Wine Enthusiast names its top ten wine destinations of 2013

Since pioneers first rolled their wagons into Oregon's Willamette Valley, this fertile landscape has supported agriculture and inspired dreamers. Today the Willamette Valley produces wine that rivals France; hazelnuts that dominate the domestic market; and is proliferate in small family farms raising everything from organic vegetables to Alpacas. Information on planning a visit to Willamette Valley is available at eugenecascadescoast.org.The second oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is renowned for having the longest wine route in the world.  More information on visiting South Africa and touring Stellenbosch is available at southafrica.net. The secret to Monterey's viticultural success is the "Blue Grand Canyon," the deep marine canyon located in Monterey Bay. The cold, deep waters of Monterey Bay bring fog and moderate temperatures to the area throughout the growing season, and infuse every drop of Monterey County's wine with an impressive style and structure. Learn more about visiting Monterey at seemonterey.com.View the list »
Gently rolling hills, almost completely striped with vineyards, the medieval character of its villages and the picturesque banks of the Danube combine to a delightful whole. To learn more about Austria's superior wine growing region, visit austria.info.

International Travel newsletter

Wine Enthusiast magazine has released its second annual travel issue, naming the top ten wine destinations of 2013.

Related topics

Advertisement

Each year, the magazine's editors travel the world to experience the best in wine, food and cultural adventure, and discover the most exciting places you must visit. From classic regions to lesser-known corners, this year's list represents just that—the best in overall cultural experience, timeliness, travel infrastructure and, of course, wine quality.

"A glass of wine has the transcendent ability to transport your palate to a new location. For wine lovers, there is no better way to cement that connection than to explore the world around those vineyards," stated Publisher and Editor Adam Strum. "We are thrilled to use our expertise to name these incredible destinations as our selection of the ten best locations to visit to further discover one's passion for wine through travel."

As the wine market grows more global, so should the wine traveler's itinerary. That's why Wine Enthusiast's 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations includes a range of regions, with profiles featuring where to dine, where to stay, budget tips and prominent wines, plus local-in-the-know suggestions and the best time to visit.

To read the full profiles of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2013, pick up the February issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, available on newsstands and digitally at WineMag.com.

View the list
  • Gently rolling hills, almost completely striped with vineyards, the medieval character of its villages and the picturesque banks of the Danube combine to a delightful whole. To learn more about Austria's superior wine growing region, visit austria.info.
  • The secret to Monterey's viticultural success is the "Blue Grand Canyon," the deep marine canyon located in Monterey Bay. The cold, deep waters of Monterey Bay bring fog and moderate temperatures to the area throughout the growing season, and infuse every drop of Monterey County's wine with an impressive style and structure. Learn more about visiting Monterey at seemonterey.com.
  • The second oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is renowned for having the longest wine route in the world.  More information on visiting South Africa and touring Stellenbosch is available at southafrica.net. 
  • Since pioneers first rolled their wagons into Oregon's Willamette Valley, this fertile landscape has supported agriculture and inspired dreamers. Today the Willamette Valley produces wine that rivals France; hazelnuts that dominate the domestic market; and is proliferate in small family farms raising everything from organic vegetables to Alpacas. Information on planning a visit to Willamette Valley is available at eugenecascadescoast.org.
  • There are more than 140 wineries and cellar doors in Australia's Hunter Valley. It is also home to the Hunter Valley Gardens, the largest display gardens in Australia. There are 60 acres of gardens including 10 themed gardens and miles of walking trails. Learn more about Hunter Valley Wine County by visiting winecountry.com.au.
  • The impressive cultural landscape of the Douro is responsible for some of the best port wine in the world. More information on exploring Portugal's Douro Valley is available at visitportoandnorth.travel.
  • Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered one of the greatest red wine regions of the world. To explore more of what Rioja has to offer, visit vibrantrioja.com.
  • Puglia, as commonly referred to as Apulia, is a region of Southern Italy that bords the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Òtranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south. Its most southern portion, known as Salento peninsula, forms a high heel on the "boot" of Italy. More information on visiting Puglia is available at italia.it.
  • Vale dos Vinhedos ("Grapevine Valley" or "Valley of the Vineyards") is three different cities located on the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul State. This area, in the south of Brazil, was the settle point for a group of Italian immigrants that arrived at the country in 1875. More information on Vale dos Vinhedos is available at valedosvinhedos.com.
  • An enchanting trip to Long Island Wine Country transports you to a place where over 60 vineyards flourish and over 30 wineries open their doors to visitors. More information on planning a visit to North and South Fork of Long Island is available at discoverlongisland.com.
View the list
Suggested by the author:
Advertisement

Today's top buzz...