the most authentic restaurants here are hidden in the heart of wine country. Le Faitout (Berlou), l’Auberge du Presbytère (Vailhan) and Ô. Bontemps (Magalas) offer intimate dining paired with local wines, while the charming Relais Chantovent offers traditional regional cuisine in the must-see medieval village of Minerve. For something more unusual, dine al fresco in Domaine Gayda’s luxury barbecue straw huts (a short drive from Carcassonne). L’Auberge du Vieux Puits (Fontjoncouse) is a ritzy address worthy of a splurge.

Where to Stay 

Lodging options abound. The upmarket Château les Carrasses in Capestang is a 19th-century wine estate transformed into luxury, self-catering vacation homes. Winemaker Gérard Bertrand’s L’Hospitalet is a leading wine tourism destination, boasting hotel rooms, a restaurant, tasting room and craft boutiques. In the hamlet of Lauret, Auberge du Cèdre offers character, shady gardens, authentic cuisine and a wine list featuring some of the Pic Saint Loup appellation’s best producers.

Other Activities 

This is a region for fans of the great outdoors. Sea kayaking, wind surfing and river canoeing are just some options. Rocky Upper Languedoc has miles of walking and cycling trails. Ancient Roman sites like the Pont du Gard and the amphitheatre of Nîmes can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace.

Budget Tip 

Book a self-catering holiday rental (a gîte) and live like the locals: buy produce at a local market (think olives, salted anchovies, goat cheese, some charcuterie and a handful of nectarines), add a bottle from a nearby domaine and enjoy.

When to Go

Spring for budding vines, fall for harvest and gentle sunshine. Avoid the crowds and soaring summer heat.

Where to Taste

Few wineries have public tasting rooms with full-time staff, but calling ahead will open many doors—tastings are almost always free. In Lattes, the Mas de Saporta showcases over 400 Languedoc wines and the knowledgeable staff will happily answer questions and make recommendations. In Saint-Chinian, the Maison des Vins’s dispensing machines allow visitors to try 32 wines (red, white and rosé) from across the appellation for a charge. The shop stocks more than 300 wines. Florensac co-op’s Vinipolis visitor center offers an informative, multilingual experience (buy a bottle and enjoy it in the adjoining Bistrot d’Alex), while Faugères producer L’Abbaye ­Sylva Plana’s tasting room and restaurant are open year-round. In Montagnac, Côté Mas has a tasting room and restaurant showcasing wines from seven Domaines Paul Mas estates. Down near Fitou, the Mont Tauch co-op has an excellent visitor center, interactive displays and free tours.

Local in the Know 

Vianney Fabre, a second-generation winemaker at Château d’Anglès, says, “The annual gourmet wine walks held in early summer are the perfect way to discover some of Languedoc’s top AOPs and stunning landscapes. The Sentiers Gourmands event is held on the third weekend in May. It’s a gentle walk interspersed with delicious food and AOP La Clape wine pairings, which you can enjoy while admiring the breathtaking views of the coastline and limestone cliffs.”

Vianney Fabre, a second-generation winemaker at Château d’Anglès, says, “The annual gourmet wine walks held in early summer are the perfect way to discover some of Languedoc’s top AOPs and stunning landscapes. The Sentiers Gourmands event is held on the third weekend in May. It’s a gentle walk interspersed with delicious food and AOP La Clape wine pairings, which you can enjoy while admiring the breathtaking views of the coastline and limestone cliffs.”

Prominent Wines

Languedoc’s challenge is its diversity: red, white, rosé, still and sparkling, dry and fortified wines are all made here. Its AOPs—particularly Minervois, Corbières and Coteaux du Languedoc—are becoming well known. Terrasses du Larzac, Saint-Chinian and La Clape are now attracting attention. Varietal wines like Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Viognier and Chardonnay are commonly found under the Pays d’Oc label. Zippy Picpoul de Pinet (perfect with seafood), sparkling Blanquette de Limoux and aromatic Rolle-Roussanne-Marsanne blends are whites to watch. Fans of hearty reds should try the rich, spicy wines of Pic Saint Loup, Corbières and Fitou.

