If you’re a wine enthusiast making travel plans for 2023 here are six great places to add to your bucket list. From Mexico to Spain to Washington State there are plenty of exciting regions just waiting for you to discover and explore. Whether you’re interested in learning about volcanic wines, discovering North America’s first Indigenous winery, interested in staying at a wine hotel or taking a prehistoric tour, these six regions all have something special.
Coahuila, Mexico
Home to the famous México Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2022 each and every year Mexico is a wine region that is a must-visit for any lover. One of the most interesting reasons to travel to Mexico is the ‘Vinos y Dinos’ or the Wine & Dinosaur wine route in Coahuila. This travel route takes you to wineries that have found Dinosaur fossils while building their winery and have them on display for you to tour. At each winery, you have the ability to learn more about the findings of prehistoric life in Mexico and the wines of the region. This experience is a truly fascinating and unforgettable way to learn about the history of Mexican wine and paleontology at the same time.
Take a stop at the Desert Museum in Saltillo to learn more and to add to the adventure. Although Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is Mexico’s best-known wine region, the real excitement lies in the region of Coahuila – home to the very first winery in all of the Americas. It’s a cultural experience any avid traveller won’t ever forget. Don’t forget to experience a day on the TramVino to top it all off.
Washington State, USA
Located on the 46-degree parallel, Washington State is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Offering world-class taste that mirrors Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, California. Vines are planted on volcanic terroir and sustainably made the regular arid dry temperature of the region means Washington vineyards are sustainable by nature. With the sun shining over 300 days a year, this region is famous for 20’s AVAs like Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills and more. If you’re heading to Seattle be sure to visit Woodinville and use the Woodinville Wine Pass.
This is a digital ticket to custom tours and discounted tastings throughout the wine country. Each pass is delivered instantly via text message or email, so there’s no need to download an app. The pass is accessible on your phone wherever you go. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot and Syrah, Washington Wine Country is located east of two mountain ranges and is a ‘wild west’ of a wine country. Producing wine styles that are a blend between the old and new world, the state now has over 1,000 wineries to visit and explore. Jaw-dropping and picturesque landscapes formed by the historic Missoula floods transformed the pacific northwest and made this region and soil profile the gem it is today.
The Rhône Valley, France
Making distinctive wines since 125 BC, the Rhône Valley wine region is undeniably breathtaking and eternally classic. There are 171 AOC winemaking villages and the wine route road map is simply the Rhône river. Taste and learn about the ‘Rhône Trinity’ grapes – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and discover this world-class winemaking region. There is 250 KM to discover from the north to southern Rhône. The Valley was created as the result of an epic geological clash between the Massif Central and the Alps, creating a rift valley which was flooded by the Mediterranean. One of the most ancient wine-growing areas, this is where you’ll find the ‘wine of the popes’. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and glorious sunshine, the grapes are refreshed by the Mistral wind making them generously filled with character and simply unique. Stay in Avignon and explore the Southern Côtes du Rhône region by car, the unforgettable experience will leave you collecting Rhône valley wines for the rest of your life.
Okanagan Valley, Canada
The Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Ancient volcanic and glacial soils form the base for vineyards and wineries craft award-winning wines. From incredible winery architecture to breathtaking, panoramic views of cascading vineyards and majestic mountains, the Okanagan Valley is a sight to see. With the creative and elevated food and wine experience, once you’ve experienced the Okanagan Valley you’ll understand why some people decide to never leave. A true four-season destination be prepared to be swept away by remarkable culinary experiences. Visit Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced “In-Ka-Meep”) North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery located in Osoyoos, Canada’s only desert and also be sure to add the District Wine Village to your travel list.
Vinho Verde, Portugal
Welcome to Vinho Verde Portugal – the perfect place to dive into a new wine adventure. Vinho Verde is a DOC wine-producing area located in the Northernmost part of Portugal. A stunning place to tour and Portugal’s largest wine region wines are diverse, versatile, premium and simply delicious. No matter what the season, there are grapes, regions and producers that produce wines that will ‘wow’ your palate. The region’s wine history goes back over 2,000 years offering history buffs as well as wine and food lovers an ideal region to explore. With plenty of indigenous grapes, exuberant taste profiles and approachable price points Vinho Verde will steal your heart.
White wines of the region are light-medium bodied, crisp and refreshing and the reds are mysterious and easygoing. You’ll discover grapes like Loureiro, Alvarinho, and also Arinto, Trajadura, Avessao and Azal (to name just a few). In balance with the natural environment, Vinho Verde is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and even a National Park. A quick drive from Porto, stay at the Monteverde hotel – a wine experience hotel that is ideal all year long, fit with a spa, outdoor pool and an incredible restaurant. Don’t forget to spend a few days in Porto, rediscovering the history of Port wine.
Rioja, Spain
Rioja is one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. With 100 km of diversity and over 600 wineries, Rioja is one of the most recognized wine regions in the world when it comes to quality, uniqueness and sustainability. It is also the Spanish D.O. with the greatest number of award-winning wines. Known for strict quality standards and for its pioneering spirit Rioja is a proven leader in premium wines highly regarded by wine critics and judges.
Home to Marqués de Riscal’s City of Wine – an incredibly gorgeous winery designed by Canadian Architect Frank Gehry- the whole region of Rioja revolves around wine. A leading destination for wine enthusiasts you’ll discover exquisite dining and hospitality, award-winning premium wines and picturesque scenery. Considered native to Rioja, Tempranillo is the wine region’s most typical red grape. Known as one of the great grape varieties in the world, Tempranillo occupies more than 75% of the region’s vineyards. Its skill is that it has the capacity to produce premium wines that are easygoing and delicious wines when they are young and also have the ability to age incredibly gracefully.
