Here is a list compiled by TripAdvisor of the world's best wine producing destinations to visit. It is not a list of the world's best wines. That's for you to sample during your visit and make up your own minds.

We have broken the list down into areas to give a greater number of choices but the No: 1 on each list is one of the Top Five of areas to visit and the very top of that list is TUSCANY in Italy.


1. Tuscany, Italy

It’s hard to find a bad bottle of wine in Tuscany—even the most modest trattoria will usually have an excellent house red. Standouts include Chianti (of course), Vernaccia di San Gimignano and the so-called “Super Tuscans.” So tear yourself away from the museums of Florence, even if just for the afternoon, and tour a few wineries in the countryside. We can’t think of a more beautiful (or delicious) way to spend a day.

2. Aquitaine, France


Château d'Yquem, perhaps the world’s most prestigious wine, is produced here. How prestigious? Well, Thomas Jefferson was a fan, and a bottle of the 1811 vintage sold at auction in 2011 for $117,000, the highest price ever commanded by a single bottle of wine. But there are thousands of chateaux to visit in the region, so even if the Château d'Yquem is a bit out of reach, you’ll still have a wonderful time tasting notable red and white Bordeaux vintages.

3. Provence, France


If you’re one of the many new fans of rosé, head to Provence to taste some of the world’s best. The crisp, dry pink wine (made from red grapes) pairs particularly well with garlicky foods, like the region’s famous aioli. You’ll also find good, spicy reds. For a special treat, visit in late June or July, when the lavender is blooming.

4. Umbria, Italy


Umbria may not produce as much wine as Tuscany, but there’s a silver lining—it’s not as popular with tourists. If you’d like to taste great Italian wine without the crowds, Umbria is a good bet. Orvieto Classico, a white available in dry and sweet versions, is the region’s top wine. But for something a bit different, try Sagrantino, a tannic, full-bodied red. Don’t forget to visit Perugia to tour the Perugina chocolate factory.

5. Sicily, Italy


Dessert wines like Marsala are the big draw in Sicily—they account for 90% of the local production. Legend has it that new wine is ready to drink on Saint Martin’s Day, November 11. If you’re in the area, put this to the test by attending the Festa del Vino (Festival of Wine).

6. Languedoc-Roussillon, France


There’s no doubt about it—wine is huge in Languedoc-Roussillon. This is the world’s largest wine region, and if it can be made from grapes, local vintners probably produce it. Over two billion bottles of white, red, rosé, sparkling and sweet wine are made here every year. Try the Cremant de Limoux, a modern-style sparkling wine with a taste to rival much more expensive Champagne.

7. Burgundy, France


Romans first planted wine grapes in Burgundy roughly two millennia ago, so the local vintners have had plenty of time to perfect their craft. If you like reds, head to Côte de Nuits; if you’re a fan of whites, try Côte de Beaune. Many TripAdvisor travellers recommend a stop at La Cave de l’Ange Gardien in Beaune, for a comprehensive introduction to the food and wine of the region.

8. Champagne-Ardenne, France


Dom Perignon, Cristal, Veuve Clicquot... The very names evoke images of decadence and luxury, from star-studded parties in sunny destinations to candlelit evenings in five-star surrounds. Champagne-Ardenne breaks out the bubbly by the millions of cases every year, drawing thirsty travellers from the world over to taste its unparalleled sparkling wines and explore the chalky caves in which the Champagne matures.

9. Costa de la Luz, Spain


If you love sherry, you’ll be in heaven in Costa de la Luz. Over 60 bodegas in the area produce various kinds of sherry, ranging from delicate Manzanilla to Cream Sherry to Amontillado (the perfect gift for fans of Edgar Allen Poe). If you’re an art lover as well as a sherry buff, don’t miss the Bodega Tradicion. There, you can sample excellent VOS and VORS sherries and view works by Goya and Velazquez from the owner’s personal art collection.

10. Porto District, Portugal


Centuries ago, the British were at war with France but dearly missed French wine. They tried importing Portuguese wine but found it spoiled on the journey. Enterprising winemakers decided to fortify it, and port was born. Porto is the centre of the port industry, and no visit here would be complete without visiting a few local port houses to sample the many different types and vintages. Find a tasting room that offers port/chocolate tasting flights, because port and chocolate go perfectly together.

1. Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County may not produce as much wine as nearby Napa, but what it lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in variety. You’ll find everything from Chardonnay to Zinfandel here, and TripAdvisor travellers love the laid-back, unpretentious vibe of the wineries. After a strenuous day of wine-tasting, spoil yourself at one of the many local spas.

2. Napa Valley, California

Napa is probably the most famous wine region in the United States, and for good reason: It produces legendary Cabs and Chardonnay and boasts more than 400 wineries. But there’s more than just wine-tasting in Napa. The fine dining scene is amazing, some wineries boast museum-worthy art collections, and you’ll also find sophisticated spas and great golf courses.

3. Willamette Valley, Oregon

A cool climate, rainy winters and long daylight hours during growing season add up to amazing Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Lodging options range from hip hotels in downtown Portland to cozy country B&Bs, so you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax after a long day of wine-tasting.

4. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes are a beautiful, quiet respite from the rat race. The region's micro-climate provides the ideal growing conditions for award-winning wines and sparkling wines. There are over 100 wineries along Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes. Aficionados can choose from several great regional wine trails.

5. Long Island, New York
We know what you’re thinking. Wine? On Long Island? And it’s good? Yes, yes and yes. Most vineyards are small and bottle their vintages in very limited runs, so you’re not likely to see them in your local wine store or on many restaurant wine lists. Hence, Long Island is a perfect destination for wine lovers who’ve already tasted their way through Napa and Sonoma. Local Syrah and Merlot are reliably good, but try some sparkling Pinot Blanc and excellent rosé, too.

