Kicking back with a glass of wine (or two) is usually one of the most fun aspects of taking your vacation, whether you are on a couples getaway or roaming the countryside with a group of friends. Dating back to 6000 B.C., we have been planting vineyards and harvesting grapes for wine production, mostly for pleasure, and we continue to enjoy this wonderful beverage in regions across the globe.
If you need some inspiration for your next honeymoon or bachelor/bachelorette party but don't want to be engulfed with crowds, check out these fantastic wine regions where sipping, swirling and pairings are practically mandatory:
Puglia, Italy
Most people think of Tuscany when they imagine Italian wine, but further south along Italy's geographical "boot" lies Puglia, an up-and-coming region along the Adriatic Sea that is getting a lot of attention from international sommeliers. Obviously the Mediterranean weather helps with the cultivation, and the views of the sea along with the sunshine hitting your glass will make for an excellent vacation indeed. Piernicola Leone de Castris is a family-run winery that's known for high-quality wine and primitivo, which is like an Italian form of zinfandel.
Yarra Valley, Australia
If you like bubblies and pinot noir, as many travelers do, Yarra Valley should definitely be on your short list of wine regions. Viticulturalists have been producing wine in Victoria since 1838, and the rustic atmosphere of the Yarra Valley is perfect if you're looking for a romantic feel. There are 55 wineries to choose from here, the vistas of the Mornington Peninsula are simply spectacular and the valley is less than an hour from Melbourne. All around, this is a win-win for wine lovers in the Land Down Under.
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley grows the most diverse variety of grapes in the world, according to the Huffington Post, so no matter what type of wine you like to drink, there's likely a bottle here with your name on it. The region is known for rose, but you can also taste many famous French varietals here, including Vouvray, Sancerre, Chinon and Pouilly-Fume. The spectacular chateaux in the the region are a wonderful feast for the eyes, and charming small cities like Orleans, Tours and Bourges make the Loire Valley even more magical.
Sonoma Valley, California
Napa gets all the attention in Wine Country, but it's laid-back and less touristy brother, Sonoma Valley, is still regarded as one of the world's best wine regions. Reds and whites are grown equally here, according to ABC News, and many of the vineyards are family-owned so there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere almost everywhere you go.
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