As this week’s informative wine theme comes to a close, Realtraveler WorldAdventureMan has shared his Top 10 list for the best places around the world to enjoy fine wine:

“If you’re like me, one of the greatest pleasures in life comes from the never-ending quest to find a grape of unsurpassed quality. Grown in the sun, nurtured with love, pressed with care, and fermented with patience, that humble grape, be it cabernet, chardonnay or pinot, transforms into a beautiful drink known as wine…to me, as important as the differences in aroma, body, and palette of the wine is the environment in which we enjoy that drink. Be it festivities with family, romantic nights with a special someone, or a introspective moment of private thought under the stars, I will share with you my top 10 places to enjoy a bottle or just a glass of wine.

 

1. Cique Terre, Italy

If you have never been to the Italian Rivera, I recommend that you put all travel plans and desires on hold and make a bee-line straight away to the area known as the Cinque Terra…when you think of classic seaside Italy, brightly colored architecture hanging on the cliffs of the Mediterranean, this IS what you are picturing in you mind. That and a whole lot more.

Cinque Terra or “five lands” is comprised of five towns located along sheer cliffs, quaint vineyards and stunning scenery to take your breath away. The five towns located in this region are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each town has a quaint seaside feel with a warm inviting atmosphere that subtly invites you to sit, relax and well, drink some wine.

My personal favorite place to imbibe in the Cinque Terra is a restaurant run by Signora Fonda called Resturane de Castello, in Vernazza. Perched precipitously above the sea and overlooking the small harbor, you can relax and realize all your Italian dreams. The food is outstanding family oriented Italian fare and the wine selection quite good. But nothing beats sitting here with fresh bread, the famous Ligurian pesto and several bottles of wine as the sun descends to the horizon. As it paints the sky in brilliant pastels that match the stucco of the town architecture you can sit as long as you wish. Enjoy another bottle and watch the stars emerge and the fresh ocean breeze carry your cares away… (more…)

 

2. Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Anytime you can find sand, sun, tropical ocean breezes and gorgeous sunsets, a bottle of fermented grapes makes a perfect companion. The small island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is perfectly suited to all of these conditions. Whether you are staying in a private villa, one of the guesthouses or just visiting the famous Soggy Dollar bar the white sand beaches will warm your soul and the lapping of the warm turquoise waters will massage you cares away.

If you happen to be lucky enough to be on the island for the party at New Years, you are in for a nightlife treat. It is on this night every year that the island turns into one of the hottest spots in the Caribbean to ring in the New Year. With live bands, fantastic food and drink flowing like water you’re sure to have a good time. Make sure to find a good cool place to stash your private bottle (a $20 to the bartender will find you a private icebox storage) of Veuve-Cliquot bough at a much cheaper price from the duty free shop on your way through St. John’s or Tortola. Then as the magic new years hour arrives, retrieve your chilled bubbly and retreat to the beach with that special someone… (more…)

 

3. Paris, France

No list of places to drink wine would be complete without at least one French locality. For me that location is Paris. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and its warren of romantic avenues and alleys to explore, finding a unique and ubiquitously “French” venue to enjoy a bottle of the countries finest is a challenge that is almost too easy.

From a walk along the Seine, you can explore either side of the famous river of love. Be that the upscale neighborhoods between the river and the famous Champs E’lyse or the more touristy neighborhoods surrounding the Eiffel Tower or the more quaint neighborhoods found by just wandering off in any direction from the Notre Dame cathedral, you have everything going for you to find a magnificent place to enjoy a bottle of wine… (more…)

4. Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Florida, United States

From north to south, east to west, one of the best beaches I have encountered in my life can be found just an hour south of Tampa, Florida. The small island village of Longboat Key, is an upscale retreat with one of the longest, best maintained and most peaceful beaches to be found anywhere. As the island caters to the wealthier set, staying here might be out of reach for many, however for the day there are several points of public access to the beach up and down Gulf of Mexico drive which runs the length of the island.

The sunsets from this beach have year in and year out proven to be some of the most magnificent in the world. Visit the local Publix market (there is one on either end of the island) and grab a nice bottle of whatever suits your fancy and your budget, a nice wedge of cheese and some crackers and head to the beach. As the sky changes from the pale blue of a magnificent sun filled Florida afternoon, to the crimson and oranges of sunset, keep your eye to the waters for pods of dolphin that like to swim along the beach. You will be treated to sights of Pelicans diving in for a feeding, sailboats on the horizon and of course the ubiquitous seagull sailing the evening skies… (more…)

 

5. Sangria on the Esplanade in Barcelona, Spain

While admittedly it’s not a bottle of wine directly, on a hot summer day or anytime you are in Spain, one of the must haves is a pitcher of sangria to share amongst friends. After a day of enjoying a city full of unique and majestic architecture including that Barcelona showcase for Antoni Gaudi, nothing relaxes the senses more than the sweet and citrus refreshment from a tall glass of sangria. Advising you specifically where to enjoy this refreshment, would be like telling you where to sit on a beach to see the ocean. It’s present everywhere in Barcelona.

However, to continue your unique Barcelona experience, a nice table along the Esplanade will treat you to not only a fine beverage but some of the best people watching in the world. With street performers of nearly every variety, tourists and locals enjoying a relaxing moment, there is something for everyone to enjoy…” (more…)

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For more of WorldAdventureMan’s interesting perspective, be sure to read his entire Top 10 List on where to enjoy the world’s best wine in the most glorious locations. Also pay a visit to his travel blog, “6 Countries.. not enough sleep, never enough beer” where reading about his many adventures this past summer is sure to inspire travel dreams of your own.

To share your own set of travel tips or a Top 10 list, visit this topic on our Forums or send an email to: carrie-at-realtravel.com.

More ideas on visiting wine regions around the world:

California Wine Country
Tuscany Wine Regions
South Africa Winelands
Chile’s Central Valley Winelands

Useful links for Around the World Travel:

Round the World Travel
Multi-Country Travel Deals
Other Realtravelers’ Top 10 Lists