Is wine tasting not the best excuse for a holiday you’ve ever heard? From the oak-scented cellars of South Africa’s Cape Winelands to the bold reds of Mendoza in Argentina, we’ve rounded up our favourite places to sip and swirl. And just because we love a curveball, we’ve thrown in Japan, where sake may be sacred, but wine is having a quiet, delicious revolution.
The Cape Winelands
South Africa
With scenery to knock your socks off, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are made up of dozens of world-class, grape-adorned vineyards, which produce everything from Shiraz to Chenin and a little Pinotage (a South African speciality), too. When you’re not sampling, explore the pretty towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and discover some of the best restaurants in the country, from vineyard picnics to long, lazy lunches accompanied by the local vintages.
Our favourite trip
Bookend your sojourn into the Winelands with the staggering views at Victoria Falls, a safari in the Kruger, and some city thrills in ever-beautiful Cape Town.
Mendoza
Argentina
Laid out like a blanket of green at the feet of the Andes, Mendoza is the birthplace of the world-famous Malbec, and its picturesque wine valleys are just the place to sample it. Vineyards stretch across the desert foothills, fed by snowmelt from the Andes, while high-altitude areas like the Uco Valley are producing some of Argentina’s most exciting wines. Between tastings, expect mountain views that seem to go on forever and plenty of opportunity to pair your Malbec with Argentina’s legendary steaks.
Our favourite trip
Along with wine tastings galore, this trip explores all the highlights of Argentina including Iguazu Falls and some time for adventure in Patagonia on foot, boat, or horseback.
The Chilean Wine Valleys
Chile
Sitting pretty beneath the Andes, Chile’s wine region is simply idyllic with a whole host of varietals to sip and savour from valley to valley. From the Maipo Valley, known for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, to the sun-soaked Colchagua Valley, famous for rich reds and Chile’s signature Carménère, there’s plenty to explore. Oh, and the scenery doesn’t hurt either – the vineyards are usually framed by mountains on one side and the glittering Pacific Ocean on the other.
Our favourite trip
Combine a few idyllic days in the Wine Valleys with the starkly striking Atacama Desert and wild and wonderful explorations of the mysterious Easter Island.
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
South Africa
Just inland from the seaside town of Hermanus lies the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The name is Afrikaans for “Heaven and Earth”, which feels very fitting once you lay eyes on the vineyards rolling over the gentle hills, the rugged mountain slopes looming in the background. The cool sea breezes make the region ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and many of the boutique estates here are stylish and relaxed with fabulous restaurants to try out, too — perfect for long, languid afternoons before heading back to Hermanus for sunset by the sea.
Japan
Although best known for its infamous sake, Japan’s wine scene is small but seriously exciting. A day trip away from Tokyo, the mountainous Yamanashi region is the heart of the country’s wine industry and known for crisp, delicate Koshu wines made from a unique grape that has been grown in Japan for centuries. Further afield, Nagano, tucked near the Japanese Alps, produces elegant high-altitude Merlot and Chardonnay, while the cool northern island of Hokkaido is gaining attention for its emerging cold-climate wines.
Our favourite trip
Get to grips with Hokkaido’s emerging wine scene on this fabulous adventure – and with a few days in Tokyo in the beginning, you can start your sampling immediately!
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