Sailing and Wine: Top 8 Destinations With Click&Boat

For those who are passionate about the sea and appreciate the taste of good wine, combining a sailing trip with wine tasting offers an unbeatable experience. From the famous vineyards of France to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, there are plenty of wine regions to explore while sailing on a boat. Here are the top eight wine regions to sail and why they should be on your next travel bucket list.

Bordeaux, France

One of the world’s most famous wine regions, Bordeaux, boasts various vineyards and chateaus. The Garonne River is an excellent start for sailing in Bordeaux if you want to experience a taste of freedom. You can enjoy the region’s renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends while sailing and taking in the views in Bordeaux.

As you sail along the Garonne, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque vineyards and historic chateaus. The river offers a unique perspective on the region, showcasing the stunning landscapes and delightful town from a different angle.

A must-visit vineyard is Château Margaux, which is a gorgeous estate with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The vineyard produces some of the most iconic wines in the world, including the infamous Margaux Grand Cru Classé. Other notable vineyards in the region include Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild, both known for their exceptional wines and beautiful grounds.

Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley, with its stunning landscapes and renowned port wines, has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you sail along the Douro River, you can admire the region’s terraced vineyards and stunning vistas.

One highlight of sailing in Douro Valley is the opportunity to visit local wineries and taste the region’s famous wines. Quinta do Vallado is a top-rated vineyard that offers tours and tastings. The estate has produced wine for over 300 years and is known for its high-quality ports.

Another must-visit winery is Quinta do Crasto, a family-run vineyard that produces a range of red and white wines. The estate has a modern tasting room with stunning views of the valley, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon. Douro Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers and travelers seeking to experience the beauty and charm of Portugal’s countryside.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, with its rolling hills, charming towns, and renowned wine, is considered one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. The Tyrrhenian Sea coast of Tuscany is an ideal location for a sailing adventure. This area offers access to the region’s iconic vineyards and famous wine.

Sailing along the coast, you can visit vineyards that produce some of Tuscany’s most famous wines. Some wines to look out for are Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans. A must-visit vineyard is Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. The exceptional red wines and beautiful estate make this vineyard known. The vineyard offers tastings and tours, giving visitors an inside look at its winemaking process.

Another excellent winery to visit is Castello di Ama, a family-run estate that produces award-winning Chianti Classico. The vineyard has a modern tasting room with stunning views of the surrounding countryside that you can enjoy from a coastal view. The wine and ambiance mixed with Italy’s renowned cuisine, make it a perfect spot to enjoy a glass after a day of sailing.

Corsica, France

You can discover a unique and ancient wine culture that is known for its diversity by sailing along the shores of Corsica. The island is home to several vineyards, with the most notable ones located in the Cap Corse and Figari regions. These vineyards produce various grape varieties, including Vermentino, Sciaccarellu, and Nielluccio. The wines produced here are bold and full-bodied, reflecting the island’s rugged and wild terrain.

If you’re sailing along the rugged coastline of Corsica, a must-visit winery is Domaine Pieretti. Located in the Porto-Vecchio region, Domaine Pieretti is a family-run winery that has been producing wine for over a century.

The winery’s unique location on the island allows it to benefit from the Mediterranean climate and the cooling sea breezes. So, this results in wines that are both rich and fresh, making them perfect for sailing. Domaine Pieretti specializes in growing grape varieties such as Vermentino, Sciaccarellu, and Nielluccio which are well-suited to the island’s unique terroir.

Marlborough, New Zealand

Marlborough is located on the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and brings a unique touch to the wine. This region is one of the world’s top producers of Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s cool climate and sunny days create the perfect environment for producing crisp and fruity wines, with exceptional weather. Sailing along the Marlborough Sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the region’s natural beauty on a boat, while sipping on its world-famous wine.

Marlborough’s vineyards offer several tours that teach you about the region’s winemaking process and history. You’ll also get to sample some of the region’s finest wines, including the famous Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. With its breathtaking scenery and exceptional wines, Marlborough is a must-visit destination for those who love sailing and wine.

This region is famous for its wine, and a must-visit winery is Cloudy Bay. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first wineries to put Marlborough on the map as a world-class wine region. The winery’s philosophy is to craft wines that capture the essence of Marlborough’s unique terroir, so come sip and sail.

Mosel, Germany

The Mosel River is home to Germany’s oldest wine region and is known for producing some of the world’s finest Rieslings. The region’s steep slopes and unique soil composition create the perfect environment for producing wines. Take a boat and sail along the Mosel River, where you’ll discover the region’s stunning landscape.

Mosel’s vineyards offer several tours that take you through the winemaking process and teach you about the region’s history and culture. You’ll also get to sample some of the region’s finest wines, including the famous Mosel Riesling. For those who love sailing and wine, Mosel is a perfect destination that offers a unique and memorable experience.

When sailing along the Mosel River in Germany, a must-visit winery is Weingut Dr. Loosen. Located in the heart of the Mosel Valley, Weingut Dr. Loosen has been producing exceptional Rieslings since 1756. The winery is known for its traditional winemaking methods and sustainable practices, resulting in high-quality wines that define the region.

Rioja, Spain

Next, sail along the Ebro River and discover Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region. The region is home to more than 500 wineries. You can also enjoy the region’s delicious tapas and explore the charming medieval towns of Laguardia and Haro.

Rioja’s vineyards offer many tours that take you through the winemaking process and teach you about the region’s history. You’ll also get to sample some of the region’s finest wines, including the famous Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva. For those who love sailing and wine, renting a boat in Spain, specifically, Rioja is an ideal destination that offers a wonderful experience.

Rioja, Spain is famous for its wine production and one winery that stands out is Bodegas Muga. Founded in 1932, Bodegas Muga is a family-run winery that produces a range of red and white wines using traditional methods. They are known for their exceptional Tempranillo, which is aged in oak barrels for extended periods of time to develop rich and complex flavors.

Cape Winelands, South Africa

The Cape Winelands, a short sail from Cape Town, is famous for its breathtaking vineyards and various wines. This region is notorious for producing wines such as Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. Take a sailing trip on the Breede River to experience the stunning scenery and vineyards firsthand.

The Cape Winelands offers tours that take you through the winemaking process and teach the steps they take. From grape to bottle, you can learn the entire process they take to create their infamous wine.

In addition to wine, the Cape Winelands offers a rich cultural and historical experience. Be on the lookout for Dutch and British colonial architecture, museums, and art galleries. The region’s restaurants offer a mix of local and international cuisine, with many chefs pairing local wines to their dishes.

Cape Winelands is home to many world-renowned wineries, but one that stands out is Rust en Vrede. Located in Stellenbosch, Rust en Vrede has produced award-winning wines for over three decades. They are known for their exceptional red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varietals.

Sailing and wine make a perfect combination for those seeking a unique and memorable vacation experience. Visit Italy’s Tuscany, South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Spain’s Rioja region, the Douro Valley in Portugal, and many more. These regions offer a variety of tours, landscapes, and quality wines. Focus your next vacation on wine and the open water!