Erik Neilson on March 14, 2017 0 Comments The amount of vineyards scattered across the world has grown significantly over the course of the past hundred years. Today, there are countless options to choose from for those who are interested in seeing some of the world’s most beautiful wineries, many of which offer stunning views that are ideal for taking in while relaxing with a glass of wine. Whether you’re planning a full-stop vineyard tour or are simply looking to take a trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, there’s a winery out there for you. Here are the most scenic wineries in the world, all of which are more than worth visiting at some point. 1. Domaine Saint Amant, Provence It’s no secret that some of the best wine in the world is produced in France, and Provence is no exception. Along with great wine comes spectacular views, and Domaine Saint Amant in Suzette is a prime location for taking everything in. With sweeping views of rolling hillsides, mountainous terrain and lush, lime-green geometric vines, it’s no wonder why the 50,000 bottles produced each year by Saint Amant are so sought after. The winery offers tastings during the week, and special tastings can be arranged for weekends. When in Provence, don’t skip out on a visit to Domaine Saint Amant. 2. Domaine Carneros, Napa CA Napa is considered by many to be the epicenter of wine production in America. It’s also home to some of the country’s most impressive vineyards, and the châteaux at Domaine Carneros sits near the top of the list. Inspired by Champagne, France’s 18th century Châteaux de la Marqueterie, Domaine Carneros certainly brings a sense of European flair to California. If you’re interested in getting the best views the châteaux has to offer, consider the Sparkling Suite Tasting. It’s not cheap at $500 per couple, but it will give you the opportunity to taste a number of sparkling wines from a private balcony overlooking the entire estate. 3. Sarver Winery, Eugene OR Eugene is one of America’s best kept secrets when it comes to great wine, and the word has been getting out over the years. Today, more and more people are traveling to Oregon to taste great wines, and Sarver Winery is one of the best wineries to consider starting with if you’re heading to Eugene. Clear views of Mt. Jefferson are available when the weather is nice, and the vines are some of the first Pinot Noir grapes planted in the area, dating back to 1984. The winery also serves wood-fired pizzas throughout the summer and holds regular events, including concerts and even yoga classes. Plus, you’ll find some of the best Pinot Gris currently coming out of Oregon. 4. Hawk Haven Vineyard, Rio Grande NJ New Jersey may not be the first place that comes to mind for most people when considering the most attractive and scenic wine locations in the world, but Hawk Haven Vineyard in Rio Grande does an excellent job of showcasing how beautiful the state actually is. As one might expect, the winery gets its name from a large number of hawks that head towards the farm each year, and the picturesque views are reason enough to understand why. Hawk Haven is family-friendly, making it a perfect day-trip if you find yourself in New Jersey. Plus, tastings can be had for only $7 per person. 5. Cantina del Glicine, Piedmont Italy’s Piedmont region is an area of true marvel that every wine lover needs to see at one point in life. The vineyards are not only home to some of the best wine in Italy, but the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and rolling hillsides need to be seen firsthand in order to really understand their sheer beauty. There’s no better place to gain an understanding of the historical implications of winemaking in the Piedmont region than Candlina del Glicine, and the wine is just as good (if not better) than the stunning views. 6. Qunito do Crasto Vineyard, Portugal Portugal should be near the top of the list for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of wine. The Douro Valley is not only home to today’s best producers of Port wine, but also some of the best table wines to hit the market in some time. Qunito do Crasto is an excellent vineyard to check out if you only have time to fit in a single visit somewhere, with its incredible views and spacious vistas. The winery is quite well known for producing some of Portugal’s best whites and reds, and the associated landscape really completes the package for those who are trying to structure a wine tour. 7. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg CA Looking for one of the best views you could ever expect to find of Lake Sonoma? Look no further than Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, CA. Some of the best Chardonnays in the state are coming out of Ferrari-Carano, and a visit to the winery will allow you to taste a number of their offerings. Once you’ve taken in the gorgeous view of Lake Sonoma, give yourself a moment to stroll through the winery’s flower gardens, which boast over 10,000 tulips during the spring months. 8. Cantine Vittorio Innocenti, Montefollonico Montefollonico may not exactly be a household name among those who are casual enthusiasts of wine, but those who pay close attention to the industry in Italy know that the medieval town has long been home base for some of the finest wines in Italy. With cellars dating back to the 13th century, Cantine Vittorio Innocenti is an incredible walk back through the annuls of history, and spending even just a few moments at the winery can give you a newfound sense of respect for all that Italy has given to the world of wine. Be sure not to miss taking a moment to gaze into the expanse of the Chiana Valley from the winery’s overlook—it’s the best part of passing through. The beauty of touring wineries is that it gives you the opportunity to see parts of the world you may not otherwise ever get to. There are thousands of wineries offering spectacular views — start with those above and branch out from there.
