Wine’s having a weird year, but travel? Still the best cure for a sluggish cellar. VinePair’s new roundup, “The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2025,” by Hannah Staab, shifts the spotlight from the usual suspects (hi, Tuscany and Napa) to regions that bring fresh energy, compelling terroir, and serious adventure cred.
“A wine-focused trip no longer automatically means a day of tasting in Tuscany or Napa.” — Hannah Staab, VinePair
That’s the vibe: broaden your map, sharpen your palate, and maybe pack a swimsuit and hiking boots alongside your wine key. Here’s what stood out — plus some on-the-ground tips to turn this list into an actual itinerary.
Why this list matters right now
Between softening sales and the threat of price hikes, Staab makes a solid case for going straight to the source. More importantly, she points out “there are more interesting, up-and-coming regions to explore than ever before” (VinePair). Translation: 2025 is the year to swap the well-worn tasting rooms for places that challenge what you think wine can be — from Japan’s northern island to the volcanic cliffs of the Aegean.
Hokkaido, Japan: Pinot, bubbles, and hot springs
Japan’s wine scene is still under-the-radar stateside, which is exactly why Hokkaido deserves a spot near the top of your travel list. Staab highlights the island’s diverse draw — renowned hot springs, skiing, seafood (uni lovers, report to the nearest counter), and a quietly thriving wine culture.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare bottle from Domaine Takahiko at a local spot, but don’t sleep on the visitor-friendly estates:
- Niseko Winery: Certified organic and focused on traditional-method sparkling. Bring a jacket; drink something crisp; watch the mountains do their thing.
- Camel Farm Winery: Charming and accessible — think relaxed tastings with a scenic backdrop.
- Nikki Hills Winery: Tours, an electric mountain bike excursion, and an onsite hotel. Wake up in the vines; repeat as necessary.
Planning notes: Hokkaido is a choose-your-season adventure. Winter delivers powder and onsen bliss; late spring through early fall is ideal for vineyard strolls, cycling, and long lunches. Expect delicate reds (Pinot Noir fans, you’re among friends), precise sparklers, and clean, food-friendly whites that play brilliantly with Japanese cuisine.
Santorini, Greece: Crisp whites with a view
White wine is having a moment, and Santorini is basically a masterclass in mineral-driven refreshment. Staab frames the island as both beach escape and serious wine country — the perfect overlap for anyone who prefers their sunsets with a side of salinity.
Local tip: Seek out volcanic-soil Assyrtiko in all its forms — bone-dry, textural, and occasionally aged on lees. Pair it with grilled octopus, tomatoes, capers, and anything the sea throws at you. Also, rent a car or book a driver; windy roads and tasting flights are not a DIY flex.
Beyond the headliners
Staab’s list isn’t just about far-flung islands. She nods to classic regions still evolving — Champagne, Willamette Valley — and breezy coastal stops in California and Spain. The throughline is evolution: the places you think you know are changing, and the places you don’t know yet might steal the show.
How to turn the list into a great trip
- Go shoulder season: Fewer crowds, better conversations, and more time with producers.
- Balance tastings with landscape: If there’s a hot spring, hike, or coastline, it’s part of the experience. Your palate reads place.
- Book ahead: Small estates fill up. Email early, be flexible, and ask about cellar-only pours.
- Eat like a local: Wine makes more sense with regional food. In Hokkaido, chase seafood and dairy; in Santorini, think salt and citrus.
- Pack a reusable shipper: If you find something special, you’ll want it to survive the flight home.
Our take
VinePair’s 2025 destinations list nails the moment. It isn’t anti-Napa or anti-Tuscany; it’s pro-curiosity. If you’re willing to trade a familiar tasting room for a new landscape, you’ll discover styles and stories that don’t make it to your local shelves. And honestly, sipping a mineral laser of Santorini white after a cliffside stroll or a silky Hokkaido Pinot after an onsen soak? That’s the kind of terroir you remember.
Written by Hannah Staab for VinePair. Cheers to going farther for your wine this year — and enjoying the journey as much as the glass.
Source: https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wine-travel-destinations-2025/
