Best places for wine gourmets

It must be recognized that many tourists choose countries for travel, based on their gastronomic predilections, and not the presence of certain architectural or historical objects. At the same time, when tourists try the local cuisine and local wines, their idea of food and drinks can change forever. This is especially true for lovers of good wine. Therefore, TravelAsk decided to help with the choice of the next vacation destination and offer a selection of the best places on Earth, where any wine gourmet should definitely visit.

Finger Lakes in America

Although New York is not the hottest place, they cultivate those grape varieties that prefer coolness. Only a small part of connoisseurs of quality wines so far knows about this place, but this is not for long. For those who came here for the first time, a small Dano's hoiler will be the best start, from whose windows a stunning view of Lake Seneca opens. In order to visit all the available wineries, and there are a fair number of them, you will need a hotel. The Harbor - Great. The soil around the lakes is well suited for the cultivation of "riesling", from this grape variety it is not bad to make "sira", "pinot noir", and also "cabernet franc". The best time to try these wines is summer or fall.

Piedmont (Italy)

This region of Italy has beautiful landscapes and is great for enjoying delicious wine bouquets. At the very beginning of the route, it’s worth it to mention Michelin-starred restaurant La Ciau del Tornavento, whose cellars are filled with a variety of noble wines. Turning to get acquainted with local winemakers, you can go on this trip yourself or join the Fontanafredda travel group. If you chose the first option, do not miss the vineyards of Cavallotto and Paolo Scavino, located in the Italian village of Castiglione Faletto, as well as Massolino in Serralunga d'Alba. Be sure to try a bottle of wine in the boutiques of Cascina delle Rose and Produttori del Barbaresco. To come to these parts should be in September-October, when the harvest begins.

Hawks Bay City (New Zealand)

This is a true winery paradise, since there is nothing better for growing grapes than a long autumn, dry summers and, of course, the marine climate. You can stay at the Craggy Range, this place is both a winery and a hotel. The best wine restaurant in these parts was Elephant Hill. Gimblett Gravels vineyards are valued for their Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can come to New Zealand at any time of the year - here you will always find the warmth and sun, and the hottest months are January and February.

Rhine Valley (France)

This area is teeming with vineyards and excellent wine drinks. For your stay, you can choose the Les Patios des Vignes hotel in the charming village of Segure or the Crillon le Brave hotel, in whose wine cellar there is always something to feast on. Those wishing to taste such varieties as the Hermitage or Cat Roti should choose the more northern areas near Lyon. Muscat wines will pleasantly surprise you with their taste in the Domaine des Bernardins winery. It is better to come to the Rhine Valley from May to October.

Orlando (USA)

The area in Orlando is marshy, which is why imported wines from neighboring regions or other countries are preferred to their own winemaking. There is an amusement park Walt Disney World, where you can not only have fun, but also enjoy wines from the collection of more than 4 thousand bottles in the local Victoria & Albert's restaurant, and you can pour good Oregon and California wine directly from barrels in Highball & Harvest . If you do not want to be among the crowd of young children, it is best for you to come here in September.

Galicia, Spain

This rainy region of Spain pleases visitors with not only fragrant wines, but also excellent seafood. Do not miss the opportunity to try the white wine from the Albariño grapes - a drink famous worldwide for its pleasant taste. All lovers of Burgundy should go to the Valdeorras wineries, and chic wines of the Trousseau and Mensia varieties can be found in the Ribeira Sacra region. For traveling here it is recommended to choose the end of spring or the beginning of summer.

Okanagan Valley (Canada)

Nature has endowed Okanagan with pristine lakes and beautiful mountain landscapes, but this region attracts wine connoisseurs with its annual festivals, where you can taste many of the most successful wine varieties. There is no shortage of hotels here, but the most attractive of them will be the very sweet and romantic Bottega Farm Inn, next to which, among other things, there are cheese factories, wineries and apiaries. Among the specific wineries are Quails' Gate - for lovers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Tantalus - for those who prefer a good "Riesling". Also, do not forget about the abundance of wineries, including Nk'Mip, St. Hubertus Estate, La Frenz and many others.

Loire Valley (France)

In this beautiful French valley you can visit medieval castles, ancient cities and as many as 18 excellent restaurants awarded the Michelin quality mark. In the widest variety of wines presented in the valley, you can safely get lost, but here the tastes of even the most picky wine esthete will be surely satisfied. Lovers of white wines should first go to the Vouvre and Montlui, and those who prefer red varieties to Saumur Champigny and Chinon. Lovers of pink wine will not be deprived - they need to visit the wineries of the Anjou region. In any case, France is France, places with excellent wines are everywhere, you just need to choose the right period for tasting - the best time to harvest here is from Easter until autumn, but with the exception of August, this month is a break.

Mendocino (California, United States)

This California district attracts travelers with its huge sequoias, marijuana fields and rocky shores, but, most importantly, the area is famous for such grape varieties as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Petit Syrah. The best option to start exploring this area would be the Anderson Valley, literally strewn with wineries, where you can look into Handley or Husch and discover the excellent Pinot Noir. And then, at the Roederer Estate, try the local champagne. Table 128 is a family-run restaurant serving delicious food, while Aquarelle Café serves the best seafood. Local wineries can be visited all year round, but in January-March it rains.

Istria, Croatia

This peninsula, once a Roman citizenship, inherited in its architecture all the beauty of the Venetian style. But in addition to urban splendor, sea and hilly landscapes, here you can also find very interesting wineries, one of which is called Kozlović Vina. In this area of Croatia, you will surely be able to please yourself with the excellent tastes of white Chardonnay and Malvasia, as well as red wines of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties. As an experiment, visit the Roxanich winery and try orange wine. It will be best to come to Istria from April to October.