#zermatterhof

[carlosbritosuisse]

#hotel #zermatterhof #massiv #paradies #schwarzsee #schweizer #kanton #wallis #bezirk #visp #mattertal #matterhorn #glacier #gemeinde #zermatt #zermattmatterhorn #zermattswitzerland #zermattunplugged #geschichte #gornergratbahn #ski #klettern #snowboarding #travelblogger #influencer #cbsbrito (à Grand Hotel Zermatterhof) https://www.instagram.com/p/CloGua8IsG0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[transparentgentlemenmarker]

Bienvenue dans l’hôtel de l’année 2021, le célèbre Zermatterhof, fleuron de l’hôtellerie suisse 🇨🇭 niché au pied du Cervin. Ce magnifique 5***** retrace l’histoire emblématique de cette station alliant alpinisme, luxe et authenticité. Rafael Binner, directeur et maître des lieux, nous a fait le plaisir de créer un package unique pour célébrer cette distinction durant les 12 prochains mois. Vous pourrez apprécier l’une des magnifiques chambres de charme, avant de savourer un succulent repas dans l’un des 3 restaurants de l'hôtel: l’Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, le Saycheese, ou encore le Lusi Brasserie. Les gourmets peuvent se réjouir, Heinz Rufibach et Peter Zimmermann, ont été respectivement élus Chef et Sommelier de l'année

July 23 2021

[waltb31]

Picturesque Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Bahnhofstrasse Switzerland 🇨🇭Who would you visit this idyllic romantic hotel 🏨 with? #Zermatterhof #SwissAlps #BeautyOfNature #RoomForTwo #Romantic #BucketList 📷Beautiful photo capture by @sennarelax #Repost @sennarelax ・・・ You can find this famous spot just 200 meters from the hotel @Zermatterhof 🏨. Thank you for this beautiful stay and your warm welcome 🙏🏼 #Zermatterhof ❄️⛄️😍 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bti4rGhFGiU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ndosn27qziui

[cedricfavero]

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof #alps #switzerland #zermatt #valais #zermatterhof #tourism #luxury #ig_switzerland #igers_switzerland #swisstourism #myswitzerland

[jtraveling-com]

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صباح الخير أحبابي 🥰 الله يجعل يومكم سعادة وفرح يارب (آمين) المكان: grand hotel zermatterhof الدولة: #سويسرا المدينة: #زيرمات #قهوة #صباح #سياحة #السياحة_في_سويسرا https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Y6_oOJpvC/?igshid=1vm0t9do5pfqe

[luxurycorpofficial]

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European Winter Vibes ❄️ @zermatterhof in Switzerland (By: @sennarelax) #luxurycorp #europe (at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpQE3W7B7IN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1p05e7tgiw2d9

[adolrivera]

Regram@doounias with @get_repost ・・・ The weather is ideal today for a walk around village of Zermatt , after a cosy night in @zermatterhof. Have a ✨Lo💓ely✨ Monday All. #living_europe #living_destinations #nature #switzerlandpictures #switzerlandwonderland #switzerland #switzerland_vacations #igersswitzerland #suisse #suisseromande #landscapelovers  #nature_shooters #naturelovers  #travel #traveladdict  #travelphotography #adolrivera60 #loves_landscape  #postcardsfromtheworld #places_wow

[eurokiwboy-stories]

📸 | Presenting an amazing photograph by @leoswalks — 💌 | DM for a feature ⬇️ — 🌏 | Follow creator @eurokiwiboy 👈🏼 🌏 — ❤️ | Use #inspirationaltravelphotos in posts ❤️ — 🌟 | Don’t forget to turn on post notifications!🌟 — @beautifuldestinations @bestvacations @ig_shotz @travelandlife @worldplaces @travelandleisure @zermatt.matterhorn @awesome.earth @zermattbergbahnen @zermatterhof @zermatterhorn @matterhorn.official @matterhornswiss @living_destinations @travelanddestinations @fantastic_earth @wonderfulplaces @travelawesome @passionpassport @awesomeglobe @travellingthroughtheworld @uniladadventure @discoverearth @eclectic_shotz @theglobewanderer @nakedplanet @earthpix @earthfocus @wonderlustcollective — (at Matterhorn, Zermatt, Swiss Alps) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIWmkZ9BTKe/?igshid=c82bxvpt9jf0

