Whether you prefer to sink into a full-bodied Syrah, or take the plunge with a bold Pinotage, the following destinations all welcome red-wine lovers with open arms and some of the most inviting tastings on the planet.
Most frequently known for its Shiraz, the best red wines of Australia are as breath-taking and diverse as the country that produces them.
Look beyond its famous Rieslings and you’ll find that around a third of Austria’s wine is red, with two indigenous varieties, acidic Blaufränkisch and fruity Zweigelt, making up the majority of vintages.
Visit: the innovative Höpler Rooms near Vienna, in which visitors are led on a sensory journey through the world of wine, taking in some of Höpler’s own Blaufränkisch along the way. Known as one of the “Top 10 Wine Travel Destinations”.
An undisputed mecca for admirers of vin rouge, who will want nothing more than to make a bee-line for the two big Bs: Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Visit: Château Pichon Longueville Baron in Bordeaux, for famous fairytale architecture and a trio of long-lasting reds including the Merlot-based Tourelles de Longueville.
What better to go with a crisp and melting pizza, or a prime cut of roasted beef, than one of Italian’s wonderful home-grown reds? Italy cultivates many red grape varieties that cannot be found elsewhere – a great excuse to pay a visit, if any excuse were needed.
Visit: Tenuta San Francesco, an ancient estate revived on the Amalfi Coast in 2004, which offers three lovingly-crafted reds, produced with minimal chemical interference.