Positioning no.1 on the list of the Best Wine Vacations is Tuscany. The impression that Tuscany was actually a location of romance, chianti wine, olives, aromatic food, and, of course, sunshine, was thoroughly ingrained in our minds when the film adaption of Frances Mayes' "Under the Tuscan Sun" came out in 2003. These days, a lot of tourists come to this magnificent area in northwest Italy to escape the congestion of Milan or Rome and instead enjoy the Italian countryside. The combination of majestic cypress trees, tumbling slopes, expansive vineyards, and castles that have been converted into hotels is simply divine.

In this eminently lovely setting, time appears to pass more slowly. And what better way to unwind beneath the Tuscan sun than by enjoying a bottle of wine or some homemade gnocchi? Everyone believed Tuscany was a place of romance, chianti wine, olives, delectable cuisine, and, of course, sunshine when the film adaption of Frances Mayes' "Under the Tuscan Sun" was published in 2003. To escape the hustle and bustle of Rome or Milan and instead enjoy the Italian countryside, many tourists now travel to this wonderful region in northwest Italy.

The combination of majestic cypress trees, flowing slopes, and sprawling vines, along with the castles that have been turned into hotels and vineyards, is magnificent. One of the most well-known wine and food regions in the world is Italy. Italy's culture is intrinsically tied to its wine and food, from the rustic cuisine of Tuscany to the legendary cheeses, the delectable ragu of Bologna, to the wines of Piedmont.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
  
• #1 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Italy
  
• #7 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
  
• #16 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
  

Country: Italy

It's possible to think of Sonoma, a county in Northern California, as the laidback, unpretentious sister of Napa because of its rustic attractions and variety of wineries. There are several tiny cities worth visiting in its undulating hills, which rise into the Sonoma Mountains and descend to the Pacific coast: If you're looking for an urban getaway with museums and popular restaurants, consider Santa Rosa. However, stop by Glen Ellen for a taste of small-town America.

Sonoma, not Napa, should be your California wine region trip if you're looking for a relaxed introduction to world-class vintages and stunning properties. Consider scheduling a guided tour if you're only visiting for a single day. The best California tours include a few full-day excursions to Sonoma.

You should travel to Sonoma, California, if you want to taste world-renowned wine. More than 60,000 acres of vineyards and 400 wineries are tucked away behind the boundaries of 18 American Viticultural Areas, which extend from the Pacific Coast to the Mayacamas Mountains. No matter what your palate preferences, there are many wine varieties due to the area's size and diversity. Numerous national and international honors have been given to Sonoma County wineries, and the region has emerged as a leader in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Benziger Family Winery is an excellent option for people looking for environmentally friendly wine. The winery attained biodynamic accreditation in 2000, the highest degree available for organic products. You may take tours of the farm and partake in tastings here. The sheep are an important part of the operation because they help to clean the field of weeds. Hanzell Vineyards, a storied winery with a reputation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is a must-see. Hanzell is the first winery in the entire world to use temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation, which is evident in their distinctive Chardonnay, which has a grapefruit-like flavor.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #3 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  
• #4 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Day Trips from San Francisco
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #12 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #14 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #14 in Best Places to Visit in California

Country: USA

The French city of Bordeaux is known for its opulent red wines. In actuality, red wine makes up more than 85% of Bordeaux's output. Try the merlot or cabernet sauvignon before you leave, or ask for a glass that is a combination of both. Explore the one-of-a-kind Cité du Vin wine museum or tour the renowned chateaus in the area for the ultimate wine trip; Château La Dominique, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Pape Clément are good places to start. Spend some extra money at one of the city's Michelin-starred eateries, such Gordon Ramsay's Le Pressoir d'Argent, if you can.

For wine enthusiasts, visiting Bordeaux is a must, and Untold Story Travel's exclusive, two-night journey is the epitome of luxury. Highlights include the chance to mix your own wine and create your own wine label, as well as a private tasting with a master sommelier at a private, invitation-only wine estate in the Margaux village. (You may even arrange to have bottles of your custom wine delivered to your house once every six months.)