[carlosbritosuisse]

The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof was named "Hotel of the Year 2021" by the Karl Wild Hotel Rating. Book your stay now and enjoy 1 night for free. www.hoteldesjahres.ch #hoteldesjahres2021 #hoteloftheyear2021 #karlwildhotelrating #zermatterhof #preferredlife #swissdeluxehotels #zermatt #travelblogger #cbsbrito #cbsway (à Grand Hotel Zermatterhof) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPn3KIFB9Ch/?utm_medium=tumblr

[santour-travel]

GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF 5* Церматт Швейцария

GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF 5* Церматт Швейцария - поднимаясь по широкой изящной лестнице GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF 5*, вы окунаетесь в чару��щую атмосферу гармонии, комфорта и пятизвездочного сервиса. Именно здесь, в кольце Альпийских гор, утопая в зелени и кристально чистом воздухе, с конца 19 века располагается комплекс GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF 5*. Интересен момент зарождения отеля в далеком 1869 году. Идея строительства GRAND HOTEL ZERMATTERHOF 5* принадлежит обычному священнику, который сподвиг несколько семей города Zermatt принять участие и вложить свои средства в отель. С тех пор отель радует своих гостей всегда высоким уровнем обслуживания, элегантным оформлением номеров, прекрасными ресторанами и дурманящими горными панорамами. В отельный комплекс входят несколько ресторанов с прекрасной кухней, бар с действующим камином и живой музыкой для долгих вечерних посиделок в теплой компании, современный SPA-центр с набором оздоровительных и relax-программ.... #grandhotelzermatterhofhotelswitzerland#турывшвейцарию#отдыхвшвейцарии#роскошныйотдыхвшвейцарии#элитныеотелившвейцарии#роскошныеотелившвейцарии#suntour#luxuryski#сантур#туры

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Santour/~3/1-_C4Hbamns/grand_hotel_zermatterhof_5_cermatt_shvejcariya.html

[waltb31]

Luxurious Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Zermatt, Switzerland 🇨🇭 Who would you share a coffee with here? #GrandHotelZermatterhof #SwissAlps #Zermatt #CoffeeForTwo #Romantic #BucketList ~ ~ 🎥Breathtakingly Beautiful video capture by @sennarelax ~ Repost @sennarelax ・・・ A coffee with me from @Zermatterhof ☕️😍...? TAG your travel buddy...😀😇 ! Happy weekend everyone ☀️, Zermatt, Switzerland 🇨🇭 #Zermatterhof https://www.instagram.com/p/Bze2NxnAtH4/?igshid=y2pfmam52q1n

[traveladikkt]

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof | ADIKKT #travel #beautifuldestination #travelgram #traveladdict #bestvacations #amazingplaces #travelblogger #travels #travelphotography #solotravel #luxuryhotel #travelgirls #beautifuldestinations #travelblog #traveladikkt

[samstarbucks]

🏔☀️😊 (at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvJOaNwAd6b/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19xx078yl8j0u

[tripstations]

Top 5 ski resorts in the Alps

There are more ski resorts in the Alps than you could shake a stick at. It would probably take a lifetime to visit them all. If you’re a regular visitor to the Alps and you love to ski, then you’ll probably already have your favourite resort and perhaps you’ll return there year after year. Nothing wrong with that. After all, you’ve probably fallen in love with the place of your choice and it delivers every year, so why not stay with the tried and tested. However, you never know, you might make a change to one of the below resorts and wonder what you’ve been missing.

Zermatt

As Switzerland’s premier resort, Zermatt attracts visitors all year around, the skiing ranks amongst the very best to be found in the Alps. However skiing isn’t the only thing that Zermatt offers its visitors. The hills are alive with the sound of walkers and mountain bikers, while the colourful canopies of Paragliders swoop and glide overhead. The summer months affords the opportunity to enjoy the lush forests and Alpine pastures that rise up from the village to dizzying heights.

