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Alsace, France - The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest wine routes in the country. Grape varieties grown in the region include Muscat, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer.

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Alsace, France - The route snakes through 70 wine-growing villages, many renowned for their scenic beauty.

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Alsace, France - A suitably picturesque place to stay is Petite France, the historic quarter of Strasbourg. Its half-timbered collection of 16th and 17th-century buildings are a delight to the eye.

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Tuscany, Italy - Renowned as home to some of Italy's most cherished appellations including Chianti Classico and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany is a wine connoisseur's dream.

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Tuscany, Italy - For a highly rewarding wine tour, drive down from Florence to Sienna and Montalcino. The route takes in no less than six of the region's top wineries and Renaissance-era towns and hamlets.

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Tuscany, Italy - Florence of course is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture, and goes very will with a fine Tuscan red. But you'll need to book accommodation well ahead.

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La Rioja, Spain - Exploring the Rioja Alta Wine Route is to discover Spain's wine-making heartland. Tempranillo, Graciano, and Viura are among the grape varieties cultivated.

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La Rioja, Spain - Located in Elciego is one of Spain's most remarkable hotel properties, Marqués de Riscal. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the building houses its own winery.

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La Rioja, Spain - The region's capital, Logroño, makes an ideal base. Cultural draws include the ornate Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, built between the 15th and 18th centuries.

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Napa Valley, USA - A celebrated Californian wine country getaway destination, Napa Valley features several family-owned wineries. (Photo: CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Napa Valley, USA - Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated in abundance here, but other popular grape varieties include Merlot and Zinfandel.

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Napa Valley, USA - While Napa and other towns like St. Helena provide very comfortable local accommodation options, the city of San Francisco is just a tempting 90-minute drive away.

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Casablanca Valley, Chile - Casablanca Valley's elevated location provides for some interesting cool-climate winemaking. The destination's signature Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the wines of choice.

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Casablanca Valley, Chile - Modern wineries are plentiful, but for a truly authentic experience, seek out those whose cellars retain a wonderfully traditional atmosphere. (Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Casablanca Valley, Chile - Casablanca lies an hour east of bustling Santiago should travelers desire cultural diversion... and some colorful nightlife into the bargain!

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Alentejo, Portugal - Following the excellent Alentejo Wine Route will introduce visitors to the incredible range of earthy reds and fruity whites this vast region is famous for.

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Alentejo, Portugal - There are eight subregions to explore in this sun-soaked province. Principal grape varieties include Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, and Fernão Pires.

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Alentejo, Portugal - Make your home base the city of Évora, a beautiful and historic destination the Old Town of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the Roman Temple and the medieval cathedral. (Photo: CC BY-NC 2.0)

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The Western Cape, South Africa - Ripe with wine regions, the area around Cape Town with its dramatic mountain backdrop provides one of the most memorable wine-tasting locations you're ever likely to encounter.

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The Western Cape, South Africa - Grape varieties grown here include Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. The Constantia Valley is on Cape Town's doorstep and is the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685. (Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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The Western Cape, South Africa - Enjoying a fabulous natural setting under landmark Table Mountain, Cape Town deserves several days exploration. Take the cable car to the top of the "Table" for a view you'll never forget.

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Yarra Valley, Australia - Famous for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Victoria's Yarra Valley embraces a number of top-notch wineries that offer vineyard and cellar tours, and tastings galore!

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Yarra Valley, Australia - In fact, one or two wineries are destinations within themselves—chic, stylish retreats catering for the serious wine lover.  (Photo: CC BY 2.0)

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Yarra Valley, Australia - Yarra Valley is little over an hour's drive from dynamic Melbourne and its numerous visitor attractions.

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Tokaj, Hungary - Enjoying a noble heritage (Tokaj wine was once the drink of choice for most of Europe's royal households), this sweet dessert wine is still famed throughout the world.

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Tokaj, Hungary - The wine region of Tokaj-Hegyalja is found in northeast Hungary, close to the Slovakian border. (Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Tokaj, Hungary - The River Danube divides hilly Buda from flat Pest but visitors will enjoy getting to know both. Several Budapest-based tour operators offer excursions to the Tokaj region.

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Mosel, Germany - Taking its name from the River Mosel, this is arguably Germany's leading wine region. Convivial wine tastings can be enjoyed along the meandering wine route.

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Mosel, Germany - Mosel is known primarily for wines made from the Riesling grape. The Calmont Winery behind the pretty village of Bremm cultivates grapes from world's steepest vineyard.

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Mosel, Germany - Wine enthusiasts visiting the region should consider staying in Trier. Among the historic must-sees is the Porta Nigra (pictured), the "Black Gate" which dates back to the 4th century.

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