Underground caves, originally a refuge from invaders, are used as wine cellars in Slovakia. Photo courtesy of J. & J. Ostrožovič Winery.

The GoNOMAD Wine Page

Winery Tours All Over the World


Slovakia

"Zivot je prilis kratky, aby sme pili nekvalitne vino"
("Life is too short to drink bad wine.")

-motto of the Zlaty Strapec vineyard

"A man resembling a clean-shaven Santa Claus swings opens a large barrel top serving as a door, revealing a set of stone steps leading underground.

I follow him into an underground tunnel cut out of the volcanic tufa rock. This passageway empties out into a cool, cavernous room with a wrought iron chandelier hanging from the domed ceiling.

I’m underneath the Slovak village of Vinicky in a 400-year old cellar. Santa Claus is actually Gejza Nagy. He and his wife Anna own the Zlaty Strapec Vineyard, and he boasts that his family has been making wine in this region for centuries.

The Duke of Transylvania, Frantisek Rákoczi II, sent his own Tokaj wine to Louis XIV of France, who termed it 'Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum' - (Wine of Kings, King of Wines).

Our guide also mentions that in the 18th century Tokaj wine became famous as a medicine for healing anemia and nerve illnesses. Tokaj was also the favorite drink of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Voltaire, and Goethe. Beethoven and Schubert dedicated songs to it."

Read more of Shelly Puhak's story on Tokaj wine:

A Taste of Tokaj: Wine of Kings, King of Wines


Portugal

"Vinho Verde, literally 'green wine,' is the young, slightly sparkling wine produced in both red and white varieties in the Minho region. Casa de Juste is located in the heart of Vinho Verde country and is typical of the region's grand wine producing estates.

Set in a five hectare vineyard with onsite winemaking and cheesemaking, guests can enjoy an authentic agrotourism experience in peaceful and comfortable surroundings. Autumnal guests are welcome to help with the grape harvest if they wish. Alternatively they can just enjoy the output."

Read more of Martin Li's story on vineyards and grand manor house in Portugal:

Lording it in Portugal's Grand Manor Houses

Ascoli, Italy

"God's Great Gift…the Grape"

"Wine is an art capable of making you dream," says Ercole Velenosi. As we sit in the tasting room of the Velenosi Ercole, I couldn't agree more.

Winemaking has become a dream fulfilled for Ercole and Angela Velenosi. The plaques and medals won over the years for their wines are a testament to hard work and good soil.

One standout that I sample is Lundi; a mix of Montepulciano processed with Sangiovese as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from the owner's vineyards. Two years of refinement in wooden barrels obviously result in a wine that is soft and wide. Cases sent to New York City recently received rave reviews, and after tasting it I can see why.

Read more of Kent E. St. John's story on Ascoli:

Delightful Ascoli:"Like Tuscany 30 Years Ago"

Jόzsef Simon

Hungary

Winemaker Jόzsef Simon began the ceremonial opening of the first bottle. I refused politely saying I was only here to interview him and that I would not take up much of his time.

“Nonsense,” he growled. “We cannot speak with the dry mouth.” We all nodded in agreement. A small cry of pleasure escaped me when the bottle finally released the cork.

The first taster was Pinot Gris – a crisp white, with an extremely fruity nose and a body revealing a fresh palette.

“Hungary's wine growing traditions date back centuries”, Jόzsef claimed. “But the long period of Soviet domination took a serious toll.” He nodded gravely then took a sip of wine and grew momentarily thoughtful.

“New investment and renewed enthusiasm for quality is now bringing the Hungarian wine industry slowly back into the international spotlight,” Hildi translated.

Read more of Cindy-Lou Dale's story about the Hungarian winemaking region of Eger:

Hungarian Wine: Back in the International Spotlight

Vineyards in Burgundy, France

France

In Burgundy’s vineyards, which surround a corridor extending up from Beaune to Dijon, there are only two kinds of grapes: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. No blending of varieties, and they pick each grape by hand: Burgundy's standards are different from their bigger cousin in Bordeaux.