Zermatt lies in the Matter valley in South-Western Switzerland, part of the Pennine Alps. At 1,620m Zermatt is the highest town in the valley, and though famed for the iconic Matterhorn mountain surprisingly this is not the highest peak in the valley. Zermatt is surrounded by 38 summits over 4,000m.

Zermatt was part of a farming valley and in the area next to the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof several old buildings show the traditional building style of the original Walser residents. Some of the old barns and grain stores in the resort are up to 500 years old. Today, Zermatt is formed of several small farming hamlets which have gradually spread to become one town, housing its unique collection of classically Swiss hotels, and it’s modern, super deluxe collection of chalets.

At the northern side of Zermatt sits the exclusive ‘Petite Village’ with its collection of stunning chalets all lit by night to produce a fairytale scene. These chalets dot the mountain flank above Zermatt giving stunning views of the whole valley and village below. Petite Village is a premium location boasting premium chalets.

Central Zermatt hosts a collection of hotels and some exceptional chalets that hug the river Vispa, which bisects the town. Church Square is the hub for most town events, including the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, and there are some fabulous restaurants nearby. As a car free town, one of Zermatt’s unique sights are the electric taxis and buses which transport both skiers and pedestrians from one sector of town to another, allowing you to explore the full area wherever you choose to stay. For the romantics among us there are also horse drawn carriages and sleighs.

Verbier

Visitors flock to Verbier from all over the world for the authentic Swiss charm, beautiful traditional ski chalets and the vibrant and buzzing town. Verbier plays host to some amazing international events year round including overnight mountaineering and ski touring races, the Ski Alpinism World Cup event and an International Show Jumping Grand Prix. A truly international and glamorous ski destination.

Verbier is located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. Lying on a south oriented terrace at around 1,500 metres and facing the Grand Combin massif; the resort benefits from the south-facing vista with some glorious sunny days on the mountain. Famous for its off-piste; with the surrounding peaks full of impressive chutes, gullies and couloirs it has some of the most challenging terrain in the Alps.

From Verbier’s high point at the top of Mont Fort (3330m) you are treated to panoramic views across the Alps including the Matterhorn, Dom, Dent Blanche, Dent d’Hérens, Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc massif. As part of the Four Valleys ski domain you can ski Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz and Thyon under the one lift pass, with over 410 km of marked pistes.

As with most Alpine ski resorts Verbier was originally a farming hamlet; when the first recorded attempt at skiing in Verbier took place in 1925 the companions would have been cows and herdsmen who must have thought it a strange site. It wasn’t until 1946 that the first lift system was installed, but it was the snow sport boom of the 1960s that began to transform this small farming village into the world leading ski resort  that it is today. Verbier has a number of fascinating museums and galleries that are well worth visiting and display the journey that Verbier has taken from farming hamlet to international ski destination.

Today accommodation in Verbier consists predominantly of traditional Swiss-styled chalets, but there are also a number of outstanding international hotels here including the stylish W Hotel, which opened its doors in 2013.

Meribel

Méribel lies in the Les Allues Valley at the centre of the world’s 
largest linked ski area, les Trois Vallées, giving access to over 600km of piste and unlimited off-piste. Owing to it’s enviable position at the centre of les Trois Vallées, Méribel is the perfect base from which to explore the extensive skiing on offer. Val Thorens, the highest skiing in the area at 2,300m, can be reached on skis in under an hour, and Courchevel is even closer. As well as the two main resorts, Méribel and Méribel- Mottaret, the valley also includes a number of villages. Together they form one of the most popular destinations for British skiers (the resort was, in fact, founded by a British Colonel, Peter Lindsay, in 1938).

The resort’s perennial popularity is due not only to its extensive skiing, but also to the attractive traditional Savoyard-style architecture. Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts Méribel has retained its alpine charm and consists entirely of chalet-style wood and stone buildings. As the largest of the villages in the valley Méribel has plenty more than its skiing on offer; the ice rink regularly hosts national and international ice hockey matches, and there is an indoor swimming pool, a bowling alley, and plenty of shopping on offer. The whole area sits on the edge of the Vanoise National Park making for truly stunning scenery for walking and snowshoeing.

