If you want to be a wine expert, you must first understand and master the fundamentals of wines. Knowing grape varieties and wine regions are the essential aspects that all wine lovers and beginners should understand.

With some of the world’s exceptional vineyards located in sunny and scenic environments, a wine-tasting tour can be an excellent addition to a trip abroad. As a wine lover, it is an opportunity to spend an afternoon walking around the vineyards, soaking up the sun, and immersing yourself in culture by tasting the local wine. 

Let’s explore the world’s major wine regions and what makes them unique. As well as identify which grapes and types of wine are produced in these regions

Priorat, Spain

Priorat, also known as Priorato, is a wine region in Tarragona, south of Barcelona. Priorat is a rich agricultural region with a long history and is also known as the most elite wine region in Spain. The vineyards grow near the olive trees, and the landscape’s colors are unusual and spectacular. The slanted terraces on which the vines are grown give these wines their distinct characteristics, which can be seen on both sides of this wine route.

The terror and climate of Priorat produce wines with great complexity, and the soil is mainly made of ancient volcanic elements and schist, which forces the vines to work hard to grow.

Priorat’s red grape varieties are by far the most famous, accounting for 93 percent of plantings. The majority of these red grapes are Spanish varieties that thrive in Priorat’s llicorella soil. The majority of Priorat wines are dry red blends with a thick texture and high levels of alcohol and tannins. Typically, these wines are aged in new French oak barrels.

Priorat is one of the famous wine regions to visit if you are a true wine lover. The area appears to be isolated, surrounded by the imposing rock walls of the Montsant Mountains. Visitors can find reputable wineries near Porrera, Faucet, and Gratallops, where they can taste wines in fairytale surroundings. 

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, a province in western Argentina, produces nearly two-thirds of the country’s wine. It is also known as home to Argentina’s most modern high-tech wineries. It is a place of fine wines that glorify the country, especially with its exquisite Malbec. Mendoza winemakers discovered Malbec properties that even Bordeaux winemakers were unaware of. In Mendoza, you’ll find many high-quality wineries where winemakers practice the philosophy of terror winemaking to ensure that the wine reflects the region’s best qualities. 

The wine road that runs through Mendoza is one of the most interesting in the world. Mendoza offers scenic views with its landscapes, variety, and impressive quality of its vineyards.  The Malbec grape reigns supreme in this region. 

Mendoza’s climate is continental, with areas of semi-arid desert.  There are four distinct seasons with no absolute temperature extremes. This results in a very stable growing cycle for the vines, with no significant events like winter dormancy. The main concern for winemakers in terms of climate is hail during the summer months, known as La Piedra, to locals. 

Mendoza City is the provincial capital of Mendoza. The Parque San Martin and the various wineries around the city are the top attractions in Mendoza City. Throughout the year, Mendoza City also hosts several festivals and events. The harvest festival, held at the end of February each year, is the most well-known.

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Ribera del Duero is located in Castilla y Leon, about two hours north of Madrid. The wineries in the region have hundreds of years of experience perfecting the art of winemaking. They produce a wide range of flavorful, full-bodied red wines to please every palate and preference. 

A wine’s character is greatly influenced by the region’s climate, its growing conditions, the altitude, varied soil types, and the orientation of the vineyards.  Ribera del Duero wines have a bold and bright character. Almost everything produced in the region is red wine, though some rose wine and some small amounts of white wine are produced, which was previously not allowed in the region. 

Tempranillo is a grape variety from Spain. This local variety is typical of the Ribera del Duero region and gives distinctive color, aroma, and body to different wines. In addition to Tempranillo, the Regulatory Board allows red grapes such as Cabernet–Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Garnacha Tinta and the only authorized white grape Albillo. These six grape varieties give these wines a distinct and unmistakable flavor and strength and ensure quality in every bottle.

Ribera is heavily featured because it is one of Spain’s top wine regions. It is considered second only to Rioja, and it is a fantastic slice of Spain; not everyone is familiar with it. It is primarily famous for its red wines, which are traditionally made to accompany large luscious meals of roasted meats, for which the region is also well-known.

Lombardy, Italy

Lombardy is one of Italy’s most famous and largest regions, located in north-central Italy. Lombardy is best known for its Franciacorta sparkling wine and red Valtellina. However, you will also discover hidden viticulture and winemaking locations where family-owned, artisan wineries produce wines.

Lombardy is the wealthiest region in Italy. It has approximately 13 wine-producing regions, each unique in its way. The ancient Greeks introduced winemaking to this region.

Greek winemaking methods heavily influence the famous red wine produced in the Valtellina region. This wine is made from the well-known grape Nebbiolo.

The sparkling wine region of Franciacorta is another well-known winemaking region in Lombardy. This region produces wine that is similar to Champagne, which is produced in France. The fruity, bubbly wine pairs perfectly with the region’s celebrated cuisine. The other regions of Lombardy are known for producing a wide range of wines, including fresh and light white wines, Bordeaux–style reds, and even sultry fortified wines.

A visit to some of the best wineries in Lombardy will allow you to discover the secrets behind the winemakers’ age-old traditional winemaking techniques. You will participate in guided wine tastings and food pairing sessions. Lombardy’s wineries can also assist you in discovering the delicious gastronomy of the session by hosting luxurious, delicious food in their vineyards and indulging in cooking classes designed specifically for you.

Alentejo, Portugal

This vast region of southern Portugal, once better known for its cork production than its wines, has not only become the leading producer of quality wines in the domestic market but is also gaining attraction in international export markets. Alentejo’s voluptuous red and aromatic white wines, made primarily from native varieties, are renowned worldwide for their distinct character, versatility, and excellent aging potential.

Local grape varieties, long hours of sun exposure, and unique soil characteristics enable high-quality production. At the same time, technology in winemaking techniques and processes has resulted in preserving traditional flavors.

Traditional Portuguese grape varieties predominate in the region, but Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are frequently blended with local varieties. This region’s greatest strength is its diversity in wine growing and producing red and white wines.

Winemakers will take you on tours of the wineries, as well as wine tastings in the vineyards and scenic drives through the vineyards. Combining vineyard and culinary experiences is a fantastic way to explore the picturesque wine region.