(StatePoint) – If you’re searching for inspiration for a trip that encompasses sightseeing, local cuisine and outdoor experiences, start with one of your passions: wine.
Consider these travel ideas from the expert winemakers of The Seeker, a global brand with wines from the most popular grape-producing regions worldwide.
Argentina
Mendoza, a province renowned for its Malbec, is an up-and-coming destination for wine-loving travelers, and has also long-attracted a mixed crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether mountaineering, horseback riding or rafting is your pleasure, the Mendoza province of Argentina makes a beautiful backdrop.
After a day of discovering majestic scenery, travelers can fill evenings with good company, an authentic meal and a smooth, spicy Malbec.
Over the years Mendoza has been influenced by Spanish and Italian cultures, creating an infusion of colorful and flavorful local fare.
Many meals begin with fresh warm bread and a sample of olive oil, another specialty of the region.
Main courses are consistent with the region’s Creole culture, featuring various cured and grilled meat dishes, such as the “patitas aliñadas,” baked veal served with chimichurri sauce that pairs well with a glass of The Seeker Malbec, a bottle of which will typically cost about $14 in the U.S.
France
If you’re looking for a trip that is a bit more technical, the volcanoes at the Auvergne Regional Park, located in Auvergne Rhône Valley of France, will be sure to please.
Take a guided hiking tour to the peak of a volcano to learn about the region. You may find yourself becoming a wine connoisseur while learning about the rich volcanic soils and its power to grow prosperous crops. The region produces five quality grape varietals in the terroir.
The Pinot Noir varietal, in production since the 11th century, is the oldest. Today, wineries such as The Seeker make the most of the region’s warm days and cool nights, along with its mineral-rich soil to grow delicate, finessed grapes for its Pinot Noir wines.
Travelers can enjoy breathtaking natural wonders by day and bask in their experiences by night with wine and local cheese, or a traditional potée auvergnate, a rich specialty combining tangy cabbage with the finesse of French pork meat.
New Zealand
If you’ve always longed to visit New Zealand, now is the time. Plan to see the Marlborough region for an outdoor adventure and refreshing, fruity, acidic Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s specialty.
In the 1970s, Marlborough began the modern wine movement; over the years Sauvignon Blanc wines have become its front-running grape varietal. Satiate your appetite with a glass of the Seeker’s Sauvignon Blanc (priced typically at about $14 a bottle) and treat yourself to other local cuisine, such as the local fresh, green-lipped mussels, a delicacy well known for its health benefits.
