Wine tourism around the world

Wine tourism is a unique form of travel that combines culture, gastronomy, and art. It's more than just visiting the world’s best wine-producing regions — it’s an immersion into the atmosphere of tradition, stories, aromas, and flavors revealed in every glass. Wine tours around the world offer travelers the chance to discover local grape varieties, meet winemakers, visit ancient cellars, take part in tastings, and explore new dimensions of wine culture.

In this article, we’ll explore renowned wine-producing countries and find out where the best wine is made.

 

Famous wine-producing countries

While there are many wine-producing countries and regions across the globe, ten countries stand out as the leading suppliers of wine on the international market:

1. France – Known for its elegance and diversity, French wines range from refined Chardonnays to rich Cabernet Sauvignons.

2. Italy – Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco are just a few examples of Italian wines with deep-rooted tradition and character.

3. Spain – Renowned for Tempranillo and Sherry, Spanish wines are known for their depth, structure, and balance.

4. USA – California’s Cabernet and Chardonnay have gained global recognition for their high quality and innovation.

5. Argentina – Best known for Malbec from the Mendoza region, offering deep flavors at affordable prices, making it popular worldwide.

6. Chile – Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère deliver vibrant flavors and excellent value for money.

7. Australia – Famous for bold Shiraz and Cabernet wines, known for their expressive fruit notes and innovative production methods.

8. Germany – A classic white wine country, especially known for its refined Riesling with refreshing acidity.

9. Portugal – Celebrated for Port and Vinho Verde, Portuguese winemaking is rooted in centuries-old traditions, resulting in a unique taste.

10. South Africa – Home to distinctive Chenin Blanc and Pinotage wines that reflect the region’s strong character.

 

The world’s best wine regions in 2024

The prestigious World’s Best Vineyards award annually ranks the top 50 wine regions across the globe. It considers not only the quality of the wine but also the unique experiences offered — from breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to fine cuisine and immersive tours.

1. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal (Spain)

Located in Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal tops the list of the world’s best wine regions. Founded in 1858, the estate is known for blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovation. Its architectural icon is the City of Wine — a futuristic complex with a hotel and panoramic views, set amid 500 hectares of vineyards.

Key grape varieties: Tempranillo and Graciano. From old vines comes the Barón de Chirel Reserva — a wine with deep flavor and rich texture.

 

2. VIK (Chile)

Taking second place is VIK, a winery located in the Millahue Valley nature reserve, spanning 4,300 hectares. This Chilean estate is renowned for its eco-friendly approach and harmonious use of natural resources in winemaking.

The full-immersion guest experience includes vineyard tours, tastings, and horseback rides around the property. VIK wines stand out for their bold aromas, vibrant flavor, and refined texture, thanks to unique soil and climate conditions.

 

3. Creation (South Africa)

The South African winery Creation is nestled in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is celebrated for refined wine-and-food pairings and for promoting wine culture in the region.

Visitors can join interactive tours, explore the terroir, and learn about production techniques. Standout wines include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

 

4. Bodegas Ysios (Spain)

Bodegas Ysios in Rioja received the “Highest Climber” award, jumping 67 places in the ranking compared to last year. Its architecture impresses with a modern design, and one of its core principles is harmony with nature.

Wines from Bodegas Ysios are known for their red berry aromas and refined texture.

 

5. Schloss Johannisberg (Germany)

Schloss Johannisberg, a legendary winery in the Rheingau region, is considered the birthplace of Riesling. With over a thousand years of history, it embodies the classical traditions of winemaking.

The natural characteristics of the soil contribute to the production of Riesling with distinctive minerality and refreshing acidity.

 

6. Maison Ruinart (France)

Maison Ruinart, founded in 1729 in the Champagne region, is recognized as the oldest established Champagne house. Its unique chalk cellars, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide perfect aging conditions.

Wine tours here include tastings, guided visits, and workshops. A standout wine is Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, made from Chardonnay, noted for its freshness and elegance.