At the top of the valley, about 4 km from Méribel, is Mottaret (1700 to 1800m). This village was developed in the early 1970’s and therefore has a more modern (but still attractive) look. It is quieter than Méribel, but still has a good selection of shops and bars, and the added bonus of lots of ski-in /ski out accommodation. Méribel-Village lies at 1400m and is approximately 2 km from Méribel on the road to La Tania and Courchevel. This tiny hamlet provides peaceful accommodation; making it popular with families and beginners and has a supermarket, an excellent boulangerie, a lively bar for après and a couple of restaurants. It has its own chair lift that runs up to the Altiport area (which is good for beginners. Les Allues is a charming village at 1100m that has a more traditional feel to it.

The village is served by the Olympe gondola that whisks you up to the Chaudanne in the heart of Méribel’s ski area. Les Allues has a supermarket, ski hire shop and several restaurants. If you want to head up to Méribel, there is a public bus service – the journey time is around 15 – 20 minutes, alternatively you can take the gondola lift or you can easily hire a local taxi.

Val d’Isere

Arguably the most iconic of the French Alpine resorts, Val d’Isère has a lively and vibrant ambience, and carries itself well as one of Europe’s top ski destinations, with a fearsome reputation for its challenging black pistes and off-piste itineraries, and its buzzing après ski scene. Val d’Isère lies at the far end of the steep Isère Valley, at the farthest end of the larger Tarentaise Valley region where you will find the biggest concentration of world class ski resorts in the world. Of these Tarentaise super-resorts Val d’Isère more than holds its own. Alpine skiing began here in the 1930s, and was later linked into the neighbouring ski resort of Tignes, to form the extensive Espace Killy ski domain.

Less than 5 km from the border of Italy, and on the border of the Vanoise National Park Val d’Isère is for the most part now a traditional-looking alpine village, nestled between the famously steep sides of the Isère Valley. Historically a small farming hamlet just providing accommodation for farmers grazing their animals on the high alpine pastures, the village developed first into a summer destination, before winter sports enthusiasts encouraged the development of the ski resort we know today.

The first major lift, a cable car to the Solaise, was even built during the Second World War, and after the war ended the resort really took off, including the opening up of the Glacier for summer skiing.

In the 1960s the resort’s architecture took a turn for the worse with high-rise buildings and apartment blocks. Luckily thanks largely to the 1992 Albertville Olympics bringing the men’s downhill events to Val d’Isère improvements were made to the look of the resort, and many of the high rise buildings were slowly changed into buildings reflecting traditional design and using local materials, leaving us with the pretty resort we know today.

In addition to the ‘beautification’ of the resort carried out in the run up to the 1992 Olympics there is also now a strictly-enforced no parking policy in the town centre; roads are left snow covered and mature trees line the route where cars once parked, much improving the winter wonderland feel of the resort. The iconic church of Saint Bernard de Menthonwas built in 1664 and is undoubtedly the most charming feature of the resort, forming a central focal point around which the town has developed.

Le Fornet is a beautiful and quaint hamlet, just 5 km to the east of Val d’Isère. The architecture here is particularly appealing – traditional Savoyard stone and wood designs and not a high rise in sight. The beautiful River Isère bisects the hamlet, with an ancient stone bridge crossing, very picturesque, but also practical. In summer this area marks the start of the Col d’Iseran; snow covered and inaccessible in winter it opens up some of the Espace Killy’s best off-piste skiing. Traditionally quieter than central Val d’Isère with only a handful of (chic) chalets, the access to the skiing is often less crowded at the start of the day, meaning less queuing of course. Just above Le Fornet lies the Glacier du Pisaillas, at 3,400m it offers summer skiing, and ensures excellent conditions in winter.

At the far western side of town lies the hamlet of La Daille; constructed in the 1960s, accommodation was purpose-built to house the growing numbers of winter clients, now flooding to the resort, which had firmly established a reputation for being one of the finest ski resorts in the Alps. Although there are a number of large apartment blocks here, the area also houses a couple of the resort’s most spectacular chalets, and a rather nice restaurant, the Edelweiss.  The skiing access here as you would expect is superb, with the ‘Funival’ funicular taking skiers to the start of the infamous men’s downhill track ‘Le Face’, but also accessing the linking runs and lifts across to the neighbouring resort of Tignes.

