For travellers seeking wine experiences beyond the well-trodden paths of Bordeaux or Tuscany, the fifth edition of the Wine Travel Awards offers a curated list of destinations worth exploring. The awards, which span 16 categories, are decided by public vote with final winners selected by a judging panel. While the top honours will be announced on 1 May, the public vote has already revealed standout vineyards and regions for 2026.
Top Vineyards for 2026
Leading the public vote in the must-visit vineyard category is Georgia's SHUMI Winery, located in Tsinandali, about 80 kilometres east of Tbilisi. Georgia's winemaking tradition dates back over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest in the world. The winery is renowned for its use of qvevri, earthenware vessels for fermentation, a UNESCO-listed technique. SHUMI spans 12 hectares and houses the country's first wine museum, along with the world's largest private collection of grapevine species.
Second place goes to Venissa Estate in Italy, a walled vineyard on the island of Mazzorbo in the Venetian Lagoon, near the colourful Burano. The estate offers just five rooms, and guests can book tastings focused on wines made from the native Dorona grape variety.
Third in the public vote is Bodega La Luz del Vino in Argentina, home to the oldest vineyards in the Uco Valley. Surrounded by the Andes, the terroir produces distinctive wines.
For champagne enthusiasts, Champagne Joseph Perrier in France came fourth. Founded in 1825 and still family-owned, the house once held a royal warrant from Queen Victoria. Visits include a tour of Gallo-Roman cellars dating to the 4th century, followed by a tasting of the brand's cuvées.
In Spain, Bodega Tío Pepe in Jerez is the premier destination for sherry. Guests can stay at the Hotel Bodega Tío Pepe, a boutique property converted from vineyard workers' accommodation, and enjoy guided tours with sherry tastings.
Top Wine Regions for 2026
In the wine region of the year category, Austria's Burgenland topped the public vote. Known for Blaufränkisch red wines and sweet wines, the region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. Tourists can cycle between vineyards or taste wines on the shores of Lake Neusiedl.
California Wine Country, famous for Napa County's triumph at the Judgement of Paris, came second. With more than 6,200 wineries, its diverse sub-regions—from the north coast to inland valleys—offer something for every wine lover.
South Africa, another unsurprising nominee, placed third. The country boasts 23 unique wine routes, from the Agulhas Wine Triangle at the continent's southern tip to the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
Romania, the sixth-largest wine producer in Europe, came fourth. With around 500 wineries across regions like Transylvania, Western Moldavia, and Banat, the Wines of Romania initiative is described as a gateway to the country's diverse terroirs.
Rounding out the top five is the Valpolicella DOC and DOCG production area near Verona, Italy.
As European travellers increasingly seek off-season and local experiences, these wine destinations offer a compelling reason to explore the continent's rich viticultural heritage. For more travel inspiration, see our guide to how European tourists are reshaping travel in 2026.
