Wine Regions of the World — A Guide by Jesse & Cassie

We’ve spent years traveling to, making wine in, and writing about the world’s greatest wine regions. Every winery and region we recommend has been personally visited. A beautiful tasting room is a bonus — what matters most to us is what’s in the glass.

Where should I start if I want bigger, bolder wines?
Look to warmer climates: California’s Napa Valley and Paso Robles, Australia’s Barossa Valley and Margaret River, or South Africa’s Stellenbosch and Swartland. These regions produce ripe, full-bodied wines with generous fruit and structure.

What if I prefer lighter, more elegant styles?
Head to Europe’s cooler regions — Burgundy for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Germany’s Mosel for Riesling, Piedmont for Barolo and Barbaresco. These wines reward patience and food, and they’re what Jesse reaches for most often.

Where is the best wine in the world made?
Deeply subjective — but our list includes: Burgundy (France), Martinborough (New Zealand), Hemel-en-Aarde (South Africa), Santa Rita Hills (California), Rioja (Spain), Uco Valley (Argentina), and Margaret River (Australia). Jesse has made wine in several of these regions. That shapes everything we write.

How do we recommend tasting while you travel?
Wine culture varies enormously by country — walk-in tastings are the norm in California and Australia, appointments are essential in Burgundy, and in Portugal the winery’s restaurant is often the whole point. We’ve written detailed guides for the regions we know best. Use the map below to explore by region.

Are there wine festivals worth planning a trip around?
Absolutely. The Batalla del Vino in Rioja (Spain’s famous wine-throwing festival) is one of the world’s great celebrations — Jesse and Cassie have been and will go back. The Celebration of Pinot Noir in South Africa, World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara, and La Paulée in New York are also worth building a trip around.