Most Beautiful Vineyards in the World (and How to Buy Their Wines)
From France to Italy, California to New Zealand, and all the places ripe for grape growing, there is no shortage of beautiful vineyards to explore.
Most Beautiful Vineyards in the World (and How to Buy Their Wines)
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To travel the world and explore the many wine-country vineyards that have been praised in literature, prose and song is a dream come true for wine connoisseurs who love to sample a winegrower's creations.
From France to Italy, California to New Zealand, and all the places ripe for grape growing, there is no shortage of beautiful vineyards to explore.
But you don't have to visit them in person to taste the world's best wine regions and vineyards. Have the wine shipped directly to you and create your own wine tastings and pairings at home.
Rippon Winery, New Zealand
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Located in New Zealand's Central Otago, the days of long sunshine and the temperate Lake Wanaka bode well for wines in the region.
The land was originally a high country station when purchased in 1912. It took the thinking of the owner's grandson to plant vines and create Rippon's first crop in 1982.
What to Buy From Rippon Winery
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There are 13 wines from Rippon you may purchase online to have shipped to your door. A young Pinot Noir, Jeunesse, is available for $45, while the most mature and expensive of the reds is Tinker's Field at $135.
White drinkers can select from an Osteiner, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer or Riesling, ranging between $28 to $38.
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Inglenook, California
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Inglenook Winery has been producing wine since 1882. Founded in the Napa Valley's Rutherford, today's current owners are the Coppolas — as in Francis Ford Coppola of moviemaking fame.
Coppola has a vineyard with his own name, but this vineyard was purchased by the director-cum-winemaker in 1975, just after "The Godfather" became a hit. He decided to return the estate to its original name in 2011.
What to Buy From Inglenook
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Inglenook offers dozens of wines to purchase online, with vintages more than 10 years old. You'll find Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Rubicon and Sauvignon Blanc, among others.
Half, full and magnum bottles are available, with single bottles of red priced lowest at $55 and whites at $35. There are wines that climb into the thousands, for those serious about what to keep in their home wine cellars. You can purchase directly from the winery or from online wine and liquor shops like Drizly that claims you can get it delivered in 60 minutes or less.
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Domaine Du Daley, Switzerland
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There are more than 2,000 acres of vineyards in Switzerland's Lavaux region. Facing Lake Geneva, vineyards climb terraces so beautiful that UNESCO named the region a World Heritage Site.
The oldest vineyard — also the oldest in the country — is Domaine du Daley, which has been crafting wine from these terraces since 1392.
What to Buy From Domaine Du Daley
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In order to buy some of the award-winning wines from Domaine du Daley, you'll need to use a wine seller website, as the winery does not sell directly to consumers.
You'll find Wine Searcher and NumberWines offering ways to purchase wines, from reds to whites to rosés.
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Bernkasteler Doctor, Germany
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The Mosel Valley is considered one of Germany's most cherished in terms of winemaking and is home to the summer wine of choice: the Riesling. One of the smallest wineries in the area is also one of the country's oldest and most expensive: Bernkasteler Doctor, which is nestled 8.1 acres up a mountainside.
The wines received a "doctorate" when an archbishop living in the area during the 14th century could not be cured of his illness ... until he had wine from this vineyard.
What to Buy From Bernkasteler Doctor
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To have a glass of what the doctor ordered, you'll also need to visit sites offering delivery of the imported wine.
Try Truly Fine Wine, where a 2015 Sweet Riesling sells for around $50.
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Ken Forrester Vineyards, South Africa
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In the Stellenbosch region of South Africa grows some of the country's amazing Chenin Blanc. Ken Forrester and his family took over this winery in 1993 and are celebrating more than 25 years growing the grapes that make a crisp white to pair with summer temperatures.
Mountaintop views are visible from the winery's own location on Helderberg Mountain. Visitors can enjoy the wine cellar and a restaurant along with the wines that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon and more.
What to Buy From Ken Forrester Vineyards
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Nearly 30 different varietals are available through the winery's own online shop.
The Petit line offers the most availability and the lowest costs, as they are some of the younger wines available from the vineyard.
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Viña Vik, Chile
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What the indigenous people called the "Place of Gold" is where a Norwegian and his wife decided to create one of the world's most unique wineries.
Spread across 11,000 acres in Chile, Viña Vik is known for producing three full-bodied reds: the Vik, Milla Cala and La Piu Belle.
What to Buy From Viña Vik
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These Cachapoal Valley reds can be found at online distributors.
Wine.com features a Milla Cala for less than $50 as well as the Viña Vik 2013, priced at $150.
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Villa Della Torre Allegrini, Italy
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Not only can you visit this beautiful Italian vineyard, but you can even spend the night. The Renaissance villa is, rightly, designed and decorated with Renaissance hints to immerse yourself to experience life in a historical wine villa near the city of Verona.
The rolling hills are home to the grapes that are enjoyed through tastings, cooking classes and dining at the property.
