5 trips every wine lover should take by Alexis Korman on Jan 23, 2017, 3:41 PM Advertisement
 There's nothing quite as enchanting as a vacation in one of the world's great wine regions, where stunningly beautiful vineyards serve as the perfect backdrop for tasting some of the best vintages available. And while more and more wine destinations seem to sprout up every year, some places will always set the standard for wine lovers. Whether you want to taste your way across Burgundy, Piedmont, Sonoma, or the Douro Valley, these 10 essential trips will inspire you to explore the wide world of winemaking. SEE ALSO: 12 warm places you can travel to this winter without worrying about Zika Stellenbosch  Where: South Africa Founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, the town of Stellenbosch is set against majestic mountains and boasts historic, oak-lined streets—the perfect starting point for wine-tippling tours along the Stellenbosch Wine Route. Established in 1971, it's the oldest in South Africa. Dozens of high-quality wineries that produce the region’s signature chenin blanc and pinotage wines are within a day's drive. Don't miss South Africa's only certified biodynamic winery, Reyneke Wines, or a tasting at innovative DeMorgenzon, which pipes Baroque music throughout the estate (see if you can taste the difference). Insider Tip: Many Stellenbosch area wineries offer additional attractions, such as wildlife adventures or carriage rides, rounding out a wine-focused visit to the Western Cape. Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Western Cape Guide
Sonoma County  Where: California With Napa Valley as its closest neighbor, it's not shocking Sonoma County is pouring prestigious wines, but the region is sometimes overlooked (and thus, lacking in crowds). Just an hour's drive from San Francisco, Sonoma County is quintessential California wine country. There are some 400 wineries to explore — many focus on cool-climate wines such as pinot noirs and chardonnays — set in striking redwood forests and beside rugged coastline environs. Along Highway 116, visitors can make stops at Iron Horse, Merry Edwards, and Paul Hobbs vineyards, or sip flights in Sebastopol, where many area vintners have established convenient tasting rooms. Insider Tip: Want to take a break from vino? Sonoma County counts more than 50 nature parks with miles of hiking and biking trails (there’s ziplining and kayaking, too). Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Napa and Sonoma Guide
Burgundy  Where: France If you've ever been asked whether you're more Burgundy or Bordeaux, you know Burgundy is one of France's two powerhouse winemaking regions and a must-visit for any true oenophile. Unlike other wine regions around the world, getting in the cellar door is no easy feat (don't expect to turn up at Domaine de la Romanée Conti and expect a tour and tasting). There are a variety of options for gaining entrée, including overnight tours that barge along scenic rivers and canals, passing the area's Romanesque churches and rolling green hills, or day trips departing from the pretty medieval city of Dijon. All organized tours should be booked well in advance. Insider Tip: Tasting rooms tend to be small, and Burgundy's vineyards rarely allow visits without reservations (read: French-speaking guides), but the legwork will be worth it. Sipping Burgundy's elegant pinot noirs and nuanced chardonnays are the reason to make the trek. Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Burgundy Guide
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