St Anton

St Anton is a legendary Austrian ski resort in the South Tyrolean Alps, boasting both fantastic skiing and its own infamous brand of après ski. It was an early starter in terms of winter Alpinism; the first skiing in the Arlberg regions was actually recorded in 1895 when the parish priest of Lech made a first attempt at skiing – to the ridicule of his parishioners. Despite their obvious amusement the sport steadily grew, and on 3rd January 1901 a group of friends together formed the Arlberg Ski Club – which still exists today. They held their first internal races in 1903, and since have hosted many international racing competitions including several Alpine Skiing World Championships – the most recent in 2001.

The skiing in St Anton & the Arlberg region peaks at 2,811m, and the resort offers a skiable range of 1,507 m, with St Anton village itself sitting at 1,300m. The resort is fast becoming one of the most popular in Europe, and for good reason; it has an excellent snow record, sits within a two-hour drive of three major international airports, and has a train station if you prefer to travel by rail. Easily accessible, and retaining a cosy, village atmosphere, St Anton is known for being incredibly warm and welcoming.

It is also the home of modern Alpine skiing, as the birthplace of Johann ‘Hannes’ Schneider, who invented the ‘Arlberg Technique’ of downhill skiing and tuition. He was the first to pioneer the stages of instruction from snowplough to parallel turns that is still taught today. Schneider himself was self-taught, crafting his own makeshift skis as a child from a sledge maker’s scraps and a sieve nailed on to the runners as a binding. He often practised by moonlight to avoid the laughter of friends and family.

St Anton remains an innovator, with spectacular new lifts such as the pioneering Galzig gondola, which uses Ferris wheel technology to allow visitors to enter the lift at ground level. It is also a member of the USA Epic Pass scheme, which allows holders of season passes in many of the USA’s major resorts (including Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek & Heavenly) to spend 5 days skiing in St Anton, included on their lift pass. Likewise holders of an Arlberg season pass can return the favour by visiting each of the US resorts for up to 5 days. Fantastic, and sure to recommend St Anton to a whole new crowd of skiers from the USA, not forgetting Perisher in Australia, which is also a member of the scheme.

The layout of St Anton has of course changed over the years with the resort’s continued development, but it has retained the village feel and has avoided the pitfalls of over-development. The village sits in the valley with steep mountains either side, and the beautiful Rosanna River running through the middle. The centre of the village is also pedestrianised, and the main street ‘Dorfstrasse’ is often snow covered, with many of the resort’s hotels, bars and restaurants spilling off it. Many of these are still the original, timber-clad buildings and contribute to the unique ambiance of St Anton, as does the church with its ‘onion dome’ roof, dating back to the 17th century.

Accommodation in St Anton is still predominantly located in the centre of the village, however prime location is certainly to be close to the Galzig gondola if you want to catch that first lift. That said, taking a chalet a little further out will offer you more space and privacy, and with the chauffeur service included you will not miss out on that first lift – but be transported to it in total comfort and warmth, avoiding any un-necessary walking in ski boots. Taking this into consideration Nasserein opens itself up as an excellent location; previously its own little hamlet it has now ‘merged’ with St Anton, and is home to the nursery slopes so a great spot with small children just beginning to learn.

While there is a wide variety of skiing available to skiers of all levels, St Anton is perhaps best for intermediate and advanced skiers; from the nursery slopes at the bottom it is quite a step up to the blue pistes further up the mountain. The blue runs here are known to be tricky, the reds tougher still. It is however perfect for enthusiastic intermediates looking to improve their technique and relish the challenge, and experienced skiers will have lots to keep them interested with steep reds and blacks, and challenging off-piste itineraries, especially in the Valluga area.

Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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[adolrivera]

Repost @swiss_photographies with @make_repost ・・・ ✨ .Good morning ! ☕😁 🚩️Location: @zermatterhof , VS 🇨🇭 . •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 📸 photo by @doounias Tag➡ swiss_photographies🇨🇭 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #living_europea #living_destinations #nature #switzerlandpictures #switzerlandwonderland #switzerland #switzerland_vacations #igersswitzerland #suisse #suisseromande #landscapelovers #nature_shooters #naturelovers #travel #traveladdict #travelphotography #adolrivera60 #loves_landscape #postcardsfromtheworld #places_wow (en Zermatt, Switzerland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUW5teglAg/?igshid=ooznhekbldjy

[wineanddinosaur]

The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2019

With over 70 wine-producing nations worldwide, and innumerable subregions and appellations, choosing where to take your next wine-fueled vacation can be tricky.

To create the ultimate list of wine travel destinations for 2019, we analyzed trends and tourism developments worldwide. We love Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany, but we wanted to highlight regions beyond those usual suspects. Taking a step off the beaten path reveals hidden gems, and the opportunity to produce envy-inducing Instagram stories.

Pack a suitcase, and be sure to leave plenty of room to bring back your favorite bottles. Here are the 10 wine travel destinations that should be on your radar this year.

10. Moldova

Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, is just a two-hour flight from London, Milan, and Vienna, yet the country remains one of the world’s least-visited tourist destinations. Things are slowly changing on that front, however, and Moldova’s National Bureau of Statistics reported a roughly 20 percent hike in visitors in 2018 — fueled, in part, by wine tourism.

Wine is everywhere in Moldova. The four main regions (Condru, Valul lui Traian, Stefan Voda, and northern Balti) are all within a one- or two-hour drive from the capital, and somewhere between 20 and 25 percent of Moldovans are employed in the wine trade.

The international airport is named after fermented grape juice and Moldova is home to the world’s largest wine cellar, which is a staggering 150 miles long and contains over 2 million bottles. The cellar is so big, in fact, that it hosts an annual 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) wine run.

9. Macedonia, Greece

Hard-to-pronounce Greek varieties like Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko have cemented themselves on many American wine lists in recent years. The island regions of Santorini and Crete are popular, too, among in-the-know winos. Yet it’s Greek Macedonia, located in the north of the country in the mainland, that’s vying to become your next Greek wine destination.

Orient yourself near the ancient port city of Thessaloniki, where wine grapes such as local native variety Xinomavro have been grown for thousands of years. Highly tannic, with bracing acidity, the grape is Greece’s answer to Nebbiolo and looks set to see a surge in interest now that the country’s winemaking credentials are firmly established. Greek Macedonia has multiple established wine routes to explore, and an international airport with affordable connecting flights arriving via Istanbul. Book your break now and beat the impending crowds.

8. Valais, Switzerland

Little of Switzerland’s high-quality wine production leaves its borders because of the strength of its prohibitively expensive currency. If you want to sample some of the country’s fine Pinot Noirs, therefore, or wines made from flagship white variety Chasselas, a Swiss vacation is your best bet.

Located on the Alpine upper stretches of the Rhône River, the Valais region contains a large portion of Switzerland’s wineries and is responsible for roughly half of total production.

The surrounding mountains, including the symbolic Matterhorn peak, shelter the region’s best vineyards (Domaine des Muses, Domaine Gérald Besse, and Domaine Jean-René Germanier, to name a few) and also house numerous tourism solutions in the form of upscale Alpine resorts. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof and Mont Cervin Palace offer luxury accommodations, with matching price tags and equally heart-stopping views of the nearby Matterhorn. Hotel-Restaurant Didier de Courten provides a modest but no-less-pleasant alternative.

7. Uruguay

Like neighboring Argentina, Uruguay is a meat- and wine-lovers’ nirvana. Unlike Argentina, however, it receives little attention for its winemaking prowess, despite being South America’s fourth-largest producer. If you have sampled one of its wines, chances are it was a bottle of grippy, full-bodied Tannat, a variety that is to Uruguay what Malbec is to Argentina and Carménère to Chile.

Uruguay has plenty to offer besides tannic reds, though. Bodega Garzón, in the Maldonado region, champions Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Pinot Gris, and offers world-class food pairings at its nearby luxury hotel and restaurant, courtesy of Francis Mallmann of Chef’s Table fame.

