The World's Essential Wine Routes

It’s true that France has some truly beautiful wine regions—such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy—which attract several million tourists every year (according to Atout France). However, there are others that are even more appealing…

The vineyards of the Stellenbosch region, South Africa

South Africa, with its breathtaking landscapes and wallabies… it’s the stuff of dreams! Forget the safaris—this country at the southern tip of the African continent will dazzle you with vineyards you’ll remember for a long time to come. Just a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, you’ll discover the Stellenbosch wine region. Located in the Jonkershoek Valley, these South African vineyards are nestled between mountains and rivers in a stunning setting. Among them are the Vergelegen estate and the Delaire Graaf Estate… which are why the World Wine Route no longer passes through France!

Napa Valley and American wines, United States

If it’s not South African, it’s American. Indeed, Napa Valley attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year, all coming to marvel at the region’s beauty. From small family-run vineyards to large modern wineries, wine tourists will discover the diversity among the big names in American wine. The Grand Crus of the United States, such as Corison Winery and Château Montelena, will open their doors and their vineyards—filled with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon—to you… for your greatest pleasure!

Tuscany and its famous Chianti, Italy

State Route 222, known as the Chiantigiana by Italians, will take you from Siena to Florence, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. You’ll likely stop in Greve, Panzano, or Castellina, typical villages of the region. The local cuisine also attracts millions of visitors each year who come to sample the traditional raisin focaccia paired with a glass of Chianti Classico DOCG. From village to village, wine tourists can meet passionate winemakers who sometimes still use traditional methods to cultivate their land. One thing is certain: Italian-style wine tourism guarantees a memorable trip!

Marlborough, the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc producer

It’s no wonder the World Wine Route no longer passes through France, given the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes… Slightly smaller than our Burgundy region, Marlborough spans 22,500 hectares and produces two-thirds of the country’s wine. What will likely strike you first is the almost surgical precision of the vineyard plots. This geometric layout highlights the vineyards against a naturally idyllic backdrop: the mountains. It is against this postcard-perfect scenery that backpackers from around the world visit the vineyards of Marlborough every year, the home of Sauvignon Blanc.

The Vast Expanses of Canada

Canada, with its caribou and poutine… what a beautiful country! Though far from the 22,500 hectares of New Zealand’s Stellenbosch region, Canadians have nothing to be ashamed of, with nearly 12,000 hectares of vineyards. Every year, millions of visitors travel across the country to admire the unique beauty of Canadian vineyards. Many of them discover them on the Niagara Peninsula, which accounts for nearly 85% of the country’s vineyards. To the delight of wine lovers, the region is home to Marsanne, Roussanne, and Syrah.

International vineyards are all the rage on the global wine scene, which is why the World Wine Route no longer passes through France.