Accommodations are offered at the renowned Château Smith Haut Lafitte's eternally delightful, five-star Les Sources De Caudalie, which also has a Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa and the two-star La Grand'Vigne restaurant. Prices start at $5,430 per person for two nights.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Wine Vacations
  

Country: France

Wine is bottled poetry, as author Robert Louis Stevenson remarked on a trip to Napa Valley in the 1880s. As you drive past the area's landmark sign on U.S. Highway 29, you will see this quotation. Sadly, Stevenson was talking about French wine, which is what Napa vintners should strive for. However, California vineyards have subsequently advanced to the level of their European forebears, as the movie "Bottle Shock" illustrates. Now, both experts and novices enjoy the renowned Napa vintages. A guided tour can help you explore the best vineyards in the Napa Valley, no matter your level of knowledge.

Napa Valley's growth in the wine industry has also made it a popular destination for tourists and one of the best places to visit in California. High-end hotels are taking notice of the terraced hillsides, wine caves, and illustrious estates because they create for spectacular landscape. Rich resorts are dotted among the vineyards and provide everything from golfing to spa treatments to fine dining. Not only is a vacation to California wine country made memorable by the life-changing cabernet, but also by the alluring natural surroundings. You'll come back for more if you can afford it.

Napa is one of the most well-known travel destinations in the world for wine lovers and is essentially synonymous with wine. Napa County has the highest concentration of wineries of any county in America with more than 400. Napa Valley vintners are able to make a wide variety of wines that are highly regarded all over the world because of the region's various soils, climate, and geography. Napa is renowned for its full-bodied Cabernets, juicy Merlots, and buttery Chardonnays in addition to its breathtaking natural landscapes and settings. So grab a drink, and explore some of the favorite vineyards.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #4 in Best Day Trips from San Francisco
  
• #4 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in California
  
• #19 in Best Fall Vacations
• #3 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #4 in Best Day Trips from San Francisco
  
• #4 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in California
  
• #19 in Best Fall Vacations

Country: USA

This charming area of France is home to lavish castles, huge gardens, and beautiful vineyards, making it ideal for a peaceful vacation. Vineyards that produce some of the best French vintages, such as sweet muscadets, crisp sauvignon blancs, and smokey cabernets, may be seen as the peaceful Loire River meanders through them.

Visit the old wine cellar at Château de Chenonceau for a la carte tastings, or have a glass of champagne in the grotto-like caves of Maison Ackerman. Trek the Loire Valley Wine Route for a tour of the third-largest wine region in France and the opportunity to explore the region's vineyards at your own speed.

One of France's premier wine regions is the 600-mile Loire River basin and its tributaries. This valley literally ranks among the Best Wine Vacations. Let's investigate the region's distinct climate, history, culture, and wine appellations. The Loire Valley actually has a very diverse character, from the modern Port city of Nantes to the foothills of the Massif Central. As you might expect, the wines also differ.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Wine Vacations

Country: France

Burgundy is a wonderful region in central-east France. Picture rolling hills covered in vineyards that cluster into charming villages that have been exquisitely kept of their medieval charms. The capital city of Dijon, which is brimming with reminders of the time when the Dukes of Bourgogne formerly called this area home, is the jewel in this region's fairytale crown. Beaune, a walled village encircled by vineyards, is equally delightful, particularly given that wine sampling predominates in the community. The region's numerous abbeys and châteaux, magnificent regional natural park, and culinary attractions, however, deserve much more praise.

Burgundy wine is produced in the valleys and slopes west of the Saône, a tributary of the Rhône, in the Burgundy area of eastern France. The most well-known wines made here are what are known as "Burgundies," which are dry red wines made from pinot noir grapes and white wines derived from chardonnay grapes.

Other grape varietals, like gamay and aligoté, are also used to make red and white wines. Additionally, a small amount of sparkling wine and rosé are made in the area. Despite being recognized as subregions of the Burgundy wine region, Chablis, which is predominately made of chardonnay, and Beaujolais, which is predominately made of gamay, are often referred to by their own names rather than as "Burgundy wines."

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in France

Country: France

Between Portland and Eugene, a 150-mile region known as Oregon's wine country is home to approximately 700 wineries. One of the best regions in the world for producing pinot noir is the Willamette Valley. Willamette Valley has wineries for every type of wine fan, including upscale estates like King Estate Winery and Domaine Serene and family-friendly ones like Brooks Wine and Stoller Family Estate. Additionally, if you don't have a vehicle of your own, a pre-planned tour from Portland will make it simple for you to travel to the area.

The soil, temperature, and natural geology of the Willamette Valley all contribute to the extraordinary quality of our wines, much like the ingredients in a great recipe. Learn more about the pioneering winemakers who traveled to this region in search of outstanding Pinot noir. Learn about the many different aspects of our wide landscape and how you can taste them in a glass.

