TRIPADVISOR UNCORKS THE WORLD’S MOST WONDERFUL WINE DESTINATIONS
09-24-2008
Top 10 Grape Getaways Where the Wine is Divine
NEWTON, Mass. – September 17, 2008 – TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the top 10 wine destinations in the world, according to TripAdvisor editors and traveler popularity.
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. In Bordeaux, the French passion for food and wine unite for a sensational wine-tasting experience.
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 uniquely 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 Curicó’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.
“In addition to supplying some of the finest wines to the world, these destinations offer visitors outstanding hotels, restaurants and wine tours,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.
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