The Maldonado region is home to picturesque coastal towns and beaches, as well as wineries Viña Eden and Alto de la Ballena. It’s easily accessible via direct flights out of Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo. Alternatively, combine a trip to Maldonado with a visit to Buenos Aires, which lies a short ferry ride across the Río de la Plata.

6. Tasmania, Australia

A 25,000-square-mile state 150 miles off the south coast of Australia, Tasmania garners international attention for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produces some of the country’s leading sparkling wines. Emerging Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris plantings prove the versatility of the terroir in Australia’s southernmost state.

Almost all Tasmanian wineries offer tours and tastings, though it’s a good idea to call in advance. See Pooley Wines and Freycinet Vineyards for the region’s leading Rieslings, Domaine A for Sauvignon Blanc (and intriguing Cabernets), and Derwent Estate for über-hip, skin-contact Pinot Gris.

Tasmania’s winemaking pedigree is complemented by a burgeoning culinary scene. Seafood-focused Franklin, and farm-to-table restaurants like Dier Makr and the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store lead the pack. Hobart, the island’s capital, also enjoys a lively music and arts scene and is home to the nation’s oldest brewery, Cascade, for when the time comes to enjoy lower-ABV bubbles.

5. Israel

Israel’s relationship with wine stretches back thousands of years, yet its modern-day reputation as a producer revolves around kosher bottles of varying quality. A new generation of winemakers is hoping to change this, embracing state-of-the-art winemaking techniques and limiting production to the cooler northern regions, such as Galilee, which includes Upper Galilee, Lower Galilee, and the Golan Heights.

California native Victor Schoenfeld heads the winemaking operation at the award-winning Golan Heights Winery. A graduate of UC Davis, Schoenfeld gained experience at critically acclaimed international wineries, including Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley, Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma Valley, and Champagne house Jacquesson & Fils, before joining Golan Heights in 1992. The winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon-driven bottlings are arguably the region’s finest.

A handful of wineries, such as Bethlehem’s Cremisan Wine Estate, shun international varieties in favor of native grapes like Baladi (red), and Marawi, Jandali, and Dabouki (white).

Recanati Winery, which was a key factor in restoring native white grape Marawi, splits production between French-style blends and indigenous varieties. The winery released its inaugural Marawi bottling in 2014.

Israel has just over 50 commercial wineries in total and spans 260 miles north to south, and 70 miles east to west. A side trip to the Israel’s wine countries can easily be incorporated into visits to Tel Aviv, which is served by direct flights from major U.S. cities including Washington, San Francisco, New York/Newark, and more.

4. Elqui Valley, Chile

For a total of two minutes on July 2, 2019, the moon will completely obscure daylight as it passes between Earth and the sun. Chile’s wine-producing Elqui Valley is one of the world’s best locations to witness this year’s breathtaking total solar eclipse.

Situated 300 miles north of the capital, Santiago, the Elqui Valley runs from the Pacific coastal city of La Serena to the Andes Mountain range and Argentine border. The country’s northernmost wine region makes expressive varietal wines from Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. It’s also Chile’s leading pisco-producing region.

In the heart of the valley lies the village of Pisco Elqui. With a number of hotels and pisco distilleries, and close access to the valley’s nearby wineries, it’s the best location to plan your visit around. But a two-hour bus ride to the nearest airport in La Serena, or a five-hour drive to Santiago, mean that careful planning before visiting is advisable.

Choose Casona Distante for a romantic hotel break, or consider Refugios La Frontera and Elqui Domos, which each have private observatories. Check in advance that the region’s premier wineries, Viña Falernia and Cavas del Valle, are receiving guests during your stay, likewise with pisquerías Aba Distillery, Pisco Mistral, Fundo Los Nichos, and the Capel Distillery in nearby Vicuña.

3. Provence, France

Rosé. All. Day. Drink in the hottest trend of 2018 (and, by all estimates, 2019, too) in its geographic and cultural apex. The leading vines for rosé production are firmly rooted in the soils of southern France’s Provence region and there’s nowhere better to enjoy the light and refreshing wine than on the very shores from which it hails.

