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20 Photos of the Most Gorgeous Wineries in the World

At these vineyards, you go to sip the wine—but you stay for the glorious views, architecture, and ambiance.

Wineries in the world

There are numerous stunning wineries around the world. From California to North Carolina in the United States to France and Portugal in Europe, vineyards and wineries are a lovely sight to behold—especially with a glass (or bottle) of wine. Here are 26 enchanting places that look straight out of a fairy tale.

jordan vineyard and winery
via tripadvisor.com

Jordan Vineyard and Winery, California

You may think the world’s most idyllic wineries can only be found in Italy or France, but you would be mistaken. Nestled in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County, California, the iconic Jordan Winery Chateau overlooks nearly 1,200 acres of rolling hills and vineyards dedicated to agriculture, hospitality, and conservation. Unique amongst Healdsburg wineries, this estate boasts more than three-quarters that has been preserved as natural habitat—including 120 acres of grapevines as far as the eye can see, 18 acres of olive trees, a bountiful one-acre garden where the executive chef grows produce for his menus, two lakes, and several grazing pastures complete with donkeys and goats. This French-inspired producer of elegant Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon offers seated tastings in the cellar, a prix fixe dinner in its newly remodeled dining room, gourmet picnic lunches on the winery lawn, and overnight stays in one of the Jordan Estate’s luxurious suites. A stroll around the perfectly manicured grounds surrounding the chateau—which is illustrated on every bottle of Jordan wine—will instantly transport you to France, without the need for a passport. These other charming small towns in America will also have you feeling like you’re in Europe.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Courtesy Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Virginia

It’s no wonder Martha Stewart Weddings named this six-acre boutique vineyard one of the ten destination wedding venues not to be missed in the United States. The region’s elevation, sunlight, soil, topography, and water are on a parallel similar to that of the Bordeaux region of France. Situated along the Monticello Wine Trail in Charlottesville, this Virginian winery is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, and Viognier grapes. Enjoy tastings, flights, and food pairings on a stone terrace overlooking the tranquil vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and filled with live music to further enhance the atmosphere every Sunday. If you want to impress your friends, check out these 20 wine terms true wine lovers should know how to use.

Herdade dos Grous, Portugal
via tripadvisor.com

Herdade dos Grous, Portugal

The largest province in Portugal, the Alentejo region, is home to Herdade dos Grous, a secluded country estate spread across over 1,700 acres. With a climate boasting both Continental and Mediterranean influences, this region grows the “Trincadeira” and “Arangonez” grape varieties, which produce award-winning, full-bodied wines. In springtime, you’ll be treated to an absolute feast for the eyes: a landscape covered with vibrant colors of green that turn into a glistening gold by summer. Of course, you can also observe the winemaking process, partake in tastings, go horseback riding to better explore the estate, and enjoy traditional Portuguese cooking. There are dozens of species of birds to observe at the estate, and afterward, enjoy the swimming pool and lake.

Biltmore Winery, North Carolina

A trip to Asheville, North Carolina will send you back in time to the grand era of one of America’s most well-known families: the Vanderbilts. The Biltmore estate sits on 8,000 privately owned acres and features America’s largest home: the Biltmore House, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau that took six years to build in the late 1800s. The Biltmore is the most famous house in North Carolina. Find out the most famous house in your state.

tenuta-luce
Courtesy Jill Schildhouse

Tenuta Luce, Italy

If a list of the world’s most gorgeous wineries immediately conjures up thoughts of Tuscany, then this winery is for you. Tenuta Luce, in Tuscany’s west Montalcino region, offers supreme privacy thanks to the surrounding woods—this micro-climate is also the reason its signature grape, Sangiovese, flourishes.

Boschendal, South Africa

Set on a picturesque working farm and winery, Boschendal winery is the oldest in Cape Town, dating back to 1685. Enjoy a picnic served under the shade of an oak tree, go horseback riding or trout fishing, and sip Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz to your heart’s content. “Cottages of all sizes are scattered throughout the grounds and have a rural yet contemporary character,” says Chris Wain, sales director at Africa Travel. “You can sit by an open fire and enjoy a beautiful starry night.” Need more activity? Try walking on the paths through the orchards, exploring caves, swimming in the dams, and mountain biking on world-class black routes.