 

7. Château Smith Haut Lafitte (France)

Located in Bordeaux, Château Smith Haut Lafitte is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. The winery follows organic and biodynamic winemaking principles.

It combines a commitment to biodiversity with the philosophy of "from terroir to glass." Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours, tastings, and spa treatments using wine-based extracts.

 

8. Abadía Retuerta (Spain)

Abadía Retuerta, in the Ribera del Duero region, blends centuries-old tradition with modern winemaking technologies. The estate also features a luxury hotel and fine dining restaurants.

One of its flagship wines is Selección Especial, known for its deep aroma and complex texture.

 

9. Weingut Dr. Loosen (Germany)

Weingut Dr. Loosen is a family-owned winery with a 200-year history, located in the Mosel Valley. Its Riesling grapes are grown on steep slate slopes, producing wines celebrated for their minerality, freshness, and aging potential.

 

10. Finca Victoria – Durigutti Family Winemakers (Argentina)

Located in Mendoza, Finca Victoria is rightfully among the world’s top ten wineries. It is best known for its Malbecs, offering deep, rich flavors that vividly express the region’s terroir.

 

Wine regions to travel in the "Old World"

Spain

Spain is a wine-lover’s paradise, where winemaking is deeply rooted in history and culture.

• Rioja is the heart of Spanish wine, famed for its noble reds, primarily made from Tempranillo. These wines are aged in oak barrels, adding depth, complexity, and hints of vanilla.
• Catalonia is a mosaic of wine styles — Penedès stands out for Cava, Spain’s iconic sparkling wine, while Priorat enchants with powerful reds made from Garnacha and Cariñena grown on slate soils.
• Andalusia is the homeland of sherry. In Jerez de la Frontera, discover refined Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso, all aged using the traditional solera system — true bottled artistry.

France

France is the gold standard of winemaking, renowned for its global influence and rich cultural heritage.

• Bordeaux represents nobility, offering refined red and white wines. Visitors can stroll through historic vineyards and visit legendary châteaux growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other classic grapes.
• Burgundy is the land of delicate aromas. Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wines embody balance and finesse. Small winery towns in Burgundy offer intimate tastings and authentic gastronomic experiences.
• Champagne is the birthplace of the world’s most iconic sparkling wine. Tour the underground cellars, learn about the méthode champenoise, and savor the perfectly balanced bubbles in a glass of true Champagne.

Italy

Italy’s wine regions charm with deep-rooted traditions and breathtaking landscapes.

• Tuscany is the soul of Italian wine. Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino are born here — best enjoyed at historic estates overlooking rolling hills.
• Piedmont is the land of noble reds. Barolo and Barbaresco impress with depth, structure, and perfume.
• Veneto is home to Prosecco, Amarone, and Valpolicella — wines that blend quality, approachability, and style.

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Portugal

• The Douro region is famed for its Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz grape varieties — the foundation of Portugal’s legendary Port, known for its rich aroma and complex flavor.
• In Alentejo, lighter, refreshing wines made from Touriga Franca dominate — perfect for the region’s warm climate.
• Madeira offers unique dry and sweet wines crafted from grapes grown on the island’s steep mountain slopes, resulting in bold, long-lived styles with vibrant acidity.

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Germany

Think Germans only drink beer? Think again! Germany boasts centuries-old winemaking traditions and exceptional wines.

• In the Mosel region, vineyards stretch along the picturesque riverbanks. The wines, especially Rieslings, are renowned for their refreshing elegance and bright minerality.
• The Rheingau region lies on the steep slopes of the Rhine River and produces acclaimed Rieslings and Pinot Gris. Beyond wine, the region’s charming villages and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit.
• Also visit Würzburg — famous for its Bocksbeutel wines. Walk among vineyard-covered hills, taste local varietals, and explore historic castles for a uniquely German wine experience.

Hungary

Hungary is a land of ancient wine traditions and distinct flavors.

