Top 10 Summer Wine Travel Destinations
Dreaming of a summer escape filled with sunshine, superb wine, and unforgettable scenery? Whether you crave iconic vineyards, emerging regions, or a perfect mix of food, culture, and adventure, this guide uncorks 10 inspiring destinations to help plan your ideal getaway.
From Europe’s sun-drenched coasts to California’s rolling hills and beyond, these top spots promise magical summer moments for wine lovers, each offering its own unique blend of flavour, beauty, and experience.
Grouped by vibe, from Mediterranean sunshine to alpine cool, discover where your next glass might take you.
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- For Mediterranean sunshine: Provence, Santorini, Catalonia
- For cooler mountain air: Südtirol / Trentino, Marlborough
- For iconic wine country: Napa, Tuscany
- For emerging gems: Valle de Guadalupe, Stellenbosch
- For riverside drama: Douro
- For Mediterranean sunshine: Provence, Santorini, Catalonia
Provence, France
Provence is the beating heart of summer rosé, a place where every glass seems to capture the sunlight itself. As the season unfolds, the region’s vineyards stretch across gentle hills and valleys, their rows glowing beneath the bright blue sky and framed by swathes of lavender, wild herbs, and olive trees.
Rosé is the lifeblood of this landscape, accounting for 90% of vineyard production and leading global premium exports, with growth of over 500% in the last decade. France produces around 35% of the world’s rosé, and it’s Provence that sets the benchmark, its wines as much a part of the scenery as the cicadas’ song or the warm Mediterranean breeze.
The pale pink wines of Provence typically blends of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, offer delicate, herbaceous aromas with hints of citrus blossom, wild strawberries, and the faintest whisper of sea salt carried on the air. They are wines made for the season, crisp, refreshing, and perfectly at home alongside platters of fresh seafood, garlicky aioli, and sun-ripened vegetables.
Tastings often unfold on vine-covered terraces with views across lavender-scented garrigue, where the hum of bees and the distant shimmer of the sea complete the picture.
“Time your visit for late June to early August to catch the lavender fields in full bloom. The sight and scent are unforgettable!”
Provence is not just about what’s in your glass. It’s about the slow, generous rhythm of summer life. Visitors can wander through lively markets in towns like Cassis, their stalls brimming with glossy olives, plump tomatoes, lavender honey, and crusty bread still warm from the oven. Long lunches stretch into afternoon siestas, and golden evenings invite strolls through whitewashed villages or along coastal paths.
Whether you’re sipping rosé at a hilltop estate or watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, Provence embodies the essence of summer wine travel, a place where every sense is awakened and every moment feels timeless.
Alto Adige & Trentino, Italy
For travellers in search of cool mountain air, dazzling scenery, and fresh, aromatic wines, Südtirol (Alto Adige) and Trentino offer a welcome summer retreat. These alpine regions, nestled where Italy meets Austria, are defined by their steep, terraced vineyards and a unique cultural blend that runs through their food, wine, and traditions.
Rows of vines cling to the hillsides beneath the towering Dolomites, with around 5,700 hectares under vine in Alto Adige and more than 10,000 in Trentino. The focus is firmly on quality. Over 60% of Alto Adige’s production is exported, prized for its purity, precision, and mountain freshness.
“There’s nothing like tasting a crisp Pinot Grigio on a terrace as the Dolomites glow at sunset.”
The wines of these regions are as crisp and invigorating as the alpine breeze. Alto Adige is renowned for its Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, and Kerner wines, which deliver bright acidity, floral aromatics, and a minerally core shaped by the mountain soils. Light, food-friendly reds like Schiava (Vernatsch) and Lagrein bring delicate berry fruit and soft tannins to the table, while Trentino adds depth with its robust Teroldego.
Together, they offer a palette of flavours that perfectly complements the local cuisine: speck, dumplings laced with herbs, creamy mountain cheeses, and fresh alpine herbs.
What makes this region truly special in summer is how naturally wine, food, and the outdoors intertwine. Visitors can hike or cycle between estates, pausing to taste wines at cellars perched above the valleys or cool off at shimmering lakes like Caldaro and Garda, their shores lined with cafés and sunbathers.