Reading the signs is like touring a high class wine store. The familiar labels like Nuits St. Georges, Vosne Romanee, and Romanee Conti, perhaps the pinnacle of wine excellence, are all here. Our van idled right next to the plot of land on a hillside where these cherished and most expensive of grapes are grown to become the $1000 bottles that are only available in lots of six. 

Read more of Max Hartshorne's story about Burgundy:

Burgundy Lives Up to Its Reputation

Missouri

"You can't go to Hermann without visiting the wineries. Stone Hill Winery is Missouri's oldest and in the mid 1800's was the second largest winery in the United States. Take their free half-hour guided tour through the naturally cooled cellars, and finish up with a wine tasting. You'll find out that Missouri is the fourth largest wine producing state in the country. This region is famous for the Norton grape, but my favorite Stone Hill wine was the Hermannsberger, a nice dry red. I had this with dinner at the winery's Vintage Restaurant, which specializes in German fare at reasonable prices.

Other wineries worth visiting in Hermann include the Adam Puchta Winery, which has been a family business for 150 years, and the riverfront Hermannhof Winery which has a self guided tour and an entertaining rascal named Billy hosting the wine tastings."

Read more of Wendy Hammerle's story about Missouri's wineries:

The Katy Trail: Biking Through Missouri's Wine Region

Vineyards in Healdsburg, California

California


Surrounded by three of Sonoma's best known wine counties Healdsburg is the perfect base to chill, unwind and savor the best of California.

Two hours drive north of San Francisco, just off Highway 101, lies the small town of Healdsburg. The secret to its growing popularity is its charm and location. With Alexander Valley to the north, Dry Creek Valley to the west and Russian River Valley to the south you are within short driving distance of over 80 wineries set amongst stunning countryside.

Read more of Jacqui Currie's story about Healdsburg, California:

Healdsburg, California--A Wine Heaven


Croatia


"Unfortunately most Croatian wines do not make it to the States, a real shame but fact. Every winery I visited provided great wine as well as local food specialties to sample. All were very friendly and proud of their product.

Vineyards in Croatia

It is now a proven fact that Zinfandel and an indigenous Croatian grape called Crljenak are one and the same. This was proven at the University of California Davis, America’s premier wine research center. Interesting enough is the fact that one of California’s best producers of wine, Milijenko “Mike” Grgich, is of Croatian descent. Instead of heading to Rutherford, California, follow the roots back to Croatia; you will not be sorry!"

Read More of Kent E. St. John's story on Northern Croatia:

Northern Croatia: Castles, Character and Wine


Argentina

"Argentina may be best known for its beef and tango, but few realize the quality of the country’s unique wine. Malbec grapes flourish here in Argentina’s central valley, east of the Andes in the Mendoza region. While Malbec originated in France, it has truly found its home in Mendoza. The crop has struggled in French vineyards, but due to a perfect combination of growing conditions like high altitude, strong sunlight and protection from the Andes, Malbec grapes are happy in Argentina. And what could go better with beef and tango than a brilliant red wine?"

Read more of Jade Frank's story on Mendoza, Argentina:

Mendoza, Argentina's Vendimia Festival: Celebrating Beauty, Culture and Fine Wine

Worldwide

"If your tastes are a little bit more refined and want to indulge in the cultural cuisine of far off places, start by taking one of these GoNOMAD food and wine tours. Luxury, class and pampering are a specialty for most of these tours. Don't dare worry about a single thing, just sit back relax and let your taste buds take on all the excitement.

Avid to amateur wine enthusiasts are able to visit wineries from South Africa to Thailand to Spain. Cook like the Italians in private kitchens all over Italy. Leave your recipe book at home, and mix your own ingredients for one delicious and hedonistic adventure. Let the cooking and tasting begin!"

Read more of Melissa Santley's article on culinary and wine tours worldwide:

Culinary and Wine Tours Around the World

Read more GoNOMAD stories about wine and winemaking:

Visiting Ensenada: A Bus Trip to Mexico’s Wine Country





Alphabetic Listings of Wineries, Wine Websites and Wine Enthusiasts