Journeys Through Wine Regions, Wrapped in Mystery

Over 50,000 years ago, our ancestors stumbled upon grapes hanging from tree branches, and from these humble beginnings came the creation of a delightful drink – wine – that continues to captivate and be celebrated in regions around the world with rich winemaking traditions. Glotera invites you to embark on an intimate journey through these storied wine regions.

Experiences in Wine Regions

Immerse yourself in the soul of wine country, where every visit becomes a journey of discovery. From intimate tastings with master sommeliers to hands-on experiences with passionate winemakers, you’ll find yourself welcomed into a world where tradition meets innovation in historic wineries and sun-drenched vineyards. Your journey goes beyond the glass, as each wine tells a story through perfect pairings with regional delicacies, creating moments that awaken all your senses. Step into centuries of tradition as you explore the art of winemaking across storied regions. From participating in the time-honoured autumn harvest to unwinding in exclusive wine spas, every experience connects you to the heart of wine culture.

Discovering new flavours, honouring traditions, and learning about local culture – these are just a few of the things you’ll gain on your wine-tasting journey. A wine country getaway transcends ordinary travel, transporting you to a realm where time slows down and every moment is meant to be savoured. Let us introduce you to some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, each offering extraordinary experiences for both dedicated oenophiles and those just beginning their wine appreciation journey.

The World’s Most Renowned Wine Regions

Alsace: A Jewel of French Viticulture. Nestled in north-eastern France, Alsace may be the country’s most intimate wine region, but it holds an outsised place in the hearts of wine lovers. With the elegant city of Strasbourg as its crown jewel, this region captivates visitors with its distinctive character. Alsatian Rieslings command respect among the world’s finest sommeliers, offering an exquisite expression of terroir. These exceptional wines dance on the palate with vibrant notes of spring flowers, crisp pear, fresh apple, and citrus, all balanced by a subtle spiciness and refreshing acidity. Experience the versatility of Alsatian wines through inspired food pairings: crisp dry Rieslings enhance everything from delicate fish tacos to fresh sushi, while their off-dry counterparts perfectly complement the heat of Thai cuisine or the sweetness of traditional apple tart. Beyond its celebrated wines, Alsace enchants visitors with its fairytale-like architecture, where traditional fachwerk buildings create a storybook setting for your wine country adventure.

Where to Stay: La Cheneaudière – Your luxury retreat in the heart of Alsatian wine country

Bordeaux: The Grand Dame of Wine Regions. In south-western France, Bordeaux reigns as a testament to winemaking excellence, its terroir shaped by the graceful confluence of the Garonne River and Dordogne estuary. While historically celebrated for its golden sweet wines, Bordeaux’s red wines have captured the world’s imagination since the 19th century, becoming synonymous with sophistication and excellence. The region’s wines are renowned for their elegant smoothness and remarkable aging potential, developing layers of complexity and richness that continue to evolve in the bottle. The white wines of Bordeaux present two distinct personalities: vibrant and fruit-forward, or luxuriously creamy and full-bodied, crafted from a masterful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes.

Where to Stay: La Maison d’Estournel – Experience legendary Bordeaux hospitality

Tuscany: Where Wine Meets Renaissance Beauty Tuscany, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, offers wines that mirror the region’s artistic heritage – subtle, refined, and crafted with centuries of expertise. In the heart of Tuscany, Chianti stands as a testament to Italian winemaking tradition, with its signature reds showcasing the noble Sangiovese grape, which comprises at least 80% of each blend. The region’s historic connection to wine culture is exemplified by the iconic ‘fiasco’ – the straw-wrapped bottles that once carried Chianti’s finest to tables worldwide. Meanwhile, Brunello di Montalcino emerges from its namesake hillside town as a bold expression of Italian winemaking, offering intense flavours of wild berries layered with notes of liquorice and anise, supported by sophisticated tannins. The Antinori family epitomises Tuscan wine excellence, with 26 generations of expertise dating back to 1385. Their dedication to craft shines through in every bottle, best experienced at their acclaimed Osteria di Passignano, where wine and culinary traditions unite in perfect harmony.

Where to Stay: Castello Banfi

Puglia Embraced by the crystal waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia stands as a testament to Italy’s south-eastern wine heritage, where centuries of viticulture have shaped the region’s identity. Sun-drenched vineyards flourish in the Mediterranean climate, where rich, fertile soils provide the perfect canvas for exceptional winemaking. The crown jewel of Puglian viticulture is the celebrated Primitivo grape, yielding wines of stunning depth – deep crimson elixirs that burst with luscious notes of ripe figs, wild blueberries, and sun-warmed blackberries. “Primitivo,” meaning “early ripener,” earned its name from its unique ability to develop intense sweetness early in the growing season. Nature adds its own artistic touch to Primitivo cultivation, as grape clusters mature at their own distinctive pace. This natural variation creates a harmonious harvest that combines perfectly ripened and slightly younger grapes, resulting in wines of remarkable complexity.

