But why not travel a little further afield and discover Asia?
If you are keen to sample some of the best wine in the region check out our top places in Asia for wine connoisseurs.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best countries to visit in Asia and millions of liters of wine are produced here every year.
The country has a developed fruit and agriculture industry and you can find a wide selection of affordable wines in the country. Dalat is one of our top recommended destinations, located near the coast and with a warm climate it makes it a great place to grow grapes.
There are 15 respected wine producers in this region, be sure to try the Dalat red wine which is highly recommended.
- View Vietnam tours.
2. China
You might not believe it but researchers have discovered Chinese people have been making wine since 7,000 BC using local grapes.
Excavations have been found the remains of various wines from thousands of years ago. China has a booming economy and is now one of the largest producers of wine in the world.
You can find wine producers located throughout the country in rural areas of Beijing, Ningxia, Sichuan, Shanxi and Yantai. The Yantai-Penglai area is one of the best places to visit as there are over 100 wineries located here.
- View China tours.
3. India
India is a huge country and there are vinyards located throughout.
Wine has been produced here for generations and there are top rated wineries in places like Baramati, Deccan Plateau, Huderabad, Tamil Nadu and Punjab. Local specialties to try include Bangalore, Gulabi and Sultana.
There are lots of excusions available to visit the wine areas with both local and international operators.
- View India tours.
4. Myanmar
Myanmar might not strike you as a potential destination for tasting wine, but this country is now progressing its own industry which has been established in the past decade.
Myanmar's climate makes it a perfect country for wineries and some of the best wineries in Asia are now located here. Be sure to add Red Mountain near the Inle Lake to your itinerary and taste the local wine from the critically aclaimed Red Mountain Estate.
- View Myanmar tours.
5. Israel
Winemaking in Israel goes all the way back to the biblical period. Despite Israel looking small on a map there are hundreds of well respected vineyards and wineries based here with over 10 million bottles produced a year.
Top places to visit include Galilee, Shomron region, the Samson region, the Negev desert and the Judean Hills. These trips can be organised in advance, on arrival or part of gap year programs in Israel.
Some recommended wines to sample here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
- View Israel tours.
6. Japan
Grapes have been grown in Japan for a long time and wine production is increasing every year.
You should definately try to go to the Hokkaido, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture regions which has lots of wineries and vineyards and is one the most best areas for wine.
Try to sample the local Tendo wine, hitomi wine, Tokachi wine, and Shinshu wine.
- View Japan tours.
7. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia with millions of tourists visiting every year. Most however do not realise Thailand is one of the up and coming destinations for wineries.
We recommend going to Khao Yai in Isaan which is the famous area of wine production. Some of the best wines to try include Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, Petit Syrah and Tempranillo.
One of the best things about visiting wine areas in Thailand you can also combine experiences, you could go explore beaches or even volunteer with elephants.
- View Thailand tours.
Hopefully our list of travel destinations in Asia has given you some ideas and inspiration for planning a break here. Several operators offer tours in Asia where you can sample the best food and wine in the country.