A patchwork of lavender fields stretching from the Rhône River to the Italian border, Provence has picturesque seaside and mountains and more than 400 vineyards. Wineries such as Château de Berne and Domaine de Fontenille pair blush pink tastings with local fine cuisine.

The old port city of Marseille is a vibrant base camp. It’s home to the three-Michelin-starred, Le Petit Nice, celebrated for its multi-course tasting menu based entirely around the city’s most famous dish: bouillabaisse. The family-run establishment (which recently celebrated its centenary) also offers luxury accommodations in the form of two boutique five-star villas. Yes, you are here for rosé, but don’t even think about leaving the city without sampling local-favorite pastis, on the rocks with ice-cold mineral water.

Nearby Arles provides a quieter alternative. Check out the Foundation Vincent Van Gogh and Musée Réattu, or head to the Musée de l’Arles Antique and Museon Arlaten for ancient artifacts. (Arles has a more than 2000-year history, with original Roman ruins still scattered throughout the city.)

2. Finger Lakes, N.Y.

The Finger Lakes proves that top-quality oenotourism exists on America’s East Coast. Riesling production leads the way, but other new and exciting bottlings — such as Dr. Konstantin Frank’s amber Rkatsiteli, Forge Cellars Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Francs from Domaine LeSeurre and Hermann J. Wiemer — are emerging all the time.

Production is centered around the Keuka, Cayuga, and Seneca Lakes, three of the 11 that give the region its name. Dr. Konstantin Frank, located on the west side of Keuka Lake, and Hermann J. Wiemer, on Seneca Lake, are the region’s pioneering wineries, not to be missed during your visit. Weis Vineyards, Boundary Breaks, and Standing Stone are other exciting winemakers to check out while you’re in the area.

The Finger Lakes craft beer scene, is flourishing, too. Two Goats Brewing (Seneca Lake), Prison City Brewing (Auburn), and Abandon Brewing (Penn Yan) are just a few of the numerous worthwhile departures from the wine route, for when you’ve had your fill of Riesling for the day. (See also Finger Lakes Beer Trail for a handy map of the region’s 70-plus breweries.)

1. Sherry Triangle, Spain

Somm-favorite sherry might not enjoy mainstream popularity (yet!), but the category offers the complexity and ageability we look for in premium white wines at a fraction of the price. The only thing holding it back? Sherry’s numerous styles, which are tricky to navigate and can be easily off-putting. The best way to fully appreciate and savor the category is to visit the bodegas of El Marco de Jerez. (You can thank us when you get back).

El Marco de Jerez, a.k.a. the Sherry Triangle, is situated a one-hour train ride south of Seville, in a sun-soaked corner of Andalusia. Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María are the three cities which define the triangle’s borders, and all of the region’s sherry blending and aging takes place in bodegas (wineries) within them.

The name sherry is actually an anglicization of Jerez, the inland city that has some of the most well-known sherry bodegas. Tío Pepe is one example, located a short walk from the city’s central square, La Plaza del Arenal. The bodega has a list of tour options, including a one-and-a-half-hour tour and tasting, a biking tour of local vineyards, and a ‘deluxe’ tour, which incorporates vineyard and bodega visits with breakfast and a paired lunch.

With a focus on aged sherries, Bodegas Tradición promises to satisfy aficionados’ palates, while the collection of Spanish artwork adorning its walls (including paintings by Picasso, El Greco, Goya, Velásquez, and Zurbarán) is museum-worthy.

The coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda hosts the perfect conditions for producing manzanilla, a mineral-rich dry sherry that pairs perfectly as an aperitif with green olives and marcona almonds. Like Jerez, Sanlúcar has several bodegas to visit (such as Barbadillo, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Bodega Hijos de Rainera Pérez Marín). Casa Bigote, the city’s most-renowned seafood-only restaurant, pairs exceptional manzanilla and more with local sea fare. And don’t leave without dropping in on world-famous Bodegas Osborne in El Puerto de Santa María.

The post The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wine-travel-destinations-2019/