Best Wineries in the World to Visit for Great Wine and Cheese on National Wine and Cheese Day

Do you love wine? Do you love cheese? Well, on National Wine and Cheese Day, you should have a little of both these things. Especially if you can manage to enjoy them somewhere other than your home! I don’t know about you, but I love visiting wineries when I travel. There is something special about sitting in a vineyard trying new wines and pairing those wines with cheese. Maybe it is the ambiance of the vineyards. Or the excitement of being in an area that’s not my home and experiencing new things. Maybe it is simply the fact that I get to enjoy my wine with the people I love most in the world.

When you take a family vacation, or a vacation with your spouse or friends, you probably feel the same way. You get this uninterrupted time with the people you care about. You get to make memories to cherish forever. And sometimes, you get to go home with a new favorite wine!

Best Wineries in the World to Visit for Great Wine and Cheese on National Wine and Cheese Day

Weingut Oberhofer in Edesheim, Germany

I know, I know… Germany is known for its beer and Oktoberfest. But there are some incredible wineries there too! One of those wineries is Weingut Oberhofer in Edesheim. Tasting a few new wines at this winery will have you looking out over the oldest vineyard in the world.

Pay close attention to the very old gewürztraminer vines. There are approximately three hundred of them. They produce a small amount of grapes each year. Those grapes are then used to produce a limited wine with an oak base. If you are lucky, you may get to purchase a bottle of this wine to take home with you.

Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Italy

Sipping wine in Italy would be a dream come true for many people. If you happen to take a vacation in Italy, I recommend planning a visit to Castello Banfi. This winery is also an agritourism resort and museum. So, you get a little of everything in between sips of wine.

I recommend taking a private tour to see the vineyards, cellar, and the Balsameria. That is where the balsamic vinegar is produced on site.

There are two restaurants at this winery and resort. For the best views of Italy, you should try to get a table on the terrace at La Sala dei Grappoli. You can look out over the countryside, as you sip on a glass of Brunello di Montalcino.

Domaine Sigalas in Santorini, Greece

Many travelers like yourself arrive in Santorini in search of the whitewashed buildings and blue domed roofs. However, I have always said that travelers should also visit this island for the wine. Over at Domaine Sigalas, you can try Assyrtiko. It is a full-bodied white wine that includes increased acidity.

I recommend beginning your visit with a stroll through the vineyards. This will allow you to see how canes are used to create a wreath-like basket to protect the grape vines. Afterwards, you can choose from a few different wine tastings. Just make sure you are facing the Aegean Sea while sipping on your wine. It does make all the difference in the world!

Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina

A visit to Bodega Catena Zapata is so much more than tasting the wine and exploring the vineyards. The views of the Andes, topped with snow, are what usually brings travelers to this family-owned winery in Argentina.

The high-altitude would provide a challenge to any other wine producer. However, this winery embraces the challenge, as well as the extreme temperatures and intense sunlight. The result has been fine wine with complex notes and just enough acidity.

You can choose from multiple wine tastings at this winery. The family sessions are quite popular. But so are the musical sensory experiences and master blending sessions.

La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek, South Africa

Africa has long been known by travelers for the safaris in the region. However, the Western Cape is also an excellent winemaking region. La Petite Ferme can be found on the slopes of Oliphants Pass, which is in the Middagkrans Mountains.

There are quite a few wines to try at this winery in South Africa. I recommend grabbing a bench seat or a spot on the ledge. You can enjoy the views, as you enjoy a few new fine wines.

Villa Corniole in Giovo, Italy

Yes, another Italian winery has made my list for the best wineries to visit for National Wine and Cheese Day. The winter months bring snow to the vineyards, as well as the Dolomites in the distance. The summer months bring sunshine and the same gorgeous views of the mountains.

No matter what time of year you visit, you will be welcomed by numerous types of wines. Their chardonnay-based wine, Salisa Zero, is quite popular, as well as bubbly.

Domaine Carneros in Napa, California

There’s no doubt that Napa Valley has enough wineries to keep you intrigued on National Wine and Cheese Day. As a travel advisor, I can easily plan a vacation in Napa Valley for you to sample wines at numerous wineries. You can even add in a trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

One of the best wineries in Napa is Domaine Carneros. During a nice day, you can sit out on the patio to look over the gardens and hillside. There are a few different wine tasting options at this winery in Napa. You can begin with chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. From there you can try the blanc de blancs, brut rose, and blanc de noirs.

All the wines pair well with the charcuterie boards that are available for all guests.

Château L’Hospitalet in Narbonne, France

This winery in France has only been open since 2002. But it is one of many vineyards and wineries operated by Gerard Bertrand. To really appreciate this winery, you must book a property tour. That tour will allow you to see the nearby beach club, pool, restaurant, and wine bar.

If that doesn’t interest you, you can always wander around the vineyards, take a masterclass, or simply enjoy a wine tasting.

Abadia Retuerta in Valladolid, Spain

The Abadia Retuerta winery is located on the Duero River. It was once a 12th century abbey. In addition to the winery, this property has accommodations, a restaurant, and a spa.

Staying at Abadia Retuerta is a dream for many travelers like yourself. However, you can simply visit the winery for a day and still have an amazing time. Start with a guided Land Rover tour of the pine groves, herb gardens, and lavender fields. A picnic with five-pour tasting is a must for everyone before heading out to the next stop on your itinerary.

Quinta das Carvalhas in Pinhão, Portugal

Quinta das Carvalhas is not the easiest winery in the world to reach. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with gorgeous views of terraced vineyards. The panoramic vistas from this winery are Instagram worthy. Just make sure you put your phone down long enough to taste the different ports this winery is known for.

These are the best wineries in the world to visit for great wine and cheese on National Wine and Cheese Day. I don’t know which one is at the top of your list, but I would love to visit them all! Especially if I get to make memories with friends and family at the same time.

So, are you ready to book a vacation at one of these best wineries in the world?

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