If sipping a glass of Pinot while overlooking vineyard-draped hills is your idea of bliss, you’re not alone. But why stop at Napa or Bordeaux when the world is bursting with wine regions just waiting to be explored? Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a full-blown oenophile, these regions offer the perfect pairing: epic landscapes, rich culture and of course, outstanding wine. Pack your palate and your passport—this is your ticket to a global wine adventure, tailor-made for travelers who crave a taste of something different.
North America: Finger Lakes, NY–The East Coast’s Wine Gem
Move over California—New York’s Finger Lakes region is quietly pouring some of the best Rieslings in the country. It’s also serving up incredible sites to discover—from glacier-carved lakes to rolling green hills and charming boutique wineries that welcome you like an old friend. You can stroll through charming towns like Aurora and Seneca Falls, hike gorges carved by ancient waters and unwind with local vintages as you watch the sunset shimmer off the lakes. This wine region is rustic, elegant and refreshingly off the beaten path.
South America: Argentina’s Mendoza–Bold Wines, Untamed Beauty
Mendoza, Argentina’s premiere wine region, is a sun-soaked paradise at the foot of the Andes. Famed for bold Malbecs and stunning mountain views, it’s perfect for cycling vineyard to vineyard, savoring asados and tasting wine under vast skies. With its rustic charm and uniquely Argentinian terroir, Mendoza is a must-stop on any global wine adventure.
Europe: Portugal’s Douro Valley–Old World Charm, New Energy
The Douro Valley is where tradition and innovation blend as seamlessly as a perfectly aged Tawny Port. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with terraced vineyards cascading into the river. Hike with us through ancient quintas (wine estates), toast with Port straight from the source and enjoy slow food in timeless villages. It’s old-world elegance with a laid-back Portuguese rhythm.
Africa: South Africa’s Stellenbosch–Sophistication with a Wild Side
Cape Winelands? Yes, please. Just outside Cape Town, Stellenbosch offers a blend of world-class wine, dramatic mountain backdrops and a vibrant food scene. Our South Africa tours marry the best of both worlds—taste Pinotage and Chenin Blanc by day and track lions and elephants by dusk. Because in South Africa, your wine adventure should come with a side of safari.
Asia: Japan’s Sake Scene–A Cultural Sip of the Land of the Rising Sun
Sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine, offers a cultural tasting experience like no other. In vibrant Japanese destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nikko and the Izu Peninsula, you can sip elegant brews, visit traditional breweries and learn the craft behind this centuries-old drink. Paired with serene onsen hot springs, artful cuisine and Mt. Fuji views, sake isn’t just a drink—it’s a soulful connection to Japan’s heritage. Kanpai!
Australia: Tasmania–Cool Climate, Hot Wines
Australia’s wine scene isn’t just about Shiraz and the Barossa Valley. Enter Tasmania, where cool-climate wines like sparkling whites and elegant Pinot Noir are making a serious splash. Our Tasmania tours explore pristine coastlines, remote wilderness and some of the most exciting vintages in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s wild, refined and wonderfully Aussie.
Bonus Pour: Antarctica–Toasting in the Ice
Okay, so Antarctica doesn’t grow grapes (yet), but that doesn’t mean your wine adventure can’t include the White Continent. On our Antarctica ocean cruise, you can sail past towering glaciers with a glass of bubbly in hand. Trust us—Champagne has never tasted better than it does on the deck of a luxury ship with penguins in sight.
Sip, Savor, Discover
A good glass of wine is more than just a drink—it’s a story of place, passion and people. At Backroads, we believe the best way to understand a wine is to walk the soil it grows in, bike the roads between the vineyards and share a taste with winemakers. So come savor the world with us one wine region at a time!
