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Top wine destinations and famous vineyards

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Moselle Valley
Steep vineyards and riverside wine towns
8.2
Vineyards here cling to some of the steepest slopes used for winemaking anywhere. Slate soil beneath the vines reflects heat onto the grapes, helping Riesling ripen in a cool climate. Villages throughout the valley date to Roman times, when vines were first planted along the river. Some rows need ladders and pulleys to work them.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Hike the scenic trails along the riverbanks
  • 🍷 Enjoy wine tasting at local Moselle vineyards
  • 🏰 Visit the stunning Eltz Castle nestled in the hills
Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis
Riesling slopes and Taunus woods
8.1
Riesling covers most vineyard land across this stretch of the Rhine River, among Germany's most respected growing regions. Kloster Eberbach, a former monastery, has produced wine on the same grounds for centuries. Steep, south-facing slopes here catch more sunlight than much of the surrounding countryside. Wine estates throughout the region date back generations.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Cruise the Rhine River and admire castle views
  • 🏰 Visit the historic Eberbach Monastery and its grounds
  • 🍇 Tour vineyards along the scenic Rheingau Wine Route
Pfalz
Wine villages and a vast sandstone forest
9.3
This is Germany's second-largest wine region, stretching along a warm, sheltered strip near the French border. Almond trees bloom pink each spring along a scenic route that winds through local vineyards. Riesling remains the dominant grape, though warmer conditions here also suit red varieties. Wine festivals throughout the region draw large crowds during harvest season.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore medieval Heidelberg Castle ruins
  • 🍷 Sample Riesling at a local winery tasting room
  • 🚶‍♂️ Trek vineyards along the Moselle River
Trier
Roman gates, baths and Moselle wine
8.6
This is Germany's oldest city, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago along the Moselle River. Steep, slate-covered vineyards climbing the valley walls outside town have grown Riesling grapes for centuries. Roman ruins including a massive stone gate still stand within walking distance of local wine bars.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Wander around Hauptmarkt, vibrant historic market square
  • ⛪ Visit Trier Cathedral, Germany’s oldest church
  • 🏰 Explore the ancient Roman Porta Nigra city gate
Franconia
Beer cellars, vineyards and Baroque palaces
8.4
Wine here is traditionally bottled in a flat, rounded flask called a Bocksbeutel, distinct from typical wine bottle shapes. Silvaner, a crisp white grape, remains the region's signature variety. Vineyards spread across terraced hillsides above the Main River. Wine taverns throughout the region serve local bottles alongside hearty Franconian food.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Marienberg Fortress for views of Würzburg and vineyards
  • 🏘️ Explore medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s preserved old town
  • 🏰 Tour the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque architectural masterpiece
Yamanashi
Mount Fuji's north side, lakes and wine
9.4
Koshu, a pink-skinned grape unique to Japan, grows across vineyards within view of Mount Fuji. This region produces more wine than any other prefecture in the country. Winemaking here dates back over a century, among the longest traditions anywhere in Japan. Wineries throughout the area often pair tastings with views of the surrounding mountains.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Explore Lake Kawaguchi's sunrise reflections of Mt. Fuji
  • 🍇 Pick grapes and peaches in Yamanashi's fruit orchards
  • 🚡 Taste hōtō, Yamanashi's hearty flat noodle stew
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
7.2
Winemakers here still ferment wine in large clay vessels called qvevri, buried to control temperature. UNESCO recognized this method as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. Grape seeds found at nearby archaeological sites suggest wine production here stretches back thousands of years. Family-run wineries across the countryside still use methods passed down for generations.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Walk through the historic Old Town of Tbilisi
  • 🕳️ Explore the ancient Uplistsikhe cave city carved into rock
  • ⛪ Climb Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking Mount Kazbek
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
This is Japan's northernmost wine region, with a cooler climate suited to grapes like Pinot Noir. Winemaking here remains relatively young compared to more established regions further south. Harsh winters mean vines require careful management to survive the cold season. Interest in Hokkaido wine has grown steadily as producers refine techniques suited to the climate.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Armenia
Mountain monasteries, wine and a pink capital
6.8
A cave here called Areni-1 holds the remains of the oldest known winery, dating back roughly 6,100 years. Archaeologists found grape seeds, a wine press and fermentation vessels preserved in the cave. Modern vineyards still grow in the surrounding Areni region. Local grape varieties used today trace back to some of the earliest domesticated vines.
Highlights:
  • 🚶🏻 Wander through the history-rich streets of Yerevan
  • 🏔️ Admire stunning views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap
  • 🏛️ Visit the ancient monastery of Geghard carved into the cliffs
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