From exploring beautiful vineyards [1] to getting a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made, I can give you dozens of reasons why visiting a country's wine region [2] is an incredible experience. But the best part? Come on, it's definitely getting to drink the wine.
Whether you prefer full-bodied reds, candy-sweet whites, or something in between, there are so many varieties out there to try. To find the perfect getaway for your palate, we teamed up with Alanna Smith, editor at TravelPirates [3], to share the best travel destinations based on your grape of choice. If you don't play favourites with wine and like them all, then there are 12 different stops on this list, and 12 months in a year ... you do the maths!
South Africa For Chenin Blanc
South Africa is teeming with vineyards [5] that grow this versatile grape, with wine production dating all the way back to the 1600s. Whether you prefer a decadent dessert wine or a tart Summer refresher [6], this region has them all — and with a stunning backdrop.
Best month to go: January
Chile For Carménère
If you prefer spice and smoke over sweetness, then Chilean carménère will knock your socks off. Although originally from France, this varietal found its claim to fame in the vineyards of Chile [7], so much so that it's now considered the national grape of the country. So if you want to truly get a taste of carménère, this is the place to go.
Best month to go: February
New Zealand For Sauvignon Blanc
If fresh and crisp white wines [8] are your thing, then New Zealand [9] is the motherland. Like carménère, this grape has a French origin, but has seen an explosion in popularity in the country just east of Australia. Smith recommends renting a car and driving through the rolling vineyards on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail [10] for an unforgettable tasting experience.
Best month to go: March
Napa Valley, USA For Cabernet Sauvignon
Even if red wines typically aren't your jam, a Napa Valley [12] cab might change your mind. A huge producer of the grape, this popular wine-lover's destination is brimming with vineyards. Explore on wheels with the Napa Valley Wine Train [13], where you'll be treated to gourmet four-course meals and stunning vistas. The valley is also a foodie hub, so get ready for delicious eats, as well.
Best month to go: April, before the Summer crowds pick up
Barcelona, Spain For Sangria
There's no better way to welcome warm weather than with a refreshing glass of sangria [14], and no better city to do it in than Barcelona [15]. If you make the trip, Smith recommends opting for the locals' drink of choice, tinto de verano [16]. A lot like sangria, this blend of chilled red wine and fizzy lemon soda is extremely popular in Spain.
Best month to go: May
New York City, USA For Rosé
From rooftop bars to outdoor happy hour, very few cities celebrate rosé season [17] quite like New York City [18]. The pink-coloured beverage is flowing at bars all over the city, including the glorious frosé (frozen rosé) [19]. Yes, it's just as incredible as it sounds.
Best month to go: June
Washington State, USA For Riesling
From crisp and dry to sinfully sweet, a huge variety of the riesling grape is produced throughout Washington state [20]. Journey through Columbia Valley to sample the sweet stuff, and be sure to stop at the famous Chateau Ste. Michelle [21] — the state's oldest vineyard.
Best month to go: July for the Pacific Northwest's best weather
France For Champagne
Nowhere does bubbles quite like the Champagne region in France [22], of course. Stroll through the historic towns of Epernay or Reims, where you'll find rows of champagne tasting houses. You'll see some familiar names (Dom Perignon, anyone?) in addition to a ton of smaller but equally delicious producers.
Best month to go: August for the Champagne Route Festival [23]
Italy For Chianti
Sure, some people visit Italy [24] for the pasta [25], but for wine lovers, it's the Chianti [26]. The name doesn't refer to one particular grape, but any wine produced in the Chianti region in Tuscany, meaning there are so many types to try. Also, get ready to sample some of the best olive oil [27] of your life.
Best month to go: September, after the Summer crowds dissipate
Argentina For Malbec
In the heart of Argentinian wine country lies the Mendoza wine region [28], the country's largest producer of the malbec variety. Nestled in the foothills of the staggering Andes Mountains, the area is home to more than 1,000 wineries.
Best month to go: October
Australia For Shiraz
If you like your reds bold and full-bodied, then a trip to Australia [29] should absolutely be on your bucket list. Australia is a huge producer of the syrah varietal, from casual, everyday sippers to award-winning classics. Take a tour out of Sydney [30] or Melbourne to get a taste of both the city and the country.
Best month to go: November
Germany For Mulled Wine
There's nothing like a warm glass of mulled wine [31] to get you in the Christmas spirit, unless it's sipping on the spicy beverage while strolling through the famous Christmas markets in Germany [32]. This Winter favourite is flowing throughout the country during the colder months, and will typically only set you back a Euro or two.
Best month to go: December