05.09.2017. BORDEAUX, FRANCE. Logo of Barton&Guestier (oldest wine house in Bordeaux) at basement.
Gints Ivuskans/Shutterstock

Château Magnol, France

As one of the most famous wine regions of France, Bordeaux is a trip on most any wine lover’s travel bucket list. Barton & Guestier’s Château Magnol is a bucolic 18th-century estate that’s home to this nearly 300-year-old wine brand. It also houses B&G’s Food and Wine Academy, where guests learn the ins and outs of wine over three days and experience sumptuous cuisine expertly paired with the winery’s productions. Once guests complete the program, they “graduate” in a charming cellar graduation ceremony. The chateau’s stunning guesthouse includes 12 rooms outfitted in luxe interiors where visitors can experience the ideal French wine country lifestyle. Other onsite activities include basketball, pool, lawn games, relaxed barbecues, and more. The chateau even boasts its own vintages. Before you sip your French wine, be sure to learn how to say “cheers” in French (and in other languages around the world).

hermanus cultivation for wine grapes
francesco de marco/Shutterstock

Castello di Amorosa, California

Want to experience Tuscan charm without leaving the country? Then Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley should be your next destination. “The winery has a gorgeous 13th-century Tuscan-style castle built with over one million antique bricks imported from Europe,” says Adrienne Clement, a bucket list blogger at Bucket Half Full. “Highlights of the castle include five watch towers to enjoy a picturesque view of the vineyard, a vaulted wine cellar where you can taste some of their fabulous wines, and even a dungeon and torture chamber.” The winery is located in Calistoga, which is famous for its hot springs—in case you’d like to relax after a strenuous day of wine tasting. If you spill some red wine during a visit here, don’t worry—here’s everything to know about red wine stain removal.

Château de Chenonceau, France

The Loire Valley region in France is known far and wide for its many micro-climates, which allow for the growing of myriad grape varietals. The Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich cultural heritage along the River Loire, a region where the majestic views at nearly any winery are second to none. Take Château de Chenonceau, an iconic castle complete with fairytale-like turrets. Roam the gardens, marvel at the château’s reflection in the moat that surrounds it, or take a boat ride for even better views. Make sure to go inside as well, as the furniture, tapestries, and paintings are all period-perfect. The château vineyards are centuries old, having first flourished in the Renaissance, and still produce well-reputed wines—the historic wine cellar welcomes guests for tastings under its superb 16th-century vaulted ceiling.

mission estate winery, new zealand
John Elk/Getty Images

Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand

Known for its beaches and wineries, Hawke’s Bay is a stunning region on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. “New Zealand has some great wines and wineries, but for me, the pick of the bunch is Mission Estate Winery, in Napier,” says Matt Boyd, founder of Moving.co.nz. “Established in 1851 by pioneering French missionaries, it is the oldest winery in the country and is housed in a beautifully restored historic seminary building. You can shop at the Cellar Door nestled in the Taradale hills, dine at their superb restaurant, or stay at The Farmhouse, an elegant three-bedroom house impeccably refurbished in contemporary French country style.”

winery-san-pedro
via vsptwinegroup.com

Viña San Pedro, Chile

In the foothills of the Andes mountain range, in the Requínoa province of Chile (1.5 hours from Santiago), stands Winery San Pedro. Guests can explore the gravity-flow winery while soaking in the spectacular panoramic view of the Cachapoal Andes Valley. The winery offers pairing lunches with Chilean cuisine, picnics in the vineyards, wine tasting, and vineyard and cellar tours. For those looking to get married on the vineyard, the guest house becomes available for stays. Check out these jaw-dropping photos of the world’s most beautiful countries.

Adobe Guadeloupe Vineyards & Inn, Mexico
via adobeguadalupe.com

Adobe Guadaloupe Vineyards & Inn, Mexico

Inland of Ensenada, the burgeoning wine region of Valle de Guadalupe in Baja Norte, Mexico, is now home to over 100 wineries attracting regional travelers and seasoned wine connoisseurs alike. Built in the classic hacienda style, with rooms opening onto shaded porticos surrounding an impressive entry courtyard, the architecture of Adobe Guadaloupe Vineyards & Inn incorporates unexpected Persian-inspired elements. Aside from wine and olive oil tastings, one of the most popular activities offered to the guests is a horseback ride through the vineyards. For more beautiful scenery, visit the meditation garden—full of cacti from Mexico and stones from the ocean found on the coast of Baja California—and the Moroccan garden—a quiet place with olive trees where one can enjoy the view of the vineyards and the mountains. Like its wines, the six guest rooms are named after archangels.

Siena province, Italy - August 6, 2016: Vineyards of the Castello di Albola estate in the Chianti region.
FCerez/Shutterstock

Castello di Albola, Italy

Would you like some fava beans and a nice Chianti? Castello di Albola is situated in Radda at the heart of the Chianti region in Tuscany, where grape cultivation has a legacy dating back to the time of the Etruscans. Castello di Albola, known for its Sangiovese vines and tasty olive oil, offers two types of accommodations: Villa Le Marangole is a charming 18th-century country house that can accommodate up to 12 people in seven comfortable bedrooms. Villa Crognole, which was built in the 15th century and sensitively restored, can accommodate up to six and has its own private swimming pool and terrace with views of the Chianti countryside. And speaking of red wines, here’s what happens if you drink a glass every night.