6. Paso Robles, California

Located in the coastal mountain range of central California, Paso Robles (Pass of the Oaks) is close to mountains, beaches and deserts. Grape-growing in the region began in 1797, and there are now more than 170 wineries, 26,000 vineyard acres and 40 varietals of wine. Visit the thermal springs, which are said to have healing powers, or one of the more modern spring resorts in the area.

7. Temecula, California

This charming, small, rural wine region in southern California has a climate similar to that of Spain or southern Italy. So it’s no surprise that Syrah and Sangiovese are among the varietals grown by the 30-plus local wineries. Visit in late May/early June for the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, when hot-air balloons take to the sky over the vineyards.

8. Walla Walla, Washington

Wineries are beginning to rival the sweet-tasting Walla Walla onion as the hallmark of this lovely town at the foot of the Blue Mountains. In fact, the combination of excellent wineries and appealing scenery has put Walla Walla on the map as one of the hottest new wine-touring regions in the U.S. Try excellent Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

9. Palisade, Colorado

The wine business in Colorado was booming in the early 20th century—until Prohibition wiped it out. Many vineyards were replanted with fruit trees. But in the 1970s, winemaking returned to Palisade, and the region now produces 75% of Colorado’s wine grapes. Furthermore, in what is truly delicious irony, many wineries make fruit wines using local stone fruit in addition to traditional grape vintages.

10. Plymouth, California

Plymouth is best known for its association with the California Gold Rush, but these days, travellers come here seeking great wine instead of precious metals. Fortunately, wine tasting is much easier than panning for gold, though, obviously, not as profitable—just visit one of the many small local wineries. One tip: Come to Plymouth on a weekend, as many establishments have limited tasting hours on weekdays.

1. Hunter Valley, Australia

Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, flush with over 140 welcoming wineries eager to share tastes of delicious Semillon and Shiraz. Spend the day sampling the nectar of the vines and poking around adorable shops, then tuck into a succulent meal at one of Hunter Valley’s many fine restaurants.

2. Auckland Region, New Zealand

Adventure junkies often come to Auckland for the kayaking, sailing and high-
octane bungee jumping. But if tasting a few spectacular Chardonnays or Cabernet Sauvignons is more your idea of a thrilling afternoon, you'll love this area, too. More than 100 wineries, including some that specialise in organic winemaking, welcome visitors.

3. Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Canterbury is one of New Zealand's newer wine regions (the first grapes were planted in 1977), but it has developed a reputation for very good Pinot Noir and Riesling. Follow the North Canterbury Food & Wine Trail for a tasty introduction to the region's wineries, restaurants and speciality food shops. And since the region is so close to Christchurch, you can easily spend your days touring wineries and your evenings enjoying trendy restaurants and nightlife in the city.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand

Definitely consider hiring a driver or joining a tour if you're wine-tasting around Queenstown—several of the best wineries are located on very steep and winding roads. If you don't have the time to go from winery to winery, TripAdvisor travellers recommend a visit to Wine Tastes - New Zealand Wine Experience. This bar in the heart of Queenstown offers more than 80 local wines in tasting, half-glass or full-glass portions.

5. Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand

The Hawke’s Bay region’s hot, dry climate makes it ideal for growing grapes. You’ll find world-renowned reds here, as well as a few excellent whites. If you’re an architecture buff as well as an oenophile, don’t miss downtown Napier. A 1931 earthquake levelled most buildings, and when the city rebuilt, they did it in full-blown Art Deco style.

6. Marlborough Region, New Zealand

Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.

7. Barossa Valley, Australia

This region in southern Australia produces some of the world’s best Shiraz. And it has been doing so for quite a while—some local wineries have vines that were planted in the mid-19th century. The area was originally settled by German immigrants, so you can also find fantastic mettwurst and German breads and pastries.

8. Margaret River Region, Australia

The local cardiologist who planted the first wine grapes in Margaret River in 1967 was certainly onto something. Thanks to a great combination of soil and climate conditions, Margaret River has become one of Australia’s top wine regions, now boasting more than 200 vineyards. Visitors will love the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Semillon vintages.

9. McLaren Vale, Australia

McLaren Vale is known mostly for amazing Shiraz, but you’ll also find Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Viognier and even tawny port at local cellar doors. Visit Blessed Cheese, a local café, before you embark on a day of tastings—they’ll pack you a picnic hamper with several local cheeses and suggest which wines go best with them.

10. Gisborne, New Zealand

If you haven’t planned out every step of your wine-tasting itinerary before arriving in Gisborne, don’t fret. Just take the advice of TripAdvisor travellers and head for the Gisborne Wine Centre. Try a flight of top local wines (standouts include Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer) and chat with the friendly staff while watching yachts glide by in the harbour.

1. Stellenbosch, South Africa

You’ll find a number of excellent wineries ranging in size from grand estates to small mom-and-pop operations in the Stellenbosch/Franschhoek area. Franschhoek was founded by French immigrants and has a decidedly French flair—try some excellent white wines here. The Stellenbosch district is better known for its reds. Definitely seek out a Cape Blend made with local Pinotage grapes.

1. Province of Mendoza, Argentina

Oenophiles who love a good Malbec often make the pilgrimage to Mendoza. Tours and tastings at the area's more than 1,200 vineyards are a local highlight. And if you’re into adventure travel as well as tasting excellent wine, look no further—Mendoza offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and rafting.

We hope you enjoyed TripAdvisor's wine destination guide and we trust that you will now be busy planning your next vacation with this information as your guide. The growing and making of wine has come a long way over recent years with the springing up of small and large wineries offering guided tours, tastings, restaurants & cafes as well as shops where you can buy the produce along with associated accessories.

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