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29 May, 2023

Aussie vineyard takes second spot in world’s most beautiful wine regions

By Zach Havard

A new report thanks to CV Villas has unveiled the top destinations worldwide that need to be at the top of any wine lovers travel list.

Wine tourism has become increasingly popular in recent times, with Google searches for wine and vineyard tours increasing by 72 per cent in the the year.

While it may come as no surprise that France’s Champagne took out the number one spot, there are a number of other locations around the world that have been lorded for their quality grapes and wine production.

To provide wine lovers with some travel guidance, the report which analyses wine ratings from Vivino, has determined the best holiday destinations for wine enthusiasts.

Boschendal, South Africa. (Supplied)

“We all know Champagne produces outstanding world-class sparkling wine, from Dom Pérignon to the more affordable Taittinger!” GM, CV Villas, Pete Brundell, said.

It is an area synonymous with luxurious bottles of bubbles; however, we wanted to show people how many other locations around the world are also producing great quality tipples whilst offering stunning scenery, too.

If you are looking to take yourself on a wine holiday or want to book a vineyard tour for your next trip, be sure to look at the likes of Italy, Spain and Greece, too.”

Top 15 most beautiful vineyards in the world. (Supplied)

Most Beautiful Vineyards In The World

Whilst it is important to be around the best wines on offer whilst on a tasting tour, the research also used Instagram data to discover which regions had been shared the most via social media.

1. Boschendal, South Africa

Taking first place as the most beautiful vineyard in the world is the Boschendal Estate in South Africa. Clearly popular amongst wine lovers on social media, the vineyard has garnered thousands of posts with photos often featuring the sunlit hills that surround the estate.

2. Penfolds Magill Estate, Australia

With over 94,000 Instagram hashtags shared, the Penfolds Magill Estate is clearly a big hit amongst wine-loving Instagrammers. Penfolds Magill Estate was Australia’s first winery, established in 1844 by a British couple and specialises in producing state-of-the-art red wines. It boasts five beautiful vineyards which grow a variety of grapes shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Visitors are particularly fond of capturing the welcoming row of historical wine barrels that are found in the cellar of the estate.

3. Castello Di Amorosa, United States

The USA has four vineyards in the top fifteen most popular on Instagram, starting with Castello di Amorosa. Many of the photos shared of this winery highlight the traditional cellar where guests can enjoy wine tastings after strolling the castle grounds.

The other North American entry is Chateau Montelena, in 11th place, with nearly 23 thousand Instagram posts often dedicated to the local Napa Valley Chardonnay.

4. Donnafugata-Marsala, Italy

Italy’s locals and tourists have no shortage of vineyards to escape to and delight in a delicious glass of wine while taking in the view. Donnafugata-Marsala is a picturesque gem that has delighted Instagram users, with visitors keen to share the idyllic views of green vineyard rows meeting the calm blue Sicilian skies. Marsala, Pantelleria, Etna and Vittoria wineries. Here they specialise in several indigenous grapes that go into the broad selection of wines, such as the tart Carricante from the mineral-rich slopes of Mount Etna to the aromatic Ansonica of the white varieties.

5. Catena Zapata, Argentina

With nearly 63,000 snaps shared on Instagram, Catena Zapata is the first of two Argentinian vineyards in the top fifteen global rankings. Instagram users seem particularly fond of capturing the red wines the estate is so famous for such as their world-renowned Malbec, often accompanied by traditional local cuisine.

While no French vineyards land in the top five, they claim more spots than any other European country in the most beautiful vineyards list. The most popular French wineries on Instagram span from the west region of the country with the likes of Château Mouton Rothschild close to Bordeaux, through to Château La Coste in Provence.

The world’s ten best destinations for wine lovers. (Supplied)

1. Champagne, France

Ranking in first place, the Champagne region in France is the best location for wine aficionados to visit across the globe. The wine produced in this region is highly regarded as the best sparkling wine in the world, scoring a total combined Vivino score of 188.3 for its quality. Every top-rated bottle to come from this region was of the sparkling variety, and although this is a key reason tourists visit, it is also famed for picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage.

2. Côtes de Provence, France

France also takes the second top spot for the world’s best wine destinations, with the Côtes de Provence region ranking in second place. According to the research, 20 wines from this region feature in the top 200 world’s best-rated wines list. The region is most known for its refreshing rosés – including the highest-rated bottle from the region Château d’Esclans Les Clans Rosé 2020. This bottle pairs perfectly with the iconic local cuisine, such as salade niçoise and bouillabaisse, allowing visitors plenty to indulge in.

3. Napa Valley, USA

Across the Atlantic, and breaking the French domination, is Napa Valley in the USA. It comes in as the third-best wine destination in the world and is the first of two USA regions in the global rankings. Napa Valley is home to 400 wineries and delivers a stunning culinary scene set against the beautiful views of rolling hills, along with exceptional varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

4. Bolgheri, Italy

Bolgheri, a coastal Italian appellation, lands in fourth place as one of the best destinations for wine lovers to visit. It also introduces a tie between France and Italy, as both countries each have three destinations in the global top 10.

Nestled in the Livorno province of Tuscany, Bolgheri is home to some of the world’s best red wines, particularly the famed Super Tuscan blends. Visitors will be delighted with touring the region and its wineries are rich in cultural heritage and celebrate centuries of wine-making history passed down from generation to generation. A notable winery from this prominent region is Ornellaia, where each vineyard is treated as an individual, vinified separately and dealt with by hand to ensure each one has its own character.

5. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Home to some of South Africa’s most famous and highly regarded wines, Stellenbosch is the first African destination to make the top five list. Known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage varieties, Stellenbosch scored a total rating of 31.3 for its wine quality. Travellers heading to this region will be delighted by not only a stellar selection of wine tastings and tours available but also its awe-striking scenery. De Toren Private Cellar is a boutique winery situated on the Polkadraai Hills with picturesque views of Stellenbosch, as well as the renowned Table Mountain in the west.

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Boschendal South Africa CV Villas Penfolds Magill Estate Pete Brundell vineyard wine region