A cabernet sauvignon vineyard owned by Sterling Vineyard & Winery
George Rose/Getty Images

Sterling Vineyards, California

Napa Valley, California’s Sterling Vineyards understands that the journey is just as important as the final destination. As such, the only way to reach this winery perched on a hill is via an aerial tram that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding Napa landscapes. Like the winery itself, Sterling’s aerial tram was conceived with both functionality and aesthetics in mind: The planners needed a way to transport visitors and staff to the hilltop winery with minimal impact on the hill. On top of the hill sits a beautiful white stucco building, modeled after the architecture found on the Greek island of Mykonos. The visitor fee for the signature winery tour includes the aerial tram; once atop the hill, enjoy a self-guided tour of the lower portion of the winery, take in the scenic views of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley from the terraces, and a indulge in a tasting of current-release wines.

rippon winery, new zealand
via tripadvisor.com

Rippon Winery, New Zealand

Located next to the stunning Lake Wanaka in New Zealand, Rippon Winery should be on the bucket list of every wine lover looking to enjoy a glass of wine with a view. “Like Rippon itself, which perches in solitude at the edge of Lake Wanaka, 35 miles north of Central Otago, the wines are singular, inimitable evocations of the water, mountains, and schist soils of this historic biodynamic farm,” writes Wine Enthusiast’s contributing editor Christina Pickard. Her review is of the Rippon 2016 Mature Vine Lake Wanaka Riesling. “This Riesling sings with a honey-flecked orchard fruit aroma and bright minerality. The palate reveals layer upon layer of pear, honeysuckle, and crushed stone, all sitting on a chalky texture and crunchy acidity.” There are plenty of wines to choose from at this stunning winery. If you’d like to plan a trip, find out what travel might look like after coronavirus.

aerial view of Villa Della Torre Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy
via wineandtravelitaly.com

Villa Della Torre Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy

This is a winery that has withstood the test of time. According to Wine and Travel Italy, for the past five centuries members of the Allegrini family have lived in the Valpolicella area. The winery makes Amarone, a dark red signature wine of the region. The rolling hills of the Valpolicella provide a stunning backdrop for the family-owned vineyards. Here are six genius ways to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew.

Inglenook Wine Estate
ANDREW HOLBROOKE/Getty Images

Inglenook, Napa Valley, California

The history of Inglenook dates back more than 100 years to 1879, when Finnish sea captain and wine connoisseur Gustave Niebaum arrived at Rutherford, California. He wanted to have a wine estate that “would rival Europe’s finest” and it looks like he got his wish. Some of Napa Valley’s highly rated Cabernets are at Inglebrook, so if you’re a fan, it’s something to add to your list. Check out our favorite bucket list item for every state.

Marqués de Riscal, Spain

One of the world’s most stunning wineries is tucked away in La Rioja of Spain. The wines from Marqués de Riscal have won numerous awards and are sold around the world in more than 70 countries. According to Wine.com, in 1858, Marqués de Riscal “became the first winery in the Rioja to produce wines following the Bordeaux method and in 1972, it was the first winery to promote the Rueda Designation of Origin, where it produced its famous Marqués de Riscal white wines.”

espinosa vineyards
via tripadvisor.com

Espinosa Vineyards and Winery, California

This family-owned vineyard has had quite the auspicious start. Located in North San Diego County, this vineyard emerged after the San Diego Firestorm in 2007, when the family discovered vines planted by William Winn more than 100 years ago back in 1893. They make their wines from grapes that grow in Escondido vineyards, as well as locally bought grapes.

Quinta do Crasto, Portugal
via tripadvisor.com

Quinta do Crasto, Portugal

Located in the stunning Douro Valley, Quinta do Crasto boasts wine that’s up to par, with the history to prove it. According to Wine.com, “Quinta do Crasto is one of the oldest winemaking estates in the region – the name ‘Crasto’ is derived from the Latin word ‘castrum,’ which means ‘Roman fort.’ The first known references to Quinta do Crasto can be traced back to 1615, long before the Douro became the world’s first Demarcated Wine Region in 1756.” The famous Constantino Port house founder, Constantino de Almeida, bought Quinta do Crasto in the early 1900s. Now, the estate is run by his granddaughter, her husband, and their children. Next, find out the 10 best foodie cities in the world.

Jill Schildhouse

Jill is an award-winning travel writer and editor with 23 years of experience. She covers travel cruises and hospitality for Reader's Digest and regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, Brides, TripSavvy, Insider, USA Today, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. An avid traveler, Jill has visited 37 countries but makes her home in Phoenix, where she lives with her fiancé and toy schnauzer.