Wine tourism continues to flourish in 2024. With countless wineries and tasting rooms worldwide, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Start by picking a destination, then consider these immersive, well-regarded wineries and tasting rooms that are worth seeking out.
Yering Station, Yarra Valley, Australia
Located about an hour from Melbourne Airport, Yering Station is a must-visit in the Yarra Valley. The estate offers sweeping valley views, a signature restaurant, an outdoor bar and a broad selection of wines. For the most enjoyable wine-tasting conditions and blossoming landscapes, plan a visit during Australia’s spring months between September and November.
© Riboli Family Wines
Riboli Family Wines, Los Angeles, California
Riboli Family Wines carries a long Los Angeles winemaking tradition dating back to the early 20th century. The tasting room and winery offer a variety of tasting experiences, from curated flights to guided winery tours and regular public events. On-site dining options include Italian-style Maddalena Restaurant and the relaxed, al fresco 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro. The Riboli family also operates sister locations in Paso Robles and Ontario, providing multiple ways to sample their portfolio.
Xanadu, Margaret River, Australia
Margaret River’s relaxed, seaside charm makes it an appealing escape from nearby Perth. Xenadu’s property, founded in 1968 by Dr. John Lagan, blends a rustic tasting room with a chef-driven restaurant inspired by modern Southeast Asian flavors. Named after the poetic vision in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan,” Xanadu invites visitors to savor thoughtfully made wines alongside scenic coastal views.
Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina
Beyond the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate’s mansion, the property also houses a well-regarded winery. Visitors can combine a mansion tour with a wine tasting ticket to experience both highlights in one visit. Knowledgeable tasting room hosts guide guests through a selection of reds, whites and rosés while sharing the estate’s winemaking history. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the grounds burst into color with abundant blooms.
Mount Langi Ghiran, Grampians, Australia
Situated about two hours west of Melbourne, Mount Langi Ghiran is an ideal stop on the way to Grampians National Park. Set in a rural valley characterized by sheep and cattle farms, the vineyard benefits from a cool climate and distinctive soils of granite sands over red clay loam. These conditions help produce exceptional shiraz, making the estate a favorite for fans of that variety. Visitors can also enjoy mountain vistas and food pairings served at the on-site café.
© Amy Lieberfarb
Balletto Vineyards, Santa Rosa, California
Located roughly an hour and a half north of San Francisco in the Russian River Valley, Balletto Vineyards is known for award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir. The winery offers accessible tasting options: general tastings for a modest fee, and reservation-only experiences that include more in-depth tastings. For visitors seeking a fuller introduction, a combined tasting and vineyard tour or a private tram tour provides a longer, more informative visit.