Known as the “Green Heart of Italy,” enchanting Umbria is Central Italy’s only landlocked region, bordered by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. Unlike many of Italy’s better-known tourist destinations, Umbria’s rolling hills and green valleys, carpeted with olive groves and vineyards, seem unchanged by time. Besides unspoiled natural beauty, Umbria boasts several well-preserved medieval towns. Orvieto sits on a volcanic bluff and is home to one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. Assisi houses the Basilica of St. Francis, while Perugia, the region’s capital, offers a collection of museums and two universities that give it a vibrant cultural buzz. —Kerin O’Keefe

Where to Dine 

Famous for its pork recipes, Umbria offers excellent cuisine for all tastes, relying on prime local ingredients like its rich olive oil, and black and white truffles. In Montefalco, dine at Il Coccorone for handmade pastas like pappardelle al sagrantino with mushrooms, while in Orvieto, Vinosus showcases seasonal dishes rooted in tradition paired with a fantastic wine list. For foodies, Italy’s top celebrity chef Gianfranco Vissani’s cult restaurant in Todi-Baschi, Casa Vissani, is a must.

Where to Stay 

Travelers can find accommodations for all budgets, from basic hotels to more sumptuous digs at refurbished estates and country manors, like Villa Pambuffetti in Montefalco, which offers chic country elegance. In Orvieto, there’s the simple but ideally located Hotel Duomo, or for grander accommodations, there’s La Badia, a converted abbey outside of town. In the stunning town of Gubbio, Relais Ducale, housed in a 14th-century building, exudes both charm and grandeur.

Other Activities 

Umbria’s quiet side roads are a haven for cyclists, and guided bike tours are a great way to see the area. The region also puts on some of the best music festivals in the country, including Umbria Jazz, which runs in Perugia every July, and in Orvieto every December.

Budget Tip 

Spend a half-day at beautiful Lago Trasimeno, the largest lake in Central Italy. It has several beaches that are perfect for swimming and a lakeside walking/cycling track. Or take an excursion boat out to Isola Maggiore.

When to Go

June to August, to best enjoy Lago Trasimeno, or September and October, to catch the harvest.

Where to Taste

For wine lovers, no trip to Umbria would be complete without visiting Montefalco. For guided cellar tours and tastings, visit the Arnaldo Caprai estate, run by the family that brought Sagrantino di Montefalco to wine lovers around the world. Don’t miss another great Sagrantino estate, Tenuta Castelbuono, in nearby Bevagna. Owned by the Lunelli family of Ferrari sparkling wine fame, the tortoise-shaped winery was designed by legendary Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. In the center of Montefalco, stop in at the town’s best wine bar, L’Alchimista, which boasts over 400 selections. In Orvieto, the best place to taste is at the wineries, like at leading estate Decugnano dei Barbi. Decugnano offers tours and tastings, or book for an exclusive dinner served in the winery’s onsite chapel. Other top estates that offer tastings of the local nectar include Palazzone and Falesco at their cellars in nearby Montecchio. Always book ahead at the wineries.

Local in the Know 

Riccardo Cotarella, a local resident and one of Italy’s most famous consulting enologists, says: “Besides Orvieto’s marvelous sites like the Duomo, the fascinating Pozzo di San Patrizio and a network of underground caves and tunnels, visitors should let themselves be enveloped by Orvieto’s rich history and art simply by walking around the high rock that Orvieto perches on. That way, they can take in the stunning panorama of Orvieto’s surrounding valleys, which are blanketed with splendid vineyards.”

 Prominent Wines

Umbria’s most celebrated wine is Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerfully structured—at times fiercely tannic—red made from the local Sagrantino grape. Better winemaking techniques now allow producers to craft Sagrantino with riper, albeit still bracing, tannins. Rosso di Montefalco is a savory and much more approachable blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino. The region also makes crisp, refreshing whites like Orvieto, a blend of Procanico (a clone of Trebbiano) and Grechetto. On its own, Grechetto produces fresh and fruity wines, while the recently revived Trebbiano Spoletino yields creamy flavors brightened with a vein of racy acidity. The region also makes a number of wines from international grapes.

Umbria’s most celebrated wine is Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerfully structured—at times fiercely tannic—red made from the local Sagrantino grape. Better winemaking techniques now allow producers to craft Sagrantino with riper, albeit still bracing, tannins. Rosso di Montefalco is a savory and much more approachable blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino. The region also makes crisp, refreshing whites like Orvieto, a blend of Procanico (a clone of Trebbiano) and Grechetto. On its own, Grechetto produces fresh and fruity wines, while the recently revived Trebbiano Spoletino yields creamy flavors brightened with a vein of racy acidity. The region also makes a number of wines from international grapes.