Best Wine Tours Around the World

For wine lovers, few experiences rival a well-planned wine tour. It’s not just about tasting world-class vintages—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, the landscape, and the story behind every bottle.

Whether you’re strolling through sun-soaked vineyards in Tuscany or sampling Pinotage in South Africa, wine tours offer a rich blend of flavor, history, and unforgettable scenery.

From the Old World charm of European wine estates to the innovation-driven wineries of the New World, here are the best wine tours around the globe, each promising an experience as distinct as the wines they pour.

1. Bordeaux, France – Tradition and Prestige

When it comes to wine heritage, Bordeaux is in a league of its own. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine estates, this region specializes in blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

What Makes It Special:

Tour the legendary Châteaux Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, and Pétrus.
Explore the Cité du Vin, an immersive wine museum in Bordeaux city.
Cycle through the Left Bank’s Médoc and Right Bank’s Saint-Émilion vineyards.

Tour Tip:

Book through Bordeaux Wine Trails or Millésime Privé for personalized chateau visits and tastings.

2. Tuscany, Italy – Rolling Hills and Rustic Charm

Italy’s wine heartland, Tuscany, offers more than world-famous Chianti—it’s a gateway to Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the Super Tuscans of Bolgheri.

What Makes It Special:

Vineyards set in picturesque hills with cypress-lined lanes.
Wine paired with incredible regional food—pecorino, truffle, and handmade pasta.
Ancient towns like Greve, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano add cultural depth.

Tour Tip:

Try a small-group tour with Tuscan Wine Tours by Grape Tours or Viator’s vineyard and castle experiences.

3. Napa Valley, California, USA – Luxury and Innovation

One of the most famous wine regions in the United States, Napa Valley is synonymous with bold Cabernet Sauvignon and world-class wine hospitality. The valley blends modern tasting rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a reputation for polished excellence.

What Makes It Special:

Iconic wineries like Opus One, Robert Mondavi, and Castello di Amorosa.
Scenic Wine Train tour with gourmet meals and vineyard stops.
Art and architecture-infused wineries like Hess Collection and Darioush.

Tour Tip:

Consider the Platypus Wine Tours for relaxed, educational group outings or hire a private driver for a more tailored experience.

4. Mendoza, Argentina – High Altitude and Malbec Magic

Set against the backdrop of the Andes, Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital and a paradise for Malbec lovers. The region’s sunny days and cool nights create bold, structured reds, while the scenery adds dramatic flair.

What Makes It Special:

Tastings at Trapiche, Catena Zapata, and Bodega Norton.
Horseback vineyard tours and outdoor barbecues with local winemakers.
Breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.

Tour Tip:

Use companies like Uncorking Argentina or Ampora Wine Tours for curated vineyard visits and gourmet pairings.

5. Douro Valley, Portugal – Port and Beyond

The Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Port wine. But the region also produces exceptional table wines worth discovering.

What Makes It Special:

Terraced vineyards climbing steep riverbanks.
Quintas (wineries) offering intimate tastings and lodging.
Scenic river cruises along the Douro River.

Tour Tip:

Combine a wine and river cruise with Wine Tourism in Portugal or take a guided drive from Porto with Cooltour Oporto.

6. Barossa Valley, Australia – Shiraz and Farm-to-Table

Just an hour from Adelaide, Barossa Valley is Australia’s premium wine region, celebrated for its robust Shiraz, Grenache, and old-vine plantings. The region blends rural charm with culinary innovation.

What Makes It Special:

Historic wineries like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba.
Small producers offering behind-the-scenes access.
Local markets, cheese trails, and artisan chocolates.

Tour Tip:

Book with Barossa Valley Voyager or Taste the Barossa for flexible routes and food-focused options.

7. Stellenbosch, South Africa – Flavor and Fynbos

With its Dutch-colonial architecture, mountain views, and dynamic wine culture, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s wine crown jewel. It’s renowned for Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinotage.

What Makes It Special:

Award-winning wineries like Kanonkop, Delaire Graff, and Waterford Estate.
Unique wine and chocolate pairings.
Rich biodiversity with native fynbos vegetation.

Tour Tip:

Try Vine Hopper’s hop-on-hop-off service or go with Cape Town Wine Tours for a full-day Stellenbosch-Franschhoek combo.

8. Mosel Valley, Germany – Rieslings and River Views

The steep, slate-covered slopes of the Mosel Valley produce some of the world’s best Rieslings—both sweet and dry. This is one of Germany’s most picturesque regions, blending medieval castles with dramatic river bends.

What Makes It Special:

Tasting crisp Rieslings at wineries like Dr. Loosen and Selbach-Oster.
Exploring charming towns like Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem.
Cruises on the Moselle River with vineyard stops.

Tour Tip:

Plan a self-guided tour via rental car or book with Wine Holidays by Arblaster & Clarke for expert-led groups.

9. Santorini, Greece – Volcanic Vines and Aegean Views

Santorini may be known for sunsets, but it also offers ancient wine culture rooted in volcanic soil. The island’s dry, minerally Assyrtiko wines are uniquely Greek.

What Makes It Special:

Basket-trained vines adapted to strong winds and dry climate.
Wineries with sea views like Santo Wines, Venetsanos, and Domaine Sigalas.
Local cuisine pairings: fresh seafood, fava, and tomato fritters.

Tour Tip:

Choose a small-group experience with Santorini Wine Adventure Tours for an in-depth look at the island’s distinct growing methods.

10. Central Otago, New Zealand – Pinot and Peaks

Known as the world’s southernmost wine region, Central Otago is a rising star for Pinot Noir and cool-climate varietals. The landscape—rugged mountains, glacial rivers, and open plains—is as thrilling as the wines.

What Makes It Special:

Boutique wineries like Rippon, Mt Difficulty, and Quartz Reef.
Wine trails through Queenstown, Wanaka, and Gibbston Valley.
Adventure options—bungy jumping, hiking, and cycling—between tastings.

Tour Tip:

Use Appellation Wine Tours for full-day experiences or rent a bike for self-paced vineyard visits.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned sommelier, wine tours offer a multi-sensory journey through flavor, culture, and scenery. From Old World classics to New World innovators, each region showcases a distinct character shaped by geography, tradition, and passion.

As wine tourism continues to grow in popularity, planning a tour that suits your style—be it luxurious, rustic, or off-the-beaten-path—has never been easier. So, pack your palate and raise a glass to discovery: the world’s vineyards are waiting.