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Vacations® •
Summer 2018 • 61
60 • Vacations
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Summer 2018
Worldly Delights
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA
This is a perfect place to spend a day, picnicking on a
centuries-old wine estate, quaffing smooth Pinotage reds
from the encircling vines. The surrounding landscape is
spectacular with imposing mountains, beneath which nestle
dazzling Cape Dutch farms. Wine has been produced here
since the 1650’s when the first Dutch settlers recognized
its potential. The Coastal Region is the best place for wine
lovers to spend some time as it includes big-name locales
such as Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. All are an easy
drive from Cape Town.
GEORGIA
Here, where Western Asia meets Eastern Europe, wine
production first began more than 7,000 years ago. This
is where the very word ‘wine’ is derived: from “gvino”, the
Georgian word for wine. Today, more species of grape are
grown in Georgia than anywhere else in the world. Visits to
wineries here are like stepping back in time to a simpler, but
authentic vinicultural experience. For instance, Pheasant’s
Tears Winery offers both tastings and horseback riding
tours through the vineyards.
BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA
Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Australia’s most famous
wine region invites visitors to linger awhile amongst its many
vineyards, which are now complemented by some outstanding
restaurants. The vantage point of Mengler Hill provides a fine
overview of the valley. Then descend to sample the delights of
the many vineyards that welcome travellers to some of the oldest
Shiraz vines in the world. Famous brands include Penfolds and
Wolf Blass. Every two years the Barossa Valley Vintage Festival
adds another reason to spend some leisurely time in this delightful
part of Australia.
MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
Any visit to New Zealand’s South Island should include time on the Marlborough Wine
Trail which is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and imposing mountain ranges
to the north and south. A mix of broad alluvial plain and narrow valleys offer a range of
terroir, ideal for what has frequently been described as the world’s finest Sauvignon.
Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine growing area, producing iconic brands such
as Cloudy Bay, through to small boutique family producers.
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
It’s all about Malbec here in the foothills of the Andes.
With the snow-capped mountains rising to more than
6,000 metres in the background, the vineyards seem
to float off into the sky. Mendoza is the place to go: its
wines range from the finest Malbecs to simple
foot-pressed wines. Best of all, wine tourism is now
well-developed, and it is possible not only to tour and
taste, but also to eat well and stay in fine fincas, or
manor houses.
MOLDOVA
For the ultimate wine trip, consider Moldova! It’s a landlocked
country in Eastern Europe bordered by Ukraine and Romania. Its
large wine production is becoming better known in the west, and
wine tourism is rapidly developing. One of the star attractions is
the world’s largest wine cellar at Mileștii Mici. It is recognized as
‘the largest wine cellar by number of bottles’ by Guinness World
Records: underground tunnels stretch over 50 kilometres and are
filled with 1.5 million bottles of wine.
EXOTIC WINE COUNTRIES
Wine tourism has become a popular travel category – these more exotic
destinations will give you real bragging rights!
By Chris Robinson
SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE IN STELLENBOSCH
ASSORTMENT OF WINES FROM
PHEASANT’S TEARS WINERY
GRAPE VINES AT JACOB’S CREEK
IN BAROSSA VALLEY
WINERY IN MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
WITH ANDES IN THE BACKGROUND
BRANDED WINES FROM
CHATEAU VARTELY
IN CHISINAU, MOLDOVA
MARLBOROUGH’S BRANCOTT ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC