Our Favorite Wine Regions

From what is claimed as the birthplace of all wine, in Georgia, to the Holy of Holies — Vosne-Romanée in Burgundy — our exploration of the world has poured us some of the most exceptional glasses imaginable, whether at a restaurant table or standing in the winery itself. There are so many incredible established regions, and some very strong up-and-comers, that we can't wait to go back and visit.

The best bottles we've had typically come with the most casual meals — and the more friends, the better. We've always kept our cellar small, because the concept of holding onto a bottle for some unknown future event haunts us. What if you're on your deathbed tomorrow and you never got to open that '62 Cheval Blanc you've been saving?

Just like all of our travels, we've had our own journey with wine. Some tasting days run to ten bottles and a great time; some months pass without a sip. Even in the dry spells, it's tough not to reminisce about a perfect glass of Burgundy gliding through the countryside — usually while frozen inside a yurt in the Kyrgyzstan desert.

We split the regions we've visited into three flights: the unknowns, the knowns, and the famous. We'll keep updating the list as we explore more — and if you want recommendations on actual wineries to visit, reach out.

The Unknowns:

Georgia — "The birthplace" of all wine, yet still very unknown. An amazing region to watch some of the most passionate locals on earth explain, glass by glass, why every other region should bow to them.

Mendoza — Well on its way to the famous list. It has everything you could want in a knockout wine region: killer wines, amazing food, stunning scenery, and passionate locals. We can't wait to get back.

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico — Feels like the early days of Napa with all the right updates. In a hyper-expansion stage and not making a single mistake yet.

Franschhoek, South Africa — Unbelievably beautiful and fantastic wines. The most affordable region in the world, where you'd swear the $8 bottle is $800.

Chișinău, Moldova — One of the most surprising experiences we've had: you drive through Mileștii Mici, the largest wine cave system in the world. So much passion and pride, and well worth a visit.

The Knowns:

Austria — Growing on wine lists around the world. Very clean, straightforward, and never overpowering. Pick up some bottles for a hike in the Alps and it will be one of your best trips.

Germany — A detour from the traditional beer route, but a dry, crisp glass of Gewürztraminer overlooking the Rhine from a castle… tell me a better spot for a glass?

Portugal — The most exciting up-and-coming region in Europe: unbelievable wines, fantastic scenery, and unique, specific food. Porto is going to keep rising as a star.

Greece — Santorini would be worth the trip even if it were grape juice, and thankfully it's not even close. Your week there will feel like 48 hours.

Spain — Should it be in the famous section? Probably. The best cava and sangria by far, and killers like Vega Sicilia already put it over the cusp.

Lavaux, Switzerland — Switzerland isn't allowed to have a famous wine region, because it's already the closest thing to a perfect place you can get. The wines are fantastic; the views are life-changing for everyone else.

New Zealand — Stellar areas like Waiheke Island and Queenstown. The only region where you can have a 10 a.m. bungee jump followed by a 10:30 tasting — hopefully in that order.

Paso Robles — A continual up-and-comer in California making a real dent in Napa traffic. A warmer climate and stunning properties make it a very easy yes for the weekend.

The Famous:

Burgundy — The Holy of Holies. The Sultan of Swat. The Great Bambino. Every serious wine drinker's eventual evolution is to become a Burgundy-only drinker. Guided by God himself, the monks knew what they were doing when they first planted here. Our favorite region to visit — we always leave wanting more, and weighing more. (DRC, Leflaive, Leroy, Liger-Belair, François Lamarche)

Reims, Champagne — We are not the biggest champagne drinkers — until we visited Reims. Perfectly French in every way, including the well-deserved arrogance. A slow cruise through each grand house along the Avenue de Champagne is a magical week. (Dom Pérignon)

Bordeaux — The powerful older brother who always reminds you who's boss. Much more built-out and modern than Burgundy, with all of the French perfection. A few months wouldn't make a dent in tasting it all. (Latour, Pétrus, Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc)

Italy — It truly has it all… and a few hundred native varietals as well. Stunning properties that can be difficult to visit, because the owner is busy drinking. Paired with the greatest food on earth, what's not to love? (Masseto, Soldera, Sassicaia)

Napa — Home sweet home. Our deepest-explored region, yet there is always somewhere new to impress. Some of the best food in the United States, and that tannic Cab that has us booking the return trip before we even leave. (Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Davis, Aubert, Promontory, Zakin, Tusk, Diamond Creek, Maya, Chappellet, Dominus, Vérité, Lokoya)

Best Restaurant Cellars:

La Tour d'Argent (Paris), Blackberry Farm (Tennessee), 12 Apostoli (Verona), The Fat Duck (Bray), Rekondo (San Sebastián), The French Laundry (Yountville).

With the rise in popularity of younger people not drinking, we hope wine can be reframed as what it was always intended to be: a more fun, relaxed, enjoyable time with friends, family, and the people you love. There's something to be said that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. Cheers!