Countryside Honeymoons: Visit One of the World’s Top 10 Wine Regions

For this month’s features on TripAtlas.com, we bring you some of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Last week, we took you to the serene and secluded private island of Tikehau in the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia.

This week, we’ll take you to the romantic, remote countryside and best-kept secret for your choice of honeymoon destinations: the many beautiful and lush wine regions around the world.

Countryside fields, mountain ranges, picturesque and romantic bed and breakfasts, luxury lodges and resorts, villas or medieval castles in the south of France are all yours for the taking. What better way to celebrate and commemorate your wedding and your future than a tour of some of these regions, relaxing and living bottle to bottle.

The 10 best wine regions in the world

Whether you’re a novice or an expert wine drinker looking for a honeymoon destination or romantic getaway, here’s a list of the world’s top 10 wine regions, each boasting wine experts, great food and cozy accommodation. From classic Old World wines from European countries to New World wines in the rest of the world, join us on our adventure to discover the best destinations.

Top 5 Old World Wine Regions

5) Portugal. The main wine regions of Portugal are Minho, Douro and Dao, which are located in the north of Portugal and are perfect for wine routes between Spain and Portugal. Portugal is home to the famous Port o Port (named after the second largest city in Portugal) and Madeira wines, both fortified, full-bodied but sweet and thick often used as after-dinner or “digestive” wines.

4) Germany. While Germany is better known for its beer than its wine, it is noted that it produces only 20% of what France produces in wine per year. The most famous wines from this region are its Riesling sweet white wines. Refreshing, slightly sweet and with a characteristic touch characterize these wines and are perfect for warm afternoons enjoying the German countryside. The largest regions are Baden, Mosel, Palatinate (or Pfalz) and Rheinhessen.

3) Spain. The two most popular Spanish wine regions are La Rioja in Logroño, Navarra to the east in the north, La Mancha in south-central Spain, where you can see the Don Quixote windmills, and the Penedés region, near Barcelona in the north. eastern Spain. The most popular Spanish wines are bright red Rioja wines, sparkling white Cava wines, and fortified sherry in Jerez in southern Spain near the coast of Morocco.

2) Italy. As one of the largest wine producers in the world, Italy’s main wine regions are located in Northern Italy (Piedmont and Valle D’Aosta in Northwestern Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in Northeastern Italy) with classic Tuscany to the south in central Italy. Many Italian wines are made to drink with food, so visiting Italy’s wine country is perfect for foodies and those looking for the perfect plate of pasta, meats, and a variety of cheeses.

1) France. From Bordeaux to Alsace, from Burgundy to Beaujolais, Champagne, Languedoc and Cote de Rhone, France is definitely one of the most important wine regions in the world. A classic “old world” wine producer, France is also the largest wine producer, with 34% of the world’s exported wine market share in 2006. The best way to explore these regions is to rent a car and drive through the countryside on your own to and from your bed and breakfast or chateaux.

Top 5 New World Wine Regions

5) East Coast of the US and Canada. Located in just a small region on the East Coast, the wine regions in this area are: Ontario, Quebec, and New York. While these are definitive for “new world” wines, production in areas like Niagara and Prince Edward County in Ontario is becoming larger and more recognized on the international stage. Known for their sweet ice wines and ice ciders in Ontario and Quebec, these wine regions are packed with bed and breakfasts, cozy cabins, and honeymoon packages for those visiting Niagara Falls and Montreal.

4) South Africa. Although wine has been produced here since the 1600s, it wasn’t until recent years that its wines found a place on the international scene. Located nearby, just east of Cape Town, South Africa’s wine regions include Stellenbosch, Paarl and Worcester and are adorned with stark white villas for accommodation. With climates similar to those of the Argentine, Chilean and Australian wine regions, South Africa is best known for its Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay white wines, but is slowly developing its red varietals. For a spicier trip through wine regions with views of fields for miles and rugged African mountains in the background, don’t miss South Africa.

3) West Coast of the US and Canada. Leading states or provinces in this category include California and Oregon, with Washington and British Columbia catching up quickly. The Napa Valley and Sonoma regions of California have been the heart of New World wines for many years and have picturesque vineyards, mountains, and luxurious yet quaint lodgings in small towns like Yountville. Oregon has also surprised many in the wine world, making a Pinot Noir that outperformed its French counterparts: visit the Willamette Valley’s many wine spots, as well as Rouge or Applegate Valley in southern Oregon to enjoy the true rural hospitality during your honeymoon.

2) Argentina and Chile. The Andes Mountains and surrounding areas have proven to be fantastic wine regions, offering a variety from the Maipo Valley, the Central Valley in Chile to Patagonia and Mendoza in Argentina. A visit to Argentina and Chile for a honeymoon is perfect at any time of the year: with mild winters and hot summers, spring or fall is the best time to go to see the colors change and the countryside come to life. Many tours are available in the wine regions of Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Santiago in Chile.

1) Australia and New Zealand. There’s more to Australian wine than Yellowtail, thank goodness. Australia has taken the lead in the new world of wines with its massive production of spicy Shiraz wines and strong Cabernet Sauvignons. Visit the Hunter Valley, Australia’s largest wine-producing area, comparable to California’s Napa Valley. For a warm and impressive honeymoon, try Austria or New Zealand for your honeymoon with all the hospitality the land has to offer.

So have a safe trip on your honeymoon and remember to drink responsibly!