• Tokaj is the crown jewel of Hungarian winemaking. Its world-renowned sweet wines, especially Tokaji Aszú, are prized for their depth and refinement, enhanced by cellars carved into volcanic rock.
• Eger is the birthplace of the bold red wine Bikavér ("Bull’s Blood"). This robust blend pairs beautifully with local dishes and reflects the region’s authentic spirit.
• Villány and Balaton are ideal for white wine lovers. Sample Furmint or Olaszrizling on terraces overlooking Lake Balaton, accompanied by light Hungarian appetizers.

Greece

• Crete is the oldest wine region in Greece. Traditional grape varieties grown here include reds such as Kotsifali and Mandilaria, and whites like Vidiano and Vilana.
• Attica — near Athens, where the indigenous Assyrtiko grape is cultivated to produce refreshing, mineral-driven white wines.
• Santorini — an island with volcanic soils, dominated by the Assyrtiko grape, which yields unique, elegant, and crisp wines with bright acidity.
• Macedonia — a northern region known for red wines from Xinomavro and Roditis grapes, as well as quality white wines.
• Peloponnese — a large wine region with diverse varieties, mainly red wines from Mandilaria and white Moschofilero.

Georgia

Georgia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking countries and the birthplace of qvevri — clay amphorae still used to produce natural wines.

• Kakheti — the most famous wine region, blessed with a sunny climate, producing robust red and amber wines from Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes.
• Imereti — a western region with a mild climate, known for light and fruity wines often made from indigenous white varieties such as Tsolikauri and Krakhuna.
• Racha-Lechkhumi — a mountainous region producing unique semi-sweet red wines like Khvanchkara, made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.

 

Moldova

Moldova is a country with ancient winemaking traditions, known for its fertile lands and favorable climate.

• Ștefan Vodă — a warm region with fertile soils, ideal for growing red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Fetească Neagră.
• Codru — a central region with a moderate climate and limestone soils, which give wines, especially whites, elegance and structure.
• Nistru — a northern region famous for refreshing and aromatic white wines, notably from Fetească Albă and Riesling grapes.

 

Travel to wine regions: “New World”

Argentina

Argentina is famous for its high-altitude vineyards and rich red wines.

• Mendoza — the country’s main wine region with a dry climate and mountainous terrain, ideal for producing well-balanced Malbec with deep flavors.
• Salta — one of the highest wine regions in the world, known for aromatic white wines, especially from the Torrontés grape.

Australia

Australia is a country of innovators in winemaking, combining diverse climates and innovative techniques.

• Yarra — a cool region in Victoria, producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with bright acidity.
• Barossa — one of the oldest and most renowned regions, famous for powerful Shiraz wines with deep spicy flavors.

Chile

Chile has unique climatic conditions perfect for grape growing.

• Casablanca — a cool coastal region specializing in aromatic white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc.
• Colchagua — a warm valley region producing rich red wines, especially from Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

USA

The USA is a leader of the New World in winemaking, focusing on innovation and quality.

• Napa Valley — a prestigious region in California, renowned for its complex and deep Cabernet Sauvignons that have gained worldwide recognition.

South Africa

South Africa is a gem of Southern Hemisphere winemaking, harmoniously blending centuries-old traditions with modern technologies.

• Stellenbosch — the country’s most famous region, with a climate perfectly suited for growing Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, known for their balance and depth.

 

The best wines from world-famous brands in Duty Free shops

You don’t need to go on wine tours around the world to enjoy high-quality and original wines. Duty Free shops offer a wide selection of beverages from renowned wine regions.

To make your shopping even more convenient and enjoyable, use the pre-order service available on the website or in the Mydutyfree app. This allows you to select products from the online catalog in advance, at your own pace, without any rush or prepayment, apply discounts, and pick up your purchase on the day you cross the border at a special Duty Free checkout.

The Mydutyfree pre-order service is available at the following border crossings:

• Ukraine–Romania (Porubne, Dyakovo, Solotvyno)
• Ukraine–Hungary (Chop Tisa, Luzhanka, Kosyno, Vylok)
• Ukraine–Slovakia (Uzhhorod, Malyy Bereznyy)
• Ukraine–Poland (Yahodyn)

and at airports:

• Vilnius
• Baku