The warm summer months are a great time of the year to visit wineries and vineyards. We have compiled a list of well-known holiday destinations with an extra attraction for wine lovers: all of them are worth a visit focused exclusively on vines and wines.
Soil, light, wind, history. The Sherry Triangle
The Sherry Triangle offers endless possibilities to enjoy the region's rich wine culture: a visit to the famous cathedral-like bodegas, learning first-hand sherry's unique winemaking process, discovering the perfect food pairing for each wine. Add to this the historical and natural heritage of its ancient towns and of a privileged region.
Further reading: www.sherry.wine/es/el-origen/enoturismo
Inside a tradicional sherry 'bodega'. Photo by Carlos Calamar.
Tenerife, vineyards on the footsteps of the great volcano
The five appellations in Tenerife (Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güímar, Valle de la Orotava and Ycoden Daute Isora) resemble an archipelago of diverse exposures, altitudes and microclimates. Scattered across the island, they are a testimony of its ancient viticulture heritage, which is gradually re-emerging again. Wine tourism is still in its infancy, making the island an attractive destination for adventure-seeking visitors. On the volcanic slopes of La Orotava Valley in particular, ancestral wine growing methods such as trenzado, a unique vine training system, are still in use.
La Orotava valley, with Teide volcano at the left end. The picture is by Javier Sánchez Portero.
The Mosel: elegant meanders, vertiginous slopes
The vineyards overlooking the river Mosel are a wine treasure in the heart of Europe. Dating back to Roman times, they possess the splendor of the old German dominions and the natural gift of a territory with a unique river network. Its most famous produce is Riesling wine, a distinct white grape variety with notable fragrance, finesse and acidity. Its elegant, charming spirit is present over more than 200 km on the river Mosel, an area bursting with tourist and cultural attractions.
Further reading: www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/scenic-routes/moselle-wine-route.htmland www.germanwines.de/tourism/wine-growing-regions/mosel
The Mosel by the town of Bremm (photo by Barnyz).
Heading south: South Africa
The first South African wineries were established in 1685, so we are not exactly talking about a place with little history. Its heritage, exemplified in the superb Dutch-style cellars found in the countryside, also includes spectacular vineyard landscapes framed by iconic mountains and countless surprises for any European wine lover. As such, the Western Cape Province, the epicenter of South African wine, is a uniquely charming destination, particularly now, in the midst of the austral winter.
Further reading: www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za and www.wosa.co.za/home
Vineyards and mountains of Stellenbosch, in a photo by John Hickey-Fry.
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