Who are the other Great Wine Capitals?
Hawke’s Bay is officially a Great Wine Capital of the World after being accepted into an elite alliance of just 11 other Capitals across the globe. Read that announcement here
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network sees Hawke’s Bay recognised alongside Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Mendoza, South Australia and more, as one of the world’s foremost destinations for wine tourism.
It is exceptional company for Hawke’s Bay to keep. But for those not familiar with the wine-growing prowess of these regions, consider this your crash-course in the 11 other Great Wine Capitals.
For a detailed overview, check out the Great Wine Capitals website.
Adelaide – South Australia, Australia
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, and the gateway to 18 distinct wine regions that account for 50% of all bottled wine and 80% of all premium wine produced in Australia.
Home to Australia’s National Wine Centre and all national industry representative and research bodies, Adelaide is a brilliant blend of highly regarded established wine producers and innovative young winemakers who embrace alternate varietals and natural winemaking principles.
Bilbao – Rioja, Spain
Bilbao is the most important city in northern Spain and the largest city in Basque Country. Home to nearly 600 wineries, Rioja wine harvests date back to the time of the Phoenicians and the region has produced outstanding red wines for global markets since the 19th century.
The land of a thousand wines, Rioja is the most famous designation of origin for wines in Spain and is also famed for its spectacular blend of traditional and modern architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Bordeaux, France
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bordeaux is one of the most revered names in the world of wine, with more than 2000 years of winemaking history and expertise.
A stunningly beautiful historic city with an abundance of wine bars, gourmet restaurants, high-end shopping and charming squares and parks, Bordeaux is also home of La Cite du Vin and more than 8,000 Chateaux. It is renowned for exceptional wine and wine tourism experiences.
Cape Town – Cape Winelands, South Africa
Home to some of the world’s most bountiful vineyards and boasting numerous award-winning restaurants, Cape Town and the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape is a gastronomic wonderland for food and wine connoisseurs alike.
A place where majestic mountains meet wild open seas, Cape Town and the Cape Winelands is home to nearly 600 wine cellars. Nestled on the coast at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a popular international tourist destination.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Situated in the French-speaking region overlooking Lake Geneva with a stunning vista of the Alps, Lausanne is a young, vibrant, cosmopolitan city that is a paradise of gastronomy and wine.
Boasting an extraordinary number of restaurant awards, Lausanne lays claim to the “Chef of the Century”, Fredy Girardet, the inventor of nouvelle cuisine. One of Europe’s greenest cities, the steeply terraced vineyards of the region produce a diverse range of red and white wines, including the unique Chasselas grapes.
Mainz – Rheinhessen, Germany
Positioned on the banks of the Rhine River, Mainz is a 2000-year-old city, founded by the Romans, and the former Capital of Germania. Today Mainz is a popular river cruise destination for tourists from all over the world, where visitors enjoy cycling, sightseeing and many delicious food and wine venues.
Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine growing region, is globally famed for its Riesling wines, with many other red and white varietals growing in popularity. With a long history of organic viticulture practices, Rheinhessen’s wine industry is positioning itself for a bright sustainable future.
Mendoza, Argentina
Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range, Mendoza is the heart and soul of Argentina’s wine country.
A bucket-list adventure travel destination for global travellers seeking world-class climbing, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking experiences, Mendoza also caters for those wanting to sit back and relax with a multitude of wonderful food and wine options, with more than 800 wineries in region.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and one of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations. Set on the shores of the Douro River, the city lends its name to the most prestigious and internationally renowned of all Portuguese wines, Port Wine.
Porto is surrounded by the Vinho Verde wine region, a dynamic and bustling province, where visitors relish the history, architecture, culture, climate and its many food and wine delicacies.
San Francisco – Napa Valley, United States
The “City by the Bay”, San Francisco is the iconic cultural, commercial and financial centre of Northern California, possessing a romantic beauty, innovative spirit and expressive cultural pulse that inspires all who visit.
The city is the gateway to the world-famous Napa Valley, the epicentre of fine wine production in the US. Home to more than 400 wineries, the region caters to travellers seeking exquisite wine and gourmet food experiences.
Valparaíso – Casablanca Valley, Chile
Famed for its unique architecture perched on colourful hillsides, Valparaiso is a major city, seaport and education centre for Chile. Home to bohemians, artists and cultural entrepreneurs, Valparaiso has a year-round festive energy.
Located just 40 miles away is Casablanca Valley, where a privileged climate is perfect for growing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes. It is a place of seemingly endless sunsets, fresh coastal seafood, gorgeous cool-climate wines and colourful local culture.
Verona, Italy
Nestled on the shores of the Adige River, Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most ancient and beautiful Italian cities and a major centre for tourism, art, culture, food and wine.
Verona’s historic landmarks, cultural events, natural beauty and magnificent culinary experiences attract visitors year-round. Just a short drive from the city is all you need to be standing in a vineyard, walking among vines and enjoying a glass of Amarone, Arcole, Bardolino, Custoza, Soave, Valdadige, or Valpolicella!
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