Today, Wine Enthusiast – the leading authority on all things wine – released its highly anticipated travel guide. Unlike years past, the completely rethought feature showcases seven wine experiences, rather than destinations, to give readers an immersive perspective on wine and wine travel from those that know vino best. The digital feature is available online here and the print issue will be on newsstands in February.
Curated by Wine Enthusiast’s intrepid global editors, the list takes readers on a journey from the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina to the soils of Piedmont, Italy to the rolling surf breaks of Margaret River, Australia, and beyond. A quick list of experiences include:
- Touring the Storied Cellars of Champagne, France
- Located beneath the picturesque landscapes of Champagne lies a cavernous network of tunnels and caves known as Champagne’s crayères. Originally constructed by Romans to quarry chalk, the system has had many uses over the years, including wine storage for Benedictine monks and housing for hidden cities of French citizens when Germany occupied the area during World War I.
- Safari and Wine Experiences in South Africa
- As South African wine entered a new era, so, too, did the safari experience—especially once legacy and avant-garde wine producers who raised quality began to capture the attention of beverage directors at game lodges. If an ideal vacation includes a Kruger game drive followed by sunset sips of the country’s best Chenin Blanc, guests can now turn that dream into a reality.
- Wine and Surf in Australia’s Margaret River Region
- This Western Australia wine region, located about three hours south of Perth, offers a number of welcoming wineries set amid beautiful beaches. Featuring a plethora of surf schools, tasting tours and an annual professional surfing competition, Margaret River offers the perfect locale to sip and surf the day away.
- Be Winemaker for a Day in Napa Valley, California
- Step into the shoes of a winemaker during a trip to Napa Valley, California – known as one of the world’s top wine destinations. Whether considering a career change or looking to hone a new skill, guests will have the opportunity to learn from successful wine makers at some of the most breathtaking vineyards.
“This year, we focus on specific wine-centric experiences that aren’t just about location, but about the deeper insight and excitement that wine lovers in the know can find in those regions,” says Susan Kostrzewa, Editor-in-Chief of Wine Enthusiast. “Our editors travel extensively and have access to incredible insider adventures; this list makes those available to anyone eager for discovery in and beyond the glass.”
