Enotourism: which 8 countries are worth visiting in search of good wine

Enotourism is a special kind of travel, involving trips to vineyards and wineries, acquaintance with local grape varieties, winemaking traditions and, of course, colorful tastings.

This article contains the top of the most famous countries in the world that are centers of wine tourism. You can go down to the cool wine cellars, take part in the grape harvest, have fun at wine festivals, prepare your own blend and, of course, taste the best wines from local grape varieties in enotours around the world.

1. Georgia

Wine for Georgians is a part of culture, national identity and cultural heritage, so wine tourism is very common in a country with amazing nature and amazing cuisine. Tsinandali, Napareuli, Gurjaani, Alaverdi, Kakheti, Alazani Valley are the best places in Georgia for true wine connoisseurs.

You can also be carried away by a trip to the wineries of Shumi, Chateau Lilo, Chateau Zegaani, Chateau Mere, Khareba, Telavi and Tiflis wine cellars, "Tears of the Pheasant" in Sighnaghi, as well as the wineries of Badagoni, Graneli, Kahuri Guinis Marani and many others.Home-made winemaking is widespread in Georgia on a par with industrial. And a huge number of tastings and excursions will combine business with pleasure in your journey.

2. France

France is the capital of the world wine industry and one of the most rigorous experts in this industry. For the French, wine is a truly iconic drink, the country's largest global export and national pride. France ranks second in the world after Spain in terms of vineyard area.

There are a huge number of wineries in the country, and in any restaurant you can taste the best French wines. Champagne, Alsace, the Loire River Valley, Bordeaux and many other regions of France produce wine that is popular all over the world. Wine festivals are also held in the country, and enotours include visits to cellars, tastings and a walk through wineries.

3. Italy

Italy is a center of wine tourism, recognized as one of the best in the world. Grapes in Italy are grown all over the country, wine is a philosophy for Italians. Wine museums in Piedmont, Lombardy, Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria, Trento, Friuli welcome wine connoisseurs from all over the world on their tasting tours.

At the beginning of the grape harvest season, traditional Open Cellar Days are held. Tasting Italian wines will make the trip exceptional and give new impressions about the amazing world of winemaking. Most wineries provide an opportunity to go down to the wine cellars, as well as take a direct part in the harvest.

4. Spain

Spain is one of the largest wine producers in the world. There are 69 regions in the Kingdom where the best wines are produced and invited on excursions to the famous cellars and vineyards. Rioja Alaves is a real museum of modern architecture combined with wine production.

Ribera del Duero is one of the most interesting regions for wine tourism in Spain, where you can not only explore the world of wine and see huge vineyards, but also visit many interesting towns, ancient castles, monasteries and the best Gothic cathedrals in Spain. There are 50 wineries open to the public in Rias Baixas. And this is just a drop in the bucket from all the wineries and entertainment in Spain.

5. Kuban, Russia

The largest wine-making company of the Krasnodar Territory, Abrau-Durso, is located in Kuban. As part of the excursions, she offers to visit the legendary wine cellar, enjoy the beautiful sunset from the terrace of the vintner's house or go down into the ancient tunnels and wine cellars built in the XIX century, when the estate belonged to the royal family.

Lefkadia Valley – picturesque slopes in the foothills of the main Caucasian ridge next to lavender fields. They not only grow grapes and make wine here, but also cook cheeses. Guy-Kodzor and the Sikory Estate are wine farms of the Krasnodar Territory, which are waiting for tourists to walk through the vineyards and taste the wines of their native land.

6. Portugal

A country with interesting grape varieties and the best port wine. Alto Douro is the most famous region of Portugal, where wine and port are produced. Alentejo is the region with the largest vineyards in the country. Vila Nova de Gaia is full of famous wine cellars and warehouses. Do not forget to visit the numerous villages of winemakers and wine farms.

In early September, go to Madeira: a noisy wine festival takes place on the beaches, during which you can not only taste the famous Portuguese madeira, but also participate in its preparation.

7. Australia

Winemaking in Australia started from scratch in the 18th century: the country initially did not have its own vines. The first cuttings were brought to the country in 1788 and planted in Sydney at Farm Cove. Thus began the era of Australian winemaking.

Australia is one of the five largest wine exporters in the world. Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania are cities and regions where you can find amazing wineries and vineyards. More than 70 grape varieties are grown in the country, and the famous Australian shiraz, pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling are waiting for you in a country with a wonderful climate and excellent landscapes.

8. Argentina

Argentina, with its unique Andes, where steppes are adjacent to forests, and deserts with glaciers, is very successfully developing winemaking. Argentine wines today occupy the 5th place among the world leaders in winemaking.

Mendoza is the main wine–growing region of Argentina, with huge vineyards and an interesting climate in which refined and interesting wines are produced. Rio Negro is a region where wineries are located in the very center of the desert, in a small oasis. San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucuman, Salta and Patagonia are also famous for their vineyards, the total area of which in Argentina exceeds 210 thousand hectares.