Gary Barlow's Wine Tour: Six must-visit wine regions
Follow in the footsteps of Take That star, Gary Barlow, with a wine-lovers' escape to the world’s best viniculture destinations.
“Good times, friends, wine and great food – that to me is what life is all about”, says Gary Barlow in the trailer for his brand-new wine-tasting series, Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa. With over 40 years of experience in helping you make wish-list memories, we’re inclined to agree – sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference!
Across this series, which airs on Monday, 11 November, on ITV, the Take That star will set out across glorious South Africa to discover and taste some of its most famous local labels. With that in mind, our team got thinking about their favourite spots to wine and dine across the world and here are six of their top picks:
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Ask any connoisseur, no wine-tasting wish-list would be complete without including South Africa’s famed Cape Winelands. With a milder coastal climate, and rolling vineyards, the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl offer world-renowned labels accompanied by simply glorious mountain views. Based along the idyllic Garden Route, a famed safari haven, visitors to the Winelands will also enjoy a wealth of exciting activities across the region to enjoy in between tastings!
Our recommended tour: Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari
Takamaka Winery, Mauritius
Sticking with Africa’s breath-taking southern stretches, Mauritius’ idyllic coastal vistas give way to a truly unique wine-tasting experience. If you’re in the area, or are interested in a relaxing island retreat, consider stopping at the acclaimed Takamaka Winery for a glass or two of its specialist lychee wine. With a delightfully sweet flavour profile, it’s no surprise that Takamaka’s famous Chinese-style dessert wine keeps visitors coming back for more every year.
Our recommended tour: On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach
Kyoto, Japan
Though perhaps not as scenic as Mauritius’ coastal wine farms, historic Kyoto boasts just as strong a wine-making culture. In another departure from grape-based wines, Japan’s traditional sake comes into its own in the country’s former capital with numerous breweries offering demonstrations and interactive tastings. Nara, which neighbours Kyoto, is also a great choice for traditional sake and is widely considered the alcohol’s birthplace. Better still, you’ll be well-placed to enjoy the cultural and historic highlights of these two iconic Japanese destinations after your tasting!
Our recommended tour: Japan Unveiled
Tuscany, Italy
An obvious choice for any self-respecting wine listing, Tuscany is the cream of the crop when it comes to Italy’s bucolic vineyards. Home to some of Europe’s most historic wine estates, from Montepulciano to Montecatini Terme, these rural Tuscan towns live and breathe wine-making – and it certainly shows in the quality of each label. Embrace la dolce vita, take life in the slow-lane and sample a local Chianti against the backdrop of the region’s glorious vistas.
Our recommended tour: Tuscany, Rome & the Amalfi Coast
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
While France boasts countless world-famous vineyards, its historical Languedoc-Roussillon region promises a historic wine-making culture which simply must be experienced to be believed. Producing a third of the national supply of wine, three times as much as Bordeaux, the area’s alpine villages are home to numerous celebrated wineries and have something for every taste, be it red, white or rosé. Whether you’d prefer sipping a glass or two in France’s gorgeous summertime scenes or trying a tipple of the region’s festive Muscat de Noel around Christmastime, the best part about Languedoc Roussillon is that it’s a great place to visit all year round.
Our recommended tour: Carcassonne, Avignon and Beautiful Provence
The Douro Valley, Portugal
Our final pick, Portugal’s idyllic Douro Valley, is as good for its food as it is for its wide selection of acclaimed wines. Winding along the Douro River, this region is especially famous for its port wines and its charming rural towns offer more decadent tasting experiences, often paired with local produce. Another Portuguese treat to try during a tour of the Douro’s rolling vineyards is Muscatel, which is made using the world’s oldest grape variety and boasts a uniquely fruity flavour.
Our recommended tour: Flavours of the Douro
Book your wine-tasting getaway today
So, whether you’re an ardent wine-lover or are simply looking for a relaxing getaway with a glass or two, these delightful destinations are certainly worth a closer look. Pop the cork on your next wish-list escape and enjoy the world’s finest wines, in the most unique places, with the help of our dedicated holiday planners today.
