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Wine tourism all year round: 12 destinations to visit in 2023 for wine lovers

Wine tourism all year round: 12 destinations to visit in 2023 for wine lovers

After two years of retraction in tourism due to the pandemic, the arrival of a 2023 full of holidays is almost a providence: waé time to travel !

And if the dark times of confinement made Brazilians drink more – and better – wine my bet is that the wine tourism will be one of the major trends in the sector.

It doesn’t matter your travel style, if you go alone or with a partner, if you like the heat or the cold, if you prefer gastronomic or adventure tours. It has incredible wine itineraries to visit inside and outside Brazil all year round.

Below, check out 12 places for great trips in 2023 in the world of wine:

January: Brazil – Serra Gaúcha

There is no better country to start the year trips than ours. THE Serra Gaúcha it is a very accessible destination (about two hours by car from Porto Alegre) and still underestimated by Brazilians. Tourism in the region was greatly influenced by Italian immigration, and today it is possible to experience this culture not only through wines, but also through gastronomy, festivities, and other local activities.

Going in January is an excellent option for those who like sunny days and want to follow the beginning of the grape harvest, which usually lasts until March.

February: South Africa – Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek

When we think of wine tourism, the South Africa does not usually appear among the most remembered destinations, but it is one of the most complete there is: there are hundreds of wineries interspersed with nature, whose visits can still be reconciled with many other alternative tours in the region, such as the beach, safari, adventure sports, and good gastronomy.

The route known as the “Winelands” is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town and passes through the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

In February it is still possible to see the vines full of grapes during the harvest period.

March: Uruguay – Canelones and Montevideo

I consider the Uruguay another destination still undervalued by Brazilians, given the potential that the country has with wine tourism. As it is small in territory, it is possible to visit the main wine regions of the country in the same itinerary.

Canelones and Montevideo are where the oldest wineries are located, but there are still producers in San José, Rivera, Colonia and Maldonado – where the giant Garzón is located, elected in the last four years as one of the 10 best wineries in the world. In March, the winery holds the Festa da Vindima, one of the main festivities in the region.

April: Chile – Central Valley

Of the producing regions, the Central Valley is where most of the production is concentrated. Many wineries are concentrated on the outskirts of Santiago, and they already have a lot of experience with wine tourism, which makes it easier when making the itinerary.

autumn in Chile it is a good time to take advantage of the tours offered by the wineries, especially those outdoors, such as picnics and trails.

May: Argentina – Mendoza

Mendoza it has more than 900 wineries, around 200 of which receive visits. The most important producing regions are Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.

It is a versatile destination, as it is possible to combine wine tastings with good gastronomic itineraries, in addition to unusual tours, such as skydiving and canoeing.

In May, although the grapes have already been harvested, the landscape is even more beautiful with the vineyards in autumnal tones.

June: Brazil – Minas Gerais

The advantage of Brazil is that, the diversity is such that, until the vine cycle, we decided to change according to the region. Jokes aside, the “Double Pruning” technique – often used in Minas Gerais – transferred the harvest that would be in March to the middle of the year.

Therefore, this is a good time to visit the region, discover the wineries that are emerging and also enjoy the traditional Andradas Wine Festival and other local celebrations.

July: Brazil – São Francisco Valley

If we are talking about exploring all the Brazilian winemaking potential, why not also discover the San Francisco Valley which has grape production all year round?

Considering the high temperatures in the region, July can be a good choice for those who like sunny days but with a milder climate.

August: California – Napa Valley

Main wine producing region of California , napa valley it is just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

With regard to wine tourism, it has wineries of all styles and elaborate tours that go from balloon to helicopter, and other attractions that can be incorporated into the itinerary. Summer is the ideal time for wine tastings and other outdoor experiences.

September: France – Bordeaux

Main wine region of France and one of the world’s leading bordeaux is in full swing during the month of September, with the grape harvest.

Watching the result of the year-round work of some of the most traditional wine producers in the world is already a great privilege. Add this to excellent restaurants, museums, historic buildings and a lot of culture, and Bordeaux is one of the most desired destinations for oenophiles.

October: Portugal – Douro

There are many regions with stunning landscapes in Portugal, but there is one in particular that cannot be left out of the script: the Douro . The vineyards arranged on the slopes of the river bank form one of the most impressive pictures that wine tourism can offer.

October is the final phase of the harvest, but it is still possible to follow a little of the harvest, taste wine, olive oil, cheese and other local products, and experience leisure that is more connected to nature, with trails and adventure sports.

November: Italy – Tuscany

If the goal is to visit wineries, tuscany it’s the place. But if you’re going to experience wine all the time – in the streets, restaurants, village walks – too. It is impossible to visit Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Montalcino and other historic towns without stopping at every corner to enjoy a good wine. November is a month with milder weather, therefore perfect for outdoor tastings.

December: Spain – Andalusia

Of course, I wasn’t going to leave out an option for cold lovers. THE Andalusia not the most popular wine region in Spain but it is the birthplace of one of the styles most appreciated by veteran oenophiles: Jerez.

The advantage is that, despite the low temperatures, the climate is not extreme and allows everything from wine tasting to appreciation of Mudéjar architecture and a dip in the rich Andalusian culture and art.

*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Viagem & Gastronomia.

About Pri Matta

Priscilla is a journalist, sommelière and creator of the profile @deondevinho on Instagram. She makes it clear that she doesn’t talk about wines there, but about moments. It’s just that wine is in everyone!

Source: CNN Brasil