Where to Stay: Borgo Egnazia

Piedmont In the majestic hills of north-western Italy, Piedmont has earned its place among wine royalty with the legendary Barolo – a wine whose character has been shaped by centuries of history and tradition. Each bottle of Barolo represents a patient journey of at least 36 months, including 18 months in carefully selected wooden barrels, developing its signature rusty red hue and profound character. Crafted primarily from the noble Nebbiolo grape, Barolo presents an intriguing combination of refined bitterness with its characteristic bouquet of tar and roses – a paradox that has captivated wine lovers for generations. Experience the true essence of Italian gastronomy by pairing this distinguished wine with succulent grilled meats, creamy mushroom risotto, or precious truffles – each combination offering a masterclass in flavour harmony.

Where to Stay: Relais Villa d’Amelia

Douro Valley The majestic Douro River (known as Duero in Spain) carves through a spectacular valley, where terraced vineyards cling to dramatic slopes in one of Europe’s most stunning wine regions. This legendary valley is the birthplace of Port wine, carefully aged for 18 months in massive oak barrels to achieve its distinctive character. Port wine presents a rainbow of possibilities, from deep ruby reds and amber-hued tawnies to bright whites and delicate rosés, each style telling its own story. While traditionally known as a dessert wine, modern Port shows remarkable versatility, perfectly complementing everything from fresh seafood and crisp salads to elegant sushi creations.

Where to Stay: Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal) or Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine (Spain)

Mendoza. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Andes, Mendoza province stands as Argentina’s wine capital, offering an impressive array of exceptional wines. The region’s true star is Malbec, which found its perfect home here in the mid-19th century. The warm, dry climate has transformed this French transplant into Argentina’s most celebrated varietal. Argentine Malbec captivates with its perfect balance of vibrant acidity and refined tannins, offering a symphony of blackberry, plum, and black cherry notes, wrapped in a velvety embrace with subtle hints of cocoa. This sophisticated red wine creates magical pairings with lean meats, bold blue cheeses, aromatic spices, grilled vegetables, earthy mushrooms, and nutty black rice.

Where to Stay: Cavas Wine Lodge

Colchagua and Maipo Valleys In the heart of Chile’s north-central region, the Colchagua and Maipo valleys stand as living monuments to the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Each valley writes its own story through distinctive wines, shaped by the unique microclimates that define these remarkable terroirs. The dramatic Colchagua Valley, nestled in the O’Higgins region, draws its character from the volcanic-born Tinguinirica River. Here, two-thirds of Chile’s prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon vines flourish in the mineral-rich soil. Meanwhile, the storied Maipo Valley, embraced by the Metropolitan Region, reigns as one of Chile’s most celebrated wine destinations, where tradition and innovation dance together in perfect harmony. The wines from these valleys vary depending on the growing location – upland or coastal – and are typically characterised by a deep ruby or garnet red colour, with bright aromas of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, plums, blackcurrants, figs, marionberries, and subtle spice and pepper notes. Discover the unique personality of each valley – Colchagua’s wines finish with an intriguing spicy-savoury flourish, while Maipo’s offerings seduce with their silken, velvety embrace.

Where to Stay: Clos Apalta

Napa Valley Napa Valley may be compact – just 50 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide – but this California jewel stands tall among the world’s most prestigious wine regions. A masterpiece of natural diversity, Napa’s varied microclimates and soils craft an impressive array of wine styles, earning its place among global wine royalty. Noble Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme here, threading through nearly every sub-region with its distinct expression of Napa terroir. Yet the valley’s viticultural tapestry includes stellar Chardonnay, elegant Pinot Noir, plush Merlot, and characterful Zinfandel, each finding its perfect expression in this blessed landscape. Napa reds captivate with their brilliant dark fruit notes and commanding tannins, while the whites dance with citrus brightness and luxuriant aromatic profiles.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley

Barossa Valley. The Barossa Valley represents Australian winemaking at its finest, where legendary producers like Penfolds, Peter Lehmann, and Orlando Wines craft liquid history. Ancient vines, some centuries old, produce exceptional Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, each variety expressing the unique character of this timeless terroir. The intense Australian sun blesses the grapes with remarkable sweetness, carefully balanced through skilful acidification to create wines of perfect harmony. Though white wines flourish here, the Barossa’s red wines command the spotlight – opulent, full-bodied masterpieces that unfold layers of fruit, spice, and chocolate with every sip.

Where to Stay: The Louise

Marlborough Stretching across an impressive 30,000 hectares of pristine vineyards, Marlborough stands as New Zealand’s most expansive wine region. This viticultural paradise produces an enchanting range of wines, from silky Pinot Noirs to luxurious Chardonnays and vivacious aromatic varieties. Yet it’s Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc that has captured the world’s imagination, offering an electric fusion of citrus brightness and tropical abundance that has elevated it to global fame. This signature style emerges from nature’s perfect recipe – a maritime climate blessed with brilliant sunshine, creating wines that sing with crystalline purity and vibrant character.

Where to Stay: Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses