Introduction
Are you a foodie or beverage connoisseur who loves to explore the world? Nothing quite beats the experience of traveling to unique destinations for amazing food and drink. From wineries to breweries and incredible restaurants, the world is full of exciting culinary and beverage experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best food and drink destinations around the globe, helping you plan your best-ever eating and drinking holiday.
Exploring the World’s Best Wineries
For lovers of vino, few pleasures can match that of truly great wine, and there are few better places to discover it than at a winery in some of the world’s most renowned wine-making regions. From classic traditional vineyards to modernized takes on the ancient traditions, you’ll find wineries that offer touring and tastings in every corner of the world.
California is well-known for its celebrated Napa Valley vineyards, and the region boasts a few of the most famous names in wine production, including world-renowned Robert Mondavi Winery. Here you’ll be able to explore distinctive varietals of red and white wines as you stroll through the vineyards. Winery tours are incredibly popular in this area, so be sure to book your tour tickets early if possible.
Also in the US, you need to check out Washington State. There are over 900 wineries throughout the area, so you’ll never be short on visiting options. Waterbrook Winery offers tastings of its award-winning Merlot. Spring Valley Vineyards offers paired tastings with artisan cheeses, and you can sample some rare regional grape varietals in their acclaimed tasting room.
France is still the home of many of the world’s finest wines and classic French wineries. Tour Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux and get a taste of the renowned Pessac-Leognan appellation. Meanwhile, white wine fans should check out Pagodes de Cos, a Sauterne estate in the nearby Graves region. With a visit to either of these two vineyards, you’ll be able to take a great journey through the region’s best wine country.
If you’re looking for something a bit further afield, try New Zealand. Here you’ll find many unique varieties of sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and even chardonnay. Martinborough Vineyards have some truly stunning blends, and you can take a tour of their sprawling land and sip on a selection of their best vintages.
Delicious Treats Around the World
Of course, it’s not all about wine—there are plenty of delicious treats to sample around the world. From classic regional cuisines to unique new flavors, the options are seemingly endless.
Italy has long been renowned for its incredible cuisine, with pastas, pizzas and desserts featuring heavily on menus here. Be sure to visit Rome to sample classic dishes like carbonara and amatriciana pasta. Try a Neapolitan-style pizza in Naples, and be sure to save room for some delicious gelato.
Mexico is also a must-visit destination for food fans. Tacos al pastor, flor de calabaza and tamales are must-try dishes if you want to sample the region’s best flavors. Try some of these dishes at the local taco stands and follow a spicy dish with an ice-cold Mexican beer.
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, then Thailand is the place for you. With its unique flavors and spices, you’ll find dishes like pad Thai and green papaya salad to really tantalize your taste buds. If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path for your food, try some of the unique street-food dishes available in the country.
Japan is also on any food-lovers must-travel list. Here you’ll find dishes like ramen, takoyaki and okonomiyaki, as well as lots of delicious sushi. For a true taste of Japan, check out the Kabukicho region of Tokyo, which is packed with izakayas and other eateries selling amazing dishes.
Where to Find Amazing Beer
If wine and food aren’t quite your thing, then you’re sure to be interested in the world of beer. With new breweries popping up around the world, you’re sure to find something to suit your particular preferences.
Once again, California is home to some of the best beers in the world. With more than 500 breweries, the state produces a fantastic range of both classic and seasonal craft beers. You’ll find IPAs, sours and all manner of great craft beers. Trumer Pils is a must-try, and you can sample the likes of Lagunitas and Firestone Walker in the area.
Belgium is another must-visit spot for beer fans. The country is known for its Trappist beer and fruit lambic styles of beer. If you’re in Brussels, check out all the amazing beers on offer at the Cantillon brewery. And of course, while you’re in Brussels, head down to the Delirium Café, a famously giant bar with one of the best and widest selection of beers in the world.
Germany is perhaps the world’s most famous beer-making nation. Here you’ll find lagers, wheat beers and dunkels, as well as specialty varieties that have been brewed there for centuries. Many of these beers are sold across the world, but nothing beats tasting them in their natural environment. Plus, you’ll find countless small pubs and beer gardens, each offering their own unique versions to sample.
Czech Republic is also known for its fantastic beer culture. This is home to the world-renowned Pilsner, which has been perfectly crafted here for centuries. There are endless craft breweries in the country producing a variety of ales and lagers, and you can find small bars pumping out freshly made beer in many cities.
A Must-Have Guide to the Best Food and Drink
With so many amazing food and drink experiences across the world, planning a holiday to enjoy them can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are a few great travel guides that can help you out.
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing guide, then Time Out’s World’s Best Food is the book for you. Covering the must-visit countries and cities, it highlights the best eateries and drink experiences within them. You’ll get insider tips from experts, as well as helpful background information about the regions you’re visiting.
For beer fans, Lonely Planet’s Beer Trails is the perfect companion. From the Czech Republic to Germany and Belgium, it’ll take you to the very best breweries and bars in every corner of the globe. You’ll get the facts on breweries’ specialties and histories, and reviews of taphouses so that you can plan your beer-tasting schedule to perfection.
The Wine Traveler’s Guide to California is the perfect guide for winery tourists. With maps and exclusive interviews, it’ll help you visit the finest vineyards and plan the best wine-tasting journey around the State.
Finally, Gourmet Food and Drink Trips is an essential guide when planning any culinary trip. With features on some of the world’s most renowned restaurants and award-winning chefs, you’ll find great tips on where to go to find the best dishes and meals, as well as getting all the information on what each featured city has to offer.
Conclusion
Traveling for amazing food and drink is one of life’s greatest pleasures, so be sure to make the most of it by exploring every culinary corner of the world. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, beer fan or lover of regional cuisine, you’ll find exciting destinations and experiences around the globe. With the help of this guide and these great travel guides, you’ll be able to plan the perfect culinary holiday, experiencing the best eating and drinking the world has to offer.