Alentejo, Portugal

The Alentejo is one of Portugal's largest wine-growing areas, with more than 250 wine producers spread throughout eight officially recognized zones. The area's diverse soils, including the granitic, calciferous, and Mediterranean red soils, readily account for the wines' unexpected variety. As a result, the Alentejo's once-three separate Rotas dos Vinhos, or wine roads, have combined into one. Visitors can stop by adegas (wineries) along the way to enjoy wines and regional specialties. The Festa da Vinha e do Vinho in Borba, which takes place in November, is a fun occasion to travel there. Tiny tascas (inns) lure onlookers with wine from giant clay pots while the streets fill with vibrant parades.

The Alentejo area was chosen as the world's top wine destination by USA TODAY readers. It is a sizable region, one of Portugal's largest, with delectable cuisine and excellent wines. Despite being one of Portugal's driest locations, irrigation projects allow for the growth of wheat, rye, oats, barley, and sugar beets. With access to open grazing and acorns that fell from cork trees, the Alentejo area has long been a significant producer of pork.

Tour and Location: Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo, Praca Joaquim Antonio de Aguiar, 20, Evora 7000 Portugal