The towns of Bolzano, Trento, and Merano come alive with summer festivals where music, local fare, and glasses of chilled white wine fill the warm evening air.
In Südtirol and Trentino, every glass tells the story of a land where nature, tradition, and craftsmanship meet, an alpine wine escape unlike any other.
Napa Valley, USA
Napa Valley is the very embodiment of Californian wine country dreamscapes, especially in summer when warm, sun-filled days bathe the vineyards in golden light, and the air carries the scent of eucalyptus and wild herbs.
Although this small region accounts for just 0.4% of global wine production, it draws millions of visitors each year, captivated by its bold Cabernet Sauvignons, graceful Chardonnays, and seamless blend of rustic charm and polished hospitality. The landscape itself is part of the allure, with rolling, vineyard-covered hills dotted by centuries-old oaks, framed by the distant rise of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Each winery visit in Napa promises something distinct. Grand chateau-style estates pour world-famous reds under the shade of ancient trees; boutique cellars welcome guests for intimate tastings alongside barrel rooms and art-filled gardens.
Many offer experiences that go beyond the glass, vineyard picnics with views stretching to the horizon, sculpture trails through manicured grounds, chef-led pairings that showcase the valley’s seasonal bounty, or hot-air balloon rides that lift you above the morning mist for a bird’s-eye view of this iconic landscape.
“Book your sunrise hot-air balloon ride early! The views over Napa’s vine-covered hills are breathtaking.”
Napa’s summer calendar hums with life, featuring food and wine festivals, sunset concerts, and dinners where acclaimed chefs craft menus to match the region’s celebrated wines.
And for those seeking a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path escape, Paso Robles, just a few hours south, offers Rhône-style blends, Zinfandel, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. There, coastal breezes cool the afternoons, and the pace slows as visitors soak in hot springs or linger over tastings at relaxed, family-run estates.
Whether your journey keeps you in Napa or extends further down the coast, this slice of California is a summer wine destination that lingers long in the memory.
Douro Valley, Portugal
The Douro Valley is a place where wine, history, and nature come together in spectacular harmony. Carved over millennia by the winding Douro River, this UNESCO-listed landscape is one of Europe’s most breathtaking wine destinations. As summer warms the steep, terraced slopes, the valley’s 38,000 hectares of vineyards glow under golden light, their stone-walled plots clinging to the hillsides in dramatic defiance of gravity.
From these sun-baked terraces come the grapes that define both the region’s famed Ports and its increasingly celebrated table wines, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, varieties as bold and characterful as the landscape itself.
“A leisurely Rabelo boat cruise offers the most peaceful way to take in the valley’s dramatic terraced vineyards.”
From these sun-baked terraces come the grapes that define both the region’s famed Ports and its increasingly celebrated table wines, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca among them, varieties as bold and characterful as the landscape itself.
A visit to the Douro offers more than just wine tasting; it’s an immersion in tradition. Centuries-old quintas, many of which are family-owned for generations, welcome travellers with tastings that often pair ruby-hued Ports or rich reds with generous platters of cured meats, tangy cheeses, and crusty local bread drizzled with olive oil. The air carries the scent of wild herbs, and the river below reflects the endless blue of the summer sky.
From here, the valley invites you to slow down and explore! Take a leisurely cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat, once used to transport barrels of Port downriver, ride a vintage train that winds its way through tunnels and over stone bridges, or lace up your hiking boots and walk between villages where time seems to stand still.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is a place where centuries of winemaking tradition unfold against a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks and rolling vineyard-clad hills. As part of the Western Cape’s 87,800 hectares of vineyards, this renowned region is home to more than 200 wine estates, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, heritage, and warm hospitality.
Even during the Cape’s winter months, the air often carries the crisp freshness of a sunny day, and the light casts a soft glow over the landscape, making it a quietly enchanting time to explore.
“Even in winter, sunny afternoons are perfect for a mountain hike followed by a Pinotage by the fire.”
The diversity of Stellenbosch’s wines reflects the richness of its soils and the dedication of its winemakers. Crisp, vibrant Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc thrive here, alongside bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and the region’s hallmark Pinotage, a grape born of South African innovation.
