The region sits alongside other acclaimed wine-producing regions such as Bordeaux in France, Alto Adige (Italy) and Franschhoek (South Africa), as well as destinations that are lesser-known wine-makers, such as Las Vegas (USA), the Basque country (Spain) and Austria’s Burgenland.
In its opening introduction on the list, Wine Enthusiast explains: “Wine’s transporting experience is one of the reasons we continually come back for more. Like sound and smell, taste is a sense that can vividly recall a moment, whether it’s sipping Cabernet in a lush Rutherford vineyard, swirling a glass of Malbec next to a roaring Argentinean asado, or just a great armchair voyage with a glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde. Tasting wine is a trip unto itself, but visiting the places in which wine is made truly adds to the magic.
“Each year, our editors traipse the globe in search of the world’s most exciting wine destinations. From the iconic Old World to surprising newcomers, the following list will shape your travel year to come.”
Under the heading ‘Rustic charm meets ready-to-drink reds in Portugal’s most relaxed wine-making region’, the magazine’s contributor Roger Voss highlights the Alentejo’s “miles of vineyards and cork oak trees, historic hilltop cities and deserted beaches – not to mention increasingly varied hotels and restaurants”, and says the “Alentejo has something for every visitor.”