1. Mendoza (Argentina)
Mendoza stands high above sea level, where the dry air meets snow-melt irrigation from the Andes to create excellent fertile conditions. The two main varieties of grapes are the Malbec and the Torrontes. Great places to visit on your wine tour, whether you travel the region by bike or car rental, include Maipu (near Mendoza city), Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco and Tupungato.
2. Burgundy (France)
Burgundy is a highly complex and sophisticated wine-growing region, where the different vineyards each have their own micro-climates, helping the resultant wines develop unique flavors. The region is quite large though, so there is plenty for you to see here, and you'll struggle to do everything. It's advisable to begin at the Cote d'Or, then take a handsome train journey to Beaune.
3. Willamette Valley, Oregon (USA)
Willamette produces some marvelous Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnays and Pinto Gris. Starting from Portland you can get to many of the region's fine wineries, since the valley is some 175 miles long.
4. Wellington/Wairarapa (New Zealand)
Though this may be New Zealand's smallest of 10 primary grape growing regions, it is thought to produce the most sublime wine in the nation. To see just where the local Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir derive their unique flavors, take a rented car around the entire country area of Wellington.
5. La Rioja (Spain)
Though all of Spain is famous for its wine, this region is superior due to the shelter it receives from the Cantabrian Mountains, which make it a more moderate climate than Spain in general. Wine has been produced here for a thousand years. The region is known for blends. The red variety most commonly used is Tempranillo, and the white Viura. Visit the local cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
6. Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (Germany)
It's not all about beer in Germany. German Riesling is rightly cherished by locals, and this will be a great place to take a wine tour. While here, you should also check out the nearby regions of Pfalz and Nahe.
7. Napa, northern California (USA)
Napa is rightly synonymous with Californian wine, offering hundreds of different wineries and vineyards for you to experience on your merry tour. This area is only an hour's drive from San Francisco. You could also head a hundred or so miles away to the slightly quieter Anderson Valley.
8. Tuscany (Italy)
Because Tuscany is so hilly and elevated, the grapes are afforded a little moderation from Italy's blistering heat. Yet because they are they bit closer to the sun, they get lots of glorious sunlight too. The most notable wine here is dry Chianti. If you start off at Florence you will be able to take in Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Carmignano.
9. Maipo (Chile)
Chile is remarkably the world's fifth largest wine exporter, particularly famous for its Cabernet. The grapes take their water from the Maipo River, which comes straight from the mountains nearby. Not so far from here you can find the northerly Atacama region, to sample the local Pisco, which is a brandy-like wine.
10. Champagne (France)
Champagne can be found about 1 hour east of Paris, and it makes a lovely train journey. The trademark celebratory sparkle that sets Champagne apart from so many others is provided by the chalky soils that mark the region.
11. Santorini (Greece)
Santorini is such a beautiful sun-kissed island that you will probably be in danger of forgetting about the fascinating wineries there. Though Greece's wines did suffer a lot during Ottoman rule, since joining the EU, wine has flourished where little else has. The native Greek grapes mean the taste here is very different from most of the wines you're probably familiar with.
12. Texas Hill Country (USA)
Many people are surprised to learn that Texas produces such quality wine, but the that's the truth. Though the summers here are long and tough, Texas is home to a burgeoning wine growing community that does its very best to come up with some terrific variety for all of us wine lovers. Traverse highway 290 between Fredericksburg and Stonewall for the best action.
13. Sicily (Italy)
It's not just Marsala that can be found here, recently the wine Nero d'Avola has been making great waves. Sicily is such a splendid island that it will be hard to pick where to go to, because wherever you stop you're sure to be nearby some magnificent vineyards. This is definitely an island to be enjoyed by rental car.
14. Stellenbosch (South Africa)
South Africa is such a beautiful country, and it's also justly celebrated for its long history of wine making. Grapes have been grown in this region since at least 1679. The local tipples are Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz.
15. McLaren Vale (Australia)
Lots of amazing wine comes out of South Australia, just a short drive away from state capital, Adelaide. Shiraz is the predominant grape here, yet you will also find Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache and Cabernet tugging on its coat tails.
16. Douro Valley (Portugal)
Mostly known for port, Douro also produces claret and Burgundy style wines. The whole amazing area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It would be best to take a 4-wheeler with you to explore the Coa Valley Archaeological Museum and Park. You'll find the city of Porto a little more than an hour away.
17.Tokaj-Hegyalja (Hungary)
This region is the pride of Hungary, producing, for around nine centuries, the world famous Tokay sweet wine. Though the capital Budapest is only two and a half hours away, you'll find that the area closely borders neighboring Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania.
18. Bordeaux (France)
Few regions can ever hope to outshine Bordeaux in the classy wine stakes. The majority of the wine is Bordeaux, otherwise known as red claret, though some white wine is produced. Every two years the world's most important wine fair, the Vinexpo, is hosted. The next is due in 2017. I hope to see you there.
19. Finger Lakes, New York (USA)
Only two and half hours from Niagara Falls, this area offers over 100 first class wineries. These hills produce dozens of different wines. While here you may as well enjoy a tour on the wonderful lakes.
20. Okanagan Valley (Canada)
The valley is simply beautiful, and hosts some 131 different wineries for you to visit. If you come here in winter you can enjoy some great skiing. But in summer the area becomes a backdrop to some exciting water sports.