Tasting rooms, from grand Cape Dutch manor houses to intimate, family-run cellars, invite visitors to settle in beside a roaring fire, sample wines crafted with care, and savour farm-to-table dishes that highlight the region’s bounty.
Beyond the glass, Stellenbosch offers endless ways to connect with its land and culture. The historic wine routes meander through oak-lined streets, past whitewashed gables, and into the heart of the vineyards.
Hiking trails and nature reserves lie just beyond the cellar doors, inviting travellers to pair their tasting adventures with mountain walks or visits to working farms where local life continues at its unhurried pace.
In Stellenbosch, wine isn’t just something to drink. It’s a way to experience the soul of the Cape!
Tuscany, Italy
There’s a timeless magic to Tuscany that makes it one of the world’s most beloved wine destinations, especially in summer. The region’s 61,000 hectares of vineyards spill across rolling hills, their rows of vines framed by cypress trees, olive groves, and golden fields that shimmer in the heat.
Nearly all of this vineyard land, an impressive 96%, is classified as DOC or DOCG, reflecting Tuscany’s centuries-old commitment to quality. At the heart of it all is Sangiovese, the lifeblood of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, complemented by grapes such as Canaiolo, Vernaccia, and Vermentino that lend their own character to the region’s wines.
“Don’t miss a summer evening concert in a medieval piazza with music and Chianti under the stars, it's pure magic.”
But Tuscany in summer offers far more than what’s in your glass. It’s a season of celebration: medieval piazzas ring with music during open-air concerts; narrow streets come alive with food festivals where the scent of grilled meats, fresh truffles, and warm bread mingles on the breeze; and long vineyard dinners stretch into the night, as the last light fades behind the hills and fireflies begin to glow.
Visitors can follow scenic wine routes that wind through hilltop villages such as Siena, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano, each offering its own unique blend of history, art, and hospitality.
There is a rhythm to Tuscany in summer, a slow, generous pace where wine, culture, and landscape come together in unforgettable harmony.
Santorini, Greece
Few places on earth combine natural drama and winemaking tradition quite like Santorini. This volcanic island, with its sheer cliffs plunging into the azure Aegean, offers a wine experience that is as unforgettable as its famous sunsets.
The island’s signature grape, Assyrtiko, makes up 75–80% of plantings and forms the backbone of the roughly two million bottles of PDO wines produced here each year.
Shaped by volcanic soils and salty sea breezes, these mineral-rich, zesty whites are the perfect match for the island’s cuisine – think platters of just-caught seafood, sun-ripened vegetables, and creamy local cheeses.
“A chilled Assyrtiko at sunset, with the caldera at your feet, this is the soul of Santorini.”
What makes Santorini so magical for wine lovers isn’t just what’s in the glass but where it’s enjoyed. Many wineries are perched on cliffs or tucked into old cave houses, their terraces offering panoramic views across the caldera. As day fades to night, there are few greater pleasures than sipping a chilled Assyrtiko while watching the sun slip into the sea, painting the sky with gold and crimson.
Between tastings, visitors can lose themselves in narrow lanes of whitewashed villages, their walls bright with bougainvillaea, or spend lazy afternoons stretched out on black-sand beaches. Ancient ruins and tiny chapels dot the landscape, serving as reminders of the island’s rich history and enduring spirit.
In Santorini, wine is part of the island’s rhythm, a link between the land, the sea, and the people who have tended these vines for centuries. It’s a place where every sip seems to hold the sun, the salt air, and the story of the volcano that shaped this extraordinary terroir.
Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough may be in the depths of winter during the northern hemisphere’s summer, but this peaceful, strikingly beautiful corner of New Zealand offers a unique kind of wine escape year-round. With its mild climate, crisp, clear days, and far fewer visitors than in peak season, Marlborough in mid-year invites travellers to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak up the natural splendour.
The region’s nearly 27,800 hectares of vineyards account for approximately 75% of New Zealand’s total wine production, with Sauvignon Blanc at its heart, comprising 86% of plantings. A variety celebrated worldwide for its bright acidity, zesty citrus character, and vibrant herbal notes.
