| Honeymoons in the Countryside: Visit One of the | | | | Rhone, France is definitely one of the world's top |
| Top 10 Wine Regions in World | | | | wine regions. A classic "old world" wine producer, |
| For this month's features on TripAtlas.com, we're | | | | France is also the largest wine producer, with 34% of |
| bringing you some of the top Honeymoon | | | | the exported wine market share in the world in 2006. |
| Destinations in the world. Last week, we brought you | | | | The best way to explore these regions is to rent a |
| to the serene and secluded private island of Tikehau | | | | car and drive through the countryside on your own |
| in French Polynesia's Tuamotu Islands. | | | | to and from your bed and breakfast or chateaux. |
| This week, we're taking you to the romantic and | | | | The Top 5 New World Wine Regions |
| remote countryside and best kept secret for your | | | | 5) USA and Canada East Coast. Nestled in just a small |
| choice of honeymoon destinations - the many | | | | region on the east coast, the wine growing regions in |
| beautiful and lush wine regions all over the world. | | | | this area are: Ontario, Quebec, and New York. While |
| Fields of countryside, mountain ranges, quaint and | | | | these are definitive of "new world" wines, production |
| romantic bed and breakfasts, luxurious lodges and | | | | in areas like Niagara and Prince Edward County in |
| resorts, villas or medieval chateaux in the south of | | | | Ontario are becoming increasingly larger and |
| France are all yours for the taking. What better way | | | | recognized on the international stage. Known for its |
| to celebrate and commemorate your wedding and | | | | sweet ice wines and ice ciders in Ontario and |
| future than a tour through some of these regions, | | | | Quebec, these wine regions are littered with bed and |
| relaxing and living bottle to bottle. | | | | breakfasts, cozy lodges and honeymoon packages |
| The 10 Top Wine Regions of the World | | | | for those visiting Niagara Falls and Montreal. |
| Whether you're a beginner or expert wine drinker | | | | 4) South Africa. Although wine has been produced |
| looking for a honeymoon destination or romantic | | | | here since the 1600's, it wasn't until recent years that |
| getaway, here's a list of the Top 10 Wine Regions in | | | | its wines have made it on the international scene. |
| the world, each of which have knowledgeable wine | | | | Located nearby just east of Cape Town, wine |
| experts, fine food and inviting accommodations. From | | | | regions of South Africa include Stellenbosch, Paarl and |
| the classic Old World wines of European countries to | | | | Worcester and are adorned with stark white villas for |
| the New World wines throughout the rest of the | | | | accommodations. With similar climates as Argentina, |
| world, join us on our adventure to discover the best | | | | Chile and Australia's wine regions, South Africa is best |
| destinations. | | | | known for its white Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay |
| The Top 5 Old World Wine Regions | | | | wines but are slowly developing its red varietals. For |
| 5) Portugal. The main wine regions in Portugal are | | | | a spicier journey through the wine regions with views |
| Minho, Douro and Dao, which are found in northern | | | | of fields for miles and strong African mountains in the |
| Portugal and are perfect for wine tours between | | | | background, don't miss out on South Africa. |
| Spain and Portugal. Portugal is home of the famous | | | | 3) USA and Canada West Coast. The most noted |
| Port or Porto (named after Portugal's second largest | | | | states or provinces in this category include California |
| city) and Madeira wines, both fortified, strong bodied | | | | and Oregon with Washington and British Columbia |
| yet sweet and thick wines that are often used as | | | | catching up quickly. The Napa Valley and Sonoma |
| after-dinner wines or "digestifs." | | | | regions in California have been the heart of new |
| 4) Germany. While Germany is known to most for its | | | | world wines for many years, and have picturesque |
| beer rather than its wine, it shows in that it produces | | | | vineyards, mountains and luxurious but quaint |
| only 20% of what France produces in wine yearly. | | | | accommodations throughout small towns like |
| This region's most famous wines are its sweet white | | | | Yountville. Oregon has also surprised many in the |
| Riesling wines. Refreshing, slightly sweet with a zing | | | | wine world, having made a Pinot Noir that beat out |
| characterize these wines and are perfect for warm | | | | its French counterparts - visit Willamette Valley's |
| afternoons enjoying the Germany countryside. The | | | | many wine spots as well as Rouge or Applegate |
| biggest regions are Baden, Mosel, Palatinate (or Pfalz), | | | | Valley in Southern Oregon for true countryside |
| and Rheinhessen. | | | | hospitality during your honeymoon. |
| 3) Spain. The two most popular Spanish wine making | | | | 2) Argentina & Chile. The Andes Mountains and |
| regions are La Rioja in Logrono, Navarra to its east in | | | | surrounding areas have proven themselves as |
| the north, La Mancha in the central-south Spain | | | | fantastic wine growing regions, offering a variety |
| where you can see the windmills of Don Quixote, and | | | | from Maipo Valley, Valle Central in Chile to Patagonia |
| the Penedes region just near Barcelona in | | | | and Mendoza in Argentina. A visit to Argentina and |
| north-eastern Spain. The most popular Spanish wines | | | | Chile for a honeymoon is perfect any time of the |
| are the bright red Rioja wines, the white sparkling | | | | year - with mild winters and warm summers, spring |
| Cava wines, and fortified Sherry wine in Jerez in | | | | or fall is the best time to go to watch the colors |
| southern Spain near the coast by Morocco. | | | | change and the countryside come to life. Many tours |
| 2) Italy. As one of the largest producers of wine in | | | | are available into the wine regions from Buenos Aires, |
| the world, Italy's main wine regions are found in | | | | Mendoza or Santiago in Chile. |
| northern Italy (Piedmont and Valle D'Aosta in | | | | 1) Australia & New Zealand. There's more to |
| north-west Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in | | | | Australian wine than Yellowtail, thank God. Australia |
| north-east Italy) with classic Tuscany to the south in | | | | has taken the lead in the new world of wines in its |
| central Italy. Many Italian wines are made for drinking | | | | mass production of spicy Shiraz wines and strong |
| with food and so visiting the wine region in Italy is | | | | Cabernet Sauvignons. Visit Hunter Valley, the largest |
| perfect for food lovers and those seeking the | | | | wine production area in Australia, comparable to Napa |
| perfect plate of pasta, meats and an array of | | | | Valley in California. For a warm and breathtaking |
| cheeses. | | | | honeymoon, try Austria or New Zealand for your |
| 1) France. From Bordeaux to Alsace, Burgundy to | | | | honeymoon with all the hospitality the land down |
| Beaujolais, Champagne, Languedoc and Cote de | | | | under has to offer. |