What to Buy From Villa Della Torre Allegrini
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Allegrini, which owns the villa, has been making wines since the 16th century. There are 10 different wines available, including the Palazzo Della Torre full-bodied red.
You'll find this wine available for delivery from online wine shops like Total Wine & More, where a bottle is under $20.
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Château La Coste, France
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Near Aix-en-Provence, where rosé wines reign supreme, the Château La Coste is more than wine and grape vines. Here, visitors may embark on an Art & Architecture Walk.
The self-guided and guided tours take you through the vineyard, lavender fields, forest and olive groves, with art sculptures and installations at every turn.
What to Buy
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Of course, the real star of Château La Coste is its wine, with a handful of rosé blends as well as red and white.
The winery will ship to most destinations through its own website.
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Castello di Amoroso, California
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Inspired to look like a medieval castle set in the heart of Tuscany, Castello di Amoroso is a unique winery that allows you to explore a castle and dungeons in Northern California's Napa Valley.
The 3-acre castle has 107 rooms and eight levels — four of which are underground!
What to Buy From Château La Coste
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Castello di Amoroso sells a variety of its wines — reds, whites and rosés — through its own website shop.
You can mix and match wines to create your ideal case.
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The Vines of Mendoza, Argentina
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In the Uco Valley of Argentina, a private vineyard of 1,500 acres creates small-batch wines through more than 220 owners around the world.
Visitors are invited to taste the wine, then stay at the luxury resort located on the property at the base of the Andes Mountains.
What to Buy From The Vines of Mendoza
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Because the winery is made up of private vineyards, the only way to sample any of the wines is during an in-person visit. (Or to know one of the vineyard owners.)
But you can search online distributors, such as Total Wine & More, that may offer wine from Argentina's Mendoza region.
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Château Pichon Baron, France
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France is renowned for its wine, and with it comes expansive vineyards and grand chateaus.
Château Pichon Baron is just one such property that sets a romantic stage and has been producing wines in Bordeaux since 1855.
What to Buy From Château Pichon Baron
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Focusing on excellence, there are three wines available at Pichon Barron: Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, Chateau Pichon Baron and Les Tourelles de Longueville.
The wines are dark and intense, and as the focus is limited to the three, expect to pay $200 to $300 per bottle through online distributors such as Wine Chateau Marketplace.
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Concha y Toro, Chile
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Since 1883, Concha y Toro has been home to one of Chile's largest winemakers.
Visitors can enjoy the family's summer residence, roam the gardens, delve into the cellars and sample its mostly red wine varietals.
What to Buy From Concha y Toro
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Concha y Toro wines can be found around the world and can be shipped directly to your home. Choose from the Fine Wine Collection, Premium Wines, Don Melchor or Varietal Wines.
While the wine is sold in 130 countries, Concha y Toro doesn't ship directly to customers. Visit an online distributor such as Total Wine & More, where bottles are below $10.
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Marques de Riscal, Spain
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What is now a part of Marriott's Luxury Collection of hotels is the Marques de Riscal hotel and vineyard. Frank Gehry designed the 21st-century chateaux in the heart of Spain's "City of Wine," Elciego.
The vineyard dates back to 1858 and is the oldest in the region. Guests can still tour the vineyard and sample the wines.
What to Buy From Marques de Riscal
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The winery's website details its wines, which includes the Marqués de Riscal Vinas Viejas, Frank Gehry Selection, Baron de Chirel Verdejo VInas Centanarias, Naro de Chirel and Marqués de Riscal 159 Aniversario.
To purchase, however, you will need to search online distributors. Total Wine & More, for example, has the Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva for $17.
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Domaine Louis Bovard, Switzerland
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Along the shores of Lake Geneva is another Lavaux winery that provides amazing terraced views to enjoy while imbibing on wine samples.
The Rhone Valley wines cross into Switzerland, where you'll find some of Europe's highest-elevated vineyards.
What to Buy From Domaine Louis Bovard
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The winery makes Chasselas wines, trial runs and specialties of Sauvignon and Chenin. You may order through the winery, which requires a minimum of two cases.
But you may also purchase using Wine Searcher.
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Abeja Winery, Washington
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Washington State's wines have continued to grow in popularity, especially in Walla Walla.
At the 38-acre Abeja, visitors can also stay the night in the inviting inn. From private rooms to a large farmhouse to suites, you'll truly escape at this vineyard.
What to Buy From Abeja Winery
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The Abeja wine collection may be purchased directly through the vineyard. If you become an Abeja List member, you'll receive 10 percent off on cases of 12.
Find Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier and its special Beekeeper's Blends.
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D’Arenberg, Australia
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Run by the fourth generation of a family-operated and -owned winery in South Australia, d'Arenberg has been producing fine wines since 1912. In fact, they are considered one of Australia's first wine families.
Visitors can enjoy dining and tasting experiences as well as art exhibits. Be sure to dine in the Cube Restaurant (pictured).
What to Buy From D’Arenberg
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There are more than 70 wines and 30 grape varieties at d'Arenberg. You'll find limited releases and a host of options to sample.