Yet Marlborough offers more than just its signature white. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive here, adding complexity and elegance to the region’s repertoire. Tasting these wines is often part of a broader journey through the landscape. Cyclists can follow vineyard trails that weave between rows of bare winter vines, pausing for tastings or hearty lunches that spotlight local seafood, cheeses, and fresh-baked bread.
Beyond the vineyards, the Marlborough Sounds unfold in a maze of forested peninsulas and sheltered bays, perfect for quiet walks, boat trips, or simply finding a spot to sit and take in the view as mist drifts across the water.
“Explore by bike! Vineyard trails weave between cellar doors, perfect for a leisurely tasting adventure.”
In the cooler months, with fewer crowds and a softer, slower rhythm, Marlborough offers a different kind of wine experience, one where the beauty of the land, the purity of the wines, and the sense of peace leave a lasting impression.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s wine country renaissance, a sun-drenched valley where creativity and tradition meet – and where visitors are as likely to find cutting-edge architecture as they are hand-tended vines.
In just two decades, this region has evolved from a handful of pioneering producers to over 200 dynamic wineries, generating approximately $180 million annually in wine tourism revenue.
“Glamp among the vines for a truly immersive stay, wake to birdsong and Baja sunshine.”
The valley’s warm, dry climate provides the perfect conditions for a diverse mix of varietals, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc forming the backbone of its bold, expressive blends.
What makes the Valle truly special is the way it invites visitors to slow down and savour every detail. Tastings unfold at boutique wineries where striking modern designs contrast with the rugged landscape, glass-walled cellars that frame the mountains, or tasting terraces where the only sounds are the rustle of olive trees and the distant whinny of horses.
Baja Med cuisine, a vibrant fusion of local ingredients and global techniques, turns each meal into an adventure: fresh oysters, wood-fired lamb, and garden vegetables drizzled with olive oil pressed just down the road.
Between glasses, travellers can glamp among the vines, ride horseback along dusty trails, or join in the valley’s lively calendar of summer festivals, where music, art, and food come together under starry skies.
In Valle de Guadalupe, wine is not just something to taste. It’s part of a broader, sun-soaked lifestyle that celebrates freedom, flavour, and the beauty of the Baja landscape.
Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia is a region where wine, culture, and coastal living blend into a rich and unforgettable summer experience. As Spain’s second-largest wine-producing area, with some 5.5 million hectolitres crafted each year, it offers a remarkable diversity, from the crisp sparkle of Cava to the bold depth of Priorat’s reds.
The Penedès region is the beating heart of Spain’s Cava tradition, responsible for 95% of the country’s production. Here, visitors can explore historic wineries where generations have crafted sparkling wine in cool, underground caves or stroll through sunlit vineyards where Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo grapes ripen under the Catalan sun.
“Pair a glass of Cava with fresh seafood at a seaside café, then hit Barcelona’s beaches for a perfect summer day.”
Venture inland, and the scenery shifts to the rugged, slate-streaked hills of Priorat, where ancient terraces cling to steep slopes, and the wines reflect the power of the land. Reds made from Garnacha, Cariñena, and international varieties are rich, structured, and full of character, their intensity shaped by the dramatic terrain. Tastings in Priorat often come with breathtaking views and the quiet hum of countryside life.
But wine is just one part of Catalonia’s summer charm. The region invites visitors to balance vineyard tours with time on Barcelona’s beaches, pair a glass of sparkling Cava with fresh seafood at a seaside café, or follow a morning hike through vineyard-covered hills with an evening of music and tapas in the city’s vibrant streets.
Catalonia’s wines, whether fizzy and festive or bold and brooding, mirror the energy, diversity, and passion of the region itself. It’s a destination that promises both discovery and delight with every sip.
Where will your glass take you next?
Each of these destinations offers something special for summer wine travellers.
From sunlit rosé terraces in Provence to volcanic whites in Santorini and bold reds in the Douro, the world is full of unforgettable places to sip and savour this summer.
Let these destinations inspire your next adventure. Wherever your glass may take you, it promises flavour, beauty, and memories that last long after the final sip.
