Stunning scenery, delicious wines, lots of culture—there’s nothing quite like spending a day or even a week at the vineyards. It is, after all, why on the first nice day of spring we brave the traffic to Long Island Wine Country. While you’re sipping on the latest vintage from Martha Clara, Raphael or Sparkling Pointe and dreaming about living next door to a vineyard, daydream about a vacation of wine.
Alentejo, Portugal
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France, Italy and Spain get most of the European wine love, but Alentejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, produces half of Portugal’s wine and for travelers is a hidden gem wine region. You’ll find rustic, deep reds that pair with the rich foods.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
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Tucked in the picturesque countryside of Pennsylvania are nine world-class wineries. From the French-style of Rose Bank Winery to the sparkling of Buckingham Valley Vineyards & Winery, you’ll fall in love with the wines, rolling hills and small towns that make up the area. Tour the vineyards, learn the methods used to produce the wine and bring home a bottle or three.
Istria, Croatia
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Miles of coastline, thousands of islands and an incredibly rich history makes Croatia a favorite among travelers. Just don’t leave without trying the wine. Considered “the other Tuscany,” Istria has everything you need for a wine holiday. Rolling hills, fortresses, fresh seafood and a new group of winemakers that are bringing the old-school wines of Malvasia Istriana, Teran into a new era.
Katsunuma, Japan
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Japan’s little known wine region, Katsunuma, makes a nice daytrip from Tokyo and is home to 31 wineries producing everything from wines similar to a Burgundy or Bordeaux to the traditional acidic, fruity Japanese wines designed to complement the local cuisine.
Newport County, Rhode Island
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Calling all Gatsby lovers. Newport County, Rhode Island is your chance to experience the Gilded Age while sampling wines similar to what you’d find in France’s Loire Valley. Within a 45-minute drive of the gilded mansions of Newport are a number of vineyards producing top-notch sparkling wine, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And every September Newport hosts what may be the swankiest Wine & Food Festival among the historic mansions.
Verde Valley, Arizona
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Enjoy a desert retreat while sipping on delicious wines. You read that right, dry climates can produce amazing wines. Hidden in the red rock canyons of Verde Valley are five wineries producing intensely flavored wines. Think Viognier, Mourvedre, Merlot and Chenin Blan. You’ll never want to leave.