We’ve been so fortunate to visit some of the top wine producing regions around the world. If you ever find yourself in any of these amazing cities – San Francisco, Sydney, Cape Town, Wellington or Baku (yes! Baku) – consider these wine tours for your next tasting adventure.
Baku, Azerbaijan
This one is a wild card entry! Did you know that Azerbaijan is a major wine producing country? Research has shown that the South Caucasus region is one of the oldest centres of wine making on earth. 3-hours outside of Baku, you can find Chabiant winery (also known as Chateau Monolit). Located in the Ismayilli district, this winery is set at an altitude of approx. 750m. The naturally rain-fed soil produces excellent quality grapes that benefit from sun-soaked days and mildly chilly nights.
The drive up to the winery is a long, bumpy country lane but as you get to the old-school guest house, the huge compound is filled with apple trees, chirping birds, and the scent of sweet grape juice. You can tour the facility with an expert and taste wine directly out of the barrels. After the tour, you sit by the swimming pool to taste 5 different types of wines, alongside a delicious lunch of cheese, bread, mezze and grilled meats.
Details – The winery tour + tasting + lunch for 4 people costs AED 250. Renting a car in Azerbaijan is relatively cheap but English is not widely spoken, so recommend you go with a guide. On the drive there from Baku, you can stop by Diri Baba which is a 15th century mausoleum-mosque built into the mountain or visit Shamakhi Juma Masjid, Azerbaijan’s oldest mosque built in 743.
Azerbaijan is famous for its pomegranate wine. They even host an annual pomegranate festival in Goychay. If you can’t make it there, the best place to try pomegranate wine is in one of the local wine bars in Baku, or you can buy bottle souvenirs at the airport on your way out.
Franschhoek, Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is known for its stunning scenery and fine wines. Just an hour away, you can reach the little village of Franschhoek – known as the Wine & Gourmet Capital of South Africa.
They have a hop-on hop-off wine tram which is a great way to explore 4-5 wineries in a day (or more if you have the capacity!) Set against glorious mountains as a background, the vintage style open-air tram rolls through the Franschhoek valley from one vineyard to the next. You can stop at whichever you fancy, taste local wines, preserves, cheese, lunch, and then hop back on to the next.
Details – Franschhoek Wine Tram offers eight hop-on hop-off lines to choose from, each visiting different wine estates that showcase a different part of the Franschhoek valley. It costs AED 60 per person for the tram ride + additional at each stop for a tasting. I did some research before hand and picked the Purple Line because I wanted to check out Babylonstoren, which is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It was stunning, they even have a fruit and veg garden that you can explore during your visit.
Hunter Valley, Sydney, Australia
Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine growing region, with over 120 wineries, restaurants, spa retreats and concerts in the vineyards. Popular wineries to visit are the 150 years old Audrey Wilkinson, Usher Tinkler which is housed in the beautifully restored Pokolbin Church, or Moorebank Vineyard where you can enjoy wine, cheese and chocolate tastings, or picnic on the grounds. Something on my list for next time is the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory where you can do a five cheese tasting and even buy cheese to take home.
Photo cred: Audrey Wilkinson
Details – Hunter Valley is an easy two-hour drive north of Sydney. One of our friend’s drove (and was designated driver) but you can also join a tour from Sydney to visit several wineries in a day.
Napa Valley, California, USA
With over 2,000 kms of rolling hills and neat rows of grapevines, this gorgeous wine region is an hour and a half away from San Francisco. There are 430 wineries in Napa Valley. If you want to try a few in a day, the best way to do it is to get an uber between each stop; there were plenty of rides available when you need them. You can also spend the night should you fall in love with the place, and stay at the gorgeous Candlelight Inn or Maison Fleurie and continue on your wine adventures the next day.
Details – check out our post for more details on a day-trip to Napa Valley.
Martinborough, Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand wine is amazing and Martinborough is the perfect place to go try some if you find yourself on the North Island. An hour’s drive from Wellington, you can also hop on a train to get to the wineries. Once there, you can rent a bike to go from one place to the next.
Details – check out our post for more details on a quick-trip to Martinborough. Places get quite busy, especially in the summer so recommend to call-in and book if you are part of a big group – which we were.
Which is your favourite wine region? Have you been to any of these?
If you’re thinking about spending the night, there are over 20 wine cellars, a gorgeous colonial style “downtown” and plenty of AirBnB’s you can check out.
