Retail News Update

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Wine lovers are increasingly following their passion on vacation with an more visitors to wine regions, which now boast top hotels, restaurants and tours.

TripAdvisor, an online travel community, has come up with a list of 10 top wine destinations in the world, according to its editors and traveler popularity. This list is not endorsed by Reuters:

1. Geaux Bordeaux: Bordeaux, France

Perhaps the world’s most famous wine destination, the Bordeaux region of France has long been renowned for its vineyards that produce everything from delicious table wines to the most expensive bottles in the world.

2. Golden Grapes: Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley has long been synonymous with superb wine and striking scenery, both of which draw millions of wine lovers to the region each year. Home to nearly 400 unique wineries, the valley has a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for growing a variety of grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel.

3. Keen on Chianti: Tuscany, Italy

Famed for its reds like Chianti and Montalcino, the Tuscany region of Italy is a delight for the senses. Celebrated not only for its vineyards and its cuisine, its sheer natural and historic beauty make it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations and a magical place to taste the local “vino.”

4. A Bit of the Bubbly: Champagne-Ardenne, France

The Champagne province is famous for the beloved sparkling white wine that shares its name. Its neatly-tended vineyards amongst a picturesque natural landscape, rich history, and unique culture make this region as vibrant as its effervescent wine.

5. Raising the Barossa: Barossa Valley, Australia

This scenic region in Southern Australia is highly regarded for its Shiraz and its other robust varieties of red wine. Characterized by its visibly rich German heritage, along with its rolling, vine-covered hills, Barossa Valley is a beautiful destination for sightseers and wine connoisseurs alike.

6. Spanish Inbibation: La Rioja, Spain

Spain’s most famous wine destination, Rioja is divided into three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Most recognized for its outstanding reds, the region’s wines are particularly distinctive because of the oak aging and delicious vanilla flavors.

7. To the Moon: Sonoma Valley, California

Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” by legendary writer and one time Sonoma local Jack London, the Valley features amazing vineyards, with particularly remarkable whites, as well as beautiful scenery and charming towns.

8. Grand Central: Valle Central, Chile

Just outside the Chilean capital of Santiago, the gorgeous Valle Central set among the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean is internationally acclaimed. Wine enthusiasts will be particularly fond of the Maipo Valley’s Cabernets, and the Curico’s Chardonnays.

9. Great Escape: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Home to one of South Africa’s most visited wine routes, Stellenbosch is the heart of the Cape Winelands region, with more than 100 wine cellars to visit surrounding the culturally rich center town of Stellenbosch.

10. Blanc Stare: Marlborough, New Zealand

Located on the southern island of New Zealand, Marlborough is widely regarded as the country’s birthplace of winemaking. Famous for its white wine varietals, the region is best known for its delectable Sauvignon Blancs.