Ordering can be done on the website, with options to pay by bottle or six-pack.
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Marchesi di Barolo, Italy
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Nearly a century old and spread across 430 acres, the Marchesi di Barolo is a UNESCO World Heritage vineyard in Italy's Piedmont region.
Currently under the leadership of the family's fifth-generation winemaker, you can trust the wines to be as enchanting as the estate.
What to Buy From Marchesi di Barolo
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Marchesi di Barolo presents multiple red and white wines to sample. With its age means you can even find multiple vintages.
The winery works through distributors, so you will need to turn to online versions to find samples of the wine. For example, Total Wine & More features a Barbera Ruvei for $16 or a Tradizone Barolo for $42.
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Lyrarakis Winery, Greece
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The Greek islands are known for unique Mediterranean soil and temperatures that help create flavorful wines. Since 1966, the Lyrarakis Winery on Crete has been creating Dafni, Plyto and Melissaki varietals.
Visitors can enjoy the vineyard's outdoor museum and welcome guests to purchase a bottle set up for an afternoon picnic.
What to Buy From Lyrarakis Winery
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Online distribution is the best way to find Lyrarakis wine. Wine Searcher offers whites and reds from the vineyard's collection, with bottles as low as $5 (although that does not include shipping).
U.S. distributors offer some bottles between $16 and $20.
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Los Bermejos, Spain
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Deep within the Atlantic Ocean, Los Bermejos is found on the Canary Islands. With a looming volcano in its distance, its location creates a healthy crop of grapes for the newer winery, established in 2001.
Los Bermejos is committed to providing organic wines, and rather than grow vines above the ground in the desert location, it digs out holes within the porous black soil for one of the most unique methods of grape ripening out there.
What to Buy From Los Bermejos
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Online distributors will carry bottles of Los Bermejos. Wine.com, for example, features both a red and a white for under $30.
But Wine Searcher has even more varieties available on its site.
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Quinta do Crasto, Portugal
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The views from the top of the hillside winery known as Quinta do Crasto are fabulous, especially when taking them in from the pool.
Douro wines and Port are offered, with wine lunches and dinners, cellar tours and other offerings.
What to Buy From Quinta do Crasto
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Quinta do Crasto does not sell its wines or olive oils. But bottles and cases are available at online distributors like Wine Searcher.
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Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, California
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Head deep into the caves of Sonoma winery Bella Vineyards, and uncover the Zinfandel maker's secrets and samples.
Above ground, tour the small vineyard in a vintage truck, and enjoy the redwood trees and views as you sample the eight varietals available.
What to Buy From Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves
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From its Zinfandel to its Grenache and Syrah, you can purchase directly from the vineyard. Bottles range from $30 to $55.
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Dingac Vineyard, Croatia
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Along the Peljesac Peninsula, the slopes of Dalmatia are the place for the Plavac Mali grapes to grow. And Dingac Vineyards is the area's most famous.
Soaking up the sun, the fruits create dark red wines renowned across this area.
What to Buy From Dingac Vineyard
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Find Dingac's various wines through online distributors, such as 1000 Corks. The wines range from low teens to just above $30.
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Castello Di Ama, Italy
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In the hills outside of Siena, Castello Di Ama may first impress you with its views and ancient buildings. But it's also filled with modern art that creates an unusual juxtaposition and creates an unforgettable vineyard visit.
The mirrors shown here, for example, are part of an installation by Daniel Buren that creates a "landscape painting" with reflections of the landscape that provide viewpoints from a different perspective.
What to Buy From Castello Di Ama
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This is Chianti Classico land, and Castello di Ama, while a newer vineyard, provides Chianti as well as Sangiovese, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
You will find the wines on online distributors, with three Chianti Classicos available between $32 and $55 on Millesima.
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Grassini Family Vineyards, California
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Santa Barbara has its share of excellent California wines. The Grassini family, who came to the United States from Italy, took the same love and passion for caring for the land and created a vineyard with Italian roots.
Unlike some California vineyards, however, 100 percent of the grapes used for wine are grown at the property.
What to Buy From Grassini Family Vineyards
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The vineyard website sells bundles of its Reserve, Essential and Library collections, as well as seven single bottles of wines.
The cheapest bundle is Sauv Blanc at $51. The most expensive is the three-bundle Essential Grassini Bundle with a Sauvignon Blanc, a proprietary red and a Cabernet Sauvignon, marked down to $96.
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Kellerberg, Austria
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Austria's Wachau Valley, cut by the Danube River, is home to the dry white wines, known as Gruner Veltliner, as well as both dry and sweet Rieslings.
Kellerberg, which means "cellar mountain," lies just outside of Durnstein. This means you can sit upon a hillside, sip the delicious whites and see the ruins of the town's famous castle in the backdrop.
What to Buy From Kellerberg
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Kellerberg is one of eight members of Domane Wachau. The wines are available through online distributors.
While they're a little tougher to find, Wine Searcher offers a couple of options for Gruner Veltliner around $50 per bottle.
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