Wine Enthusiast Magazine Releases List of Stunning Wine Travel Destinations for the New Year

By Lane Florsheim

This month marks the debut of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s second annual travel issue and with it the release of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations 2013.” The regions that made the list offer a diverse range of rich sightseeing and travel experiences that circle the globe. “We recognize that people who are passionate about wine are typically passionate about cultural experiences, too,” says Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa. “Our readers seek experiences that go beyond the bottle, and (they) want to immerse themselves in the world of wine, and these destinations take them to the heart and source of that world.”

To create the list, Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s editorial team met and nominated regions and then discussed the significance of each place based on factors such as overall cultural experience, timeliness (is now the right time to visit this region?), travel infrastructure (are there quality lodgings, plenty of restaurants, and ease of getting around?), and””of course””wine quality. “Though our choices are varied, they all share the common link of being fun, exciting, enlightening destinations of the discerning wine-and food-minded traveler,” explains Kostrzewa. “We have the lucky challenge of there being many places in the world making wine today, and many of them are wonderful travel destinations. It’s our job to select the places each year that are current and the best places to visit right now.” From Puglia, Italy to Duoro Valley, Portugal, it is indeed hard to imagine there are better places to visit right now when looking at the locales that made the list. In addition to the gorgeous regions that are featured, Wine Enthusiast Magazine tracked down the best places to dine, to stay, and to taste, as well as additional recommendations from in-the-know locals about what to see and do. The list is also designed to include a wide array of international voyages suited to the tastes of different wine and travel devotees. For example, those with a passion for the great outdoors will love the town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, which offers spectacular mountain trails for hiking and easy access to the sea for surfing. And of course, there is the added benefit of top Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Chardonnay. Those seeking a more relaxing experience can consider Monterey County, California. The city is filled with upscale galleries, delicious bistros, and beautiful resorts, as well as being renowned for its excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. One recommendation from Wine Enthusiast Magazine is to take a drive with the top down on Highway 1, famous for boasting the most gorgeous driving views on the planet.

Be sure to read the list in full“”the destinations look magnificent, even for those who don’t quite consider themselves connoisseurs of fine wine. As Kostrzewa says, each of the magazine’s picks feature “great food, wine, culture, scenery, people, and a feeling of discovery.”

ABOUT THE WRITER

Lane Florsheim is a senior at Tufts University where she is studying International Relations. She loves writing and reading about culture, politics, and women’s issues. Lane delights in jewelry making, captivating novels, and travel and exploration. Her personal website is available here. Follow Lane on Twitter @laneflorsheim.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Wine Enthusiast Magazine