Where Should Your Wine Group Go?

What’s better than enjoying wine while experiencing a great destination? Easy – doing it with your friends! But, deciding on where to go can be challenging. Whether you are a few couples who occasionally get together or a formal organization with scheduled meetings, here are four suggestions that work well for small to medium sized groups.

1) The blending of medieval Europe exploration with the history of European wine making on a river cruise is a can’t miss for wine groups. Biking through French vineyards, “truffle hunting”, attending a performance of “The Blue Danube” in Vienna are a fraction of potential experiences. Some wine cruises are itinerary specific such as cruising thru Burgundy or exploring the Bordeaux river valley region. Alternatively, traditional itineraries with added wine and culinary focus, including guest experts, are also available.

River cruises are great for groups because there are so many inclusives that everyone can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the wine. Or hike, bike, explore, and enjoy the wine. Or some combination and enjoy the wine!

2) Mendoza is arguably the most well-known wine region of Argentina, world famous for it’s Malbec. Additionally, the region’s Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are well-regarded. But, Argentina is home to two other major wine regions: Patagonia - known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Malbec and the high altitude North Region – where Torrontes and Syrah are the main varietals.

While you’re in the area, your wine group might like to experience Iguazu Falls, learn Tango in Buenos Aires, enjoy spectacular views of Patagonia, walk along the Perro Moreno Glacier, or learn about traditional gaucho life while staying on a working Estancia.

3) Australia is home to as many different wine regions as California. Which makes sense - they both enjoy wildly diverse climates. Multiple high-quality wines are awaiting your discovery in the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra region, or Adelaide Hills, to name a few. Wine lovers will find almost any varietal produced on this small continent.

What to do when you’re not wine tasting? Explore the outback and a night at Ayers Rock for the Sounds of Silence. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge (I won’t be joining you!), enjoy a wilderness walk on Kangaroo Island to meet koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Mine for opals in Coober Pedy. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, or just enjoy a beach day or two in Cairns (while sipping wine!).

4) Did you know South Africa is the seventh largest wine producer, ahead of more established wine countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, and Chile. They have their own, unique varietal - Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Better known varietals that South Africa produces include Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Of course, if you’re in South Africa for wine tasting, why not enjoy a glass of champagne while hot air balloon riding across the vineyards or the plains of Africa? Kruger National Park is a great destination for a safari. A side trip to Victoria Falls is easily accomplished from Johannesburg, if that’s on your bucket list.

So, there you have it – a very brief sampling of outstanding destinations for your wine group’s next sampling!

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What are the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the original top destination guide. As I wrote last year, numerous Seven Wonders lists have evolved, for better or worse: new wonders, man-made wonders, engineering wonders, etc.

Naturally occurring wonders is a fun list. Some are over-achievers, being listed on other “Seven Wonders” lists. And whether you agree or disagree with the designation, they are all worth the trip!

Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria by explorer David Livingston, is locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke that Thunders. Located on the Zambezi River where it crosses Zimbabwe and Zambia the falls are over one-mile long. In addition to drinking in the views, sunset cruises and river-rafting are additional activities by which to enjoy the river. And if you’re in Southern Africa, you must include a safari! In addition to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia all have great safari offerings and are near the falls. What an adventure!

Harbor of Rio De Janeiro, or Guanabara Bay was naturally created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the world’s largest natural deep-water bay and has some of the world’s most famous and spectacular beaches. Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Christ the Redeemer, Carnavale Festival. How do you want to spend your time in Rio?

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide at its broadest. Carved by the Colorado River over many millenniums, this spectacular site is visited by over 4 million people annually. More visited in summer, try fall, spring, or even winter to avoid crowds. You can explore via pack mule, hiking, helicopter, or van. Lodging ranges from backpack camping to three-star hotels within the park. More luxurious accommodations are a short drive away from the park entrance. How about a spa retreat combined with a Grand Canyon visit? Ahhh.

The youngest volcano in the world, Paricutin Volcano’s birth was witnessed rather than discovered after the fact. First erupted in 1943 in a cornfield while a farmer was plowing and grew 1200 feet its first year. Fortunately, the lava flow was slow enough to allow local villagers to escape unharmed. It last erupted in 1952 and is considered dormant. Over 9,000 feet in elevation, it provides a spectacular view of surrounding countryside. Located in Michoacán, Mexico, it is a great side trip to a beach vacation in the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo area.

There are many places from which to view the Aurora Borealis – aka the Northern Lights. Northern US, Canada, Iceland, Finland, and Norway all have great viewing. One of the best sites is Fairbanks, Alaska. High latitude plus easy escape from light pollution in the surrounding countryside make this a popular viewing destination. Add a Winter Carnival, sled dog races, and Denali National Park and you’ve got a spectacular winter vacation.

Mt Everest at 29,029 feet tall, is the highest and most iconic peak on the planet. Although scaling the peak is on my naughty list, I highly recommend viewing it. If you’re are a hiker, there are various treks ranging from a few hours to several days to Everest Base Camp. If hiking isn’t your thing, the camp is accessible by car for that Kodak moment. Kathmandu, Nepal is the primary international gateway to Mt. Everest and is a wonderful destination unto its own. A yoga retreat or spiritual tour of the Lhasa monasteries are possibilities.

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia is the largest living thing on earth. An ecosystem over 1400 miles long and visible from space. While it may be scuba divers’ number one bucket list item, dive skills aren’t required to enjoy and view this wonder. Snorkel, sailing, even submarines are all means to see and appreciate the innumerable species of fish, corals, and sea life. Miles and miles of sun-kissed beaches make this a tropical paradise. And, a perfect way to relax after spending time in the Australian Outback!

Are any of these Natural Wonders on your bucket list? If so, I’d love to help you plan a trip that exceeds your expectations and leaves the worries and details to us.