When we travel, we love to take in a city by lingering in a local café. It’s the ideal time to make friends, sample the cuisine, and of course, drink the wine. Here are our seven favorite wine destinations around the world. And since the perfect pairing can bring out even the most subtle nuances of wine, we’re accompanying this with a blog on our favorite cheeses. Bon appétit!
• Argentina: No journey to Argentina is complete without a visit to Mendoza. Grapes vary widely between the distinct regions, but expect to fall in love with the country’s Malbec (red) and Chenin (white). This province has it all: Mount Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Americas), hot springs, even discothèques. Don’t miss the regional cuisine—think olives, lamb, and salmon—perfect complements to Mendoza’s wines.
• Chile: A (relative) newcomer to the scene, Chile has been producing wine for almost 500 years. Its diverse geography (desert, the Andes, Patagonia, the Pacific) makes for a delightful assortment of varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as its signature, Carmenere (red). From Punta Arenas in the south all the way to Calama in the north, your Chilean journey should focus on two things: wine and the great outdoors.
• France: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, Vallée du Rhône…France is practically synonymous with wine. Take a trip through Burgundy, and visit Vougeot, Dijon, and Beaune, as well as the nation’s gastronomic heart, the city of Lyon. Explore villages, vineyards, and the elegant countryside. France is a must. The only question: France by car or by barge?
• Italy: Tuscany is home to many important wine regions and is famous for its Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino (red), and Montepulciano (also red). The sunny, undulating Tuscan hills are a sight to behold. Don’t miss out on Florence with its art, architecture, and rich history. Indulge in the culture…and the phenomenal wine and food. Take it all in over a bowl of ribollita and a glass of smooth Super Tuscan red.
• New Zealand: Marlborough, on the South Island, is one of the world’s great wine regions. Its geography lends itself to extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Don’t miss Central Otago, the world’s most southerly wine region. Snowcapped mountains, lakes, and gorges provide a spectacular view of New Zealand. Admire the breathtaking scenery over a glass of Pinot Noir.
• South Africa: The convergence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans creates an exceptional terroir in South Africa. Head for the heart of the gorgeous wine country—Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town. You’ll find countless wine-centered bistros and estates. The hardest part? Choosing which to enter.
• Spain: Wines from the prestigious Rioja region are typically blends of grape varieties, red wines based on the area’s famous Tempranillo vines, and whites based on Viura. Taste ancient oak in every sip. Once you’ve explored the three regions of Rioja (Alta, Alavesa, and Baja), head to Bilbao for the Guggenheim (Frank Gehry designed it). Then take along a bottle of Rioja Gran Reserva while you enjoy pintxos and people-watching.
And because you simply must have something to accompany your wine, we’re offering a mouthwatering pairing of R. Crusoe’s ultimate cheese destinations.
• France: French cuisine is sophisticated, influential, and delectable. The same holds true for the country’s fromage. Normandy’s Camembert, with its subtle, salty taste, it goes well with a light, sweet wine like Chenin Blanc. There’s also Roquefort—a creamy blue bursting with flavor. Enjoy it alongside nuts. And finally, Brie—a little oozy, a little firm. Produced near Paris, it stands among the world’s finest cheeses. Best with Champagne or Merlot, and served with fruit preserves.
• Italy: Italians make some of the world’s finest formaggi. Whether grated over pasta, tossed in a salad, or drizzled with a balsamic reduction, Italian cheese will forever win you over. Our favorites? Asiago (with Bardolino or Beaujolais); Fontina (its nutty flavor pairs well with Barolo); and Gorgonzola, a traditional, strong blue divine with Bordeaux. There’s also Mozzarella (don’t forget the tomatoes and fresh basil), Parmigiano-Reggiano (pour yourself a Cabernet), and Pecorino Romano. Order Chianti for the full, heady effect. You’re in Italy, after all.
• Netherlands: In Holland, there are a few musts. Visit Amsterdam. See the North Sea. Tour The Hague. Get your fill of windmills. And remember to sample plenty of Gouda. This Dutch kaas, sweet and fruity, goes best with a glass of Champagne or a fruity Reisling. Another favorite, Edam, is named for a province in North Holland. It goes exceptionally well with pears and apricots and should be accompanied with a Pinot Gris or a dry Reisling.
• Spain: Do not leave Spain without sampling the country’s prized queso, Manchego. Made in La Mancha (the region that was home to Don Quixote), this cheese has a distinctive flavor, which positively blooms when you melt it. A traditional Rioja or Merlot pair quite well. Try Manchego Fresco (rarely found outside Spain), or enjoy an aged version with a selection of tapas.
• Switzerland: Known in the U.S. as “Swiss,” Emmentaler originated in Switzerland’s Emme Valley. Characterized by large holes, this cheese often tops gratins or is melted and blended in fondue. Cut yourself a wedge, and enjoy it with a glass of Beaujolais. And let’s not forget about Gruyère. When aged, it develops a quite complex taste. We recommend pairing it with a full-bodied white, ideally Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.