And learn about the wine styles and up-and-coming grape varieties that can surprise you on your subsequent visit. Two-thirds of Oregon's wineries, vineyards, and more than 700 wineries are located in the Willamette Valley, the state's most important wine region. It is regarded as one of the world's top regions for growing Pinot noir.

The Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Laurelwood District, Lower Long Tom, McMinnville, Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon, Ribbon Ridge, Tualatin Hills, Van Duzer Corridor, and Yamhill-Carlton are just a few of the eleven nested appellations that make up the expansive and diverse Willamette Valley.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Wine Vacations

Country: USA

The Fladgate Partnership's World of Wine, which is scheduled to debut in the middle of 2020, is a hugely ambitious tourist endeavor that will feature five museums, nine restaurants and bars, a wine school, and other exhibition spaces inside Fladgate's former Port warehouses in Porto.

The activity intends to showcase Portugal's significance as a world leader in cork manufacturing as well as its historical prominence as a wine-producing nation. The history of drinking utensils will also be the focus of a separate wine-related museum, which plans to display a collection of hundreds of cups and chalices that date back thousands of years.

The greatest of that sweet, delicious port wine can be found in Porto, which has long been a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. However, this seaside community has more to offer than just vino. On Portugal's northwest coast, Porto (or Oporto), a charming European minimetropolis where visitors may enjoy both the outdoors and culture, is located.

You could explore the city for a few days or a week while learning about the modern art on display at the Serralves Foundation complex and the history of Porto's historic churches like the Sé and Igreja de So Francisco. Whatever you decide to see and do in this enthralling city, you'll come away with a sense of the variety of things Porto has to offer, some fantastic images, and, preferably, a bottle or two of its best wine.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in July
  
• #1 in Best Cheap European Vacations
  
• #2 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
  
• #8 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #10 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #17 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

Country: Portugal

Sporty, chic, beautiful, and sociable... Cape Town would be that Hollywood starlet. The Mother City is distinct from every other place in Africa: A sparkling metropolis set against one of the most stunning natural settings in the world, Cape Town is isolated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains. But Cape Town has more to offer than just attractive appearances.

The city's sandy beaches, sweeping vineyards, mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and, of course, the magnificent Table Mountain will win you over. The globe may have needed an international soccer tournament to pay attention, but now that Cape Town has made an impression on the world, no amount of buzzing vuvuzelas can dim its splendor.

A variety of cultures are represented in Cape Town, making it by far the most multicultural city in South Africa. This diversity is reflected in the city's diverse food, music, and festival scenes. However, it's necessary to comprehend what Cape Town has gone through in order to appreciate the city more as it is today.

Apartheid's decades-long racial and economic persecution left a festering wound. The District Six Museum and Nelson Mandela's incarceration cell on Robben Island are two places where visitors may learn more about the sad undertone of Cape Town, which is usually known for its beautiful beaches and lively restaurant scene.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Africa
  
• #9 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #12 in Best Christmas Vacations

Country:South Africa

Native American mythology holds that this region in central New York's 11 glacial lakes is proof that the Great Spirit blessed the land by putting his footprint there. Native American names like Skaneateles, Keuka, Cayuga, and Seneca are so given to the freshwater lakes in the area. Today, this 9,000 square mile region is a playground for outdoors enthusiasts throughout the year and is home to a developing wine region that has been compared to Napa Valley.

The Finger Lakes Wine Country, which produces more than 90% of New York's wine, is surrounded by the four lakes Cayuga, Seneca, Canandaigua, and Keuka. It adds peace and history to its rolling green acres. You can plan an itinerary that best matches your mood in this wine area, choosing from gourmet eateries, organic cheese tours, aquatic activities, and of course, time-tested tastes, to make your own memories.

The Finger Lakes provide strenuous hikes through breathtaking state parks that feature impressive rocky gorges and cascading waterfalls in addition to an abundance of boating, fishing, and water activities. However, there are many options for relaxation in the area, including scenic drives through wine and farm country. The Corning Museum of Glass, the Strong International Museum of Play, and the George Eastman Museum are all located in the region, so if culture is what you're looking, you're covered there, too.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in New York State
  
• #5 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
  
• #10 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
  
• #10 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  
• #10 in Best Wine Vacations

Country: USA