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Hi Reader,

Happy New Year! 🍾✨

There’s something about a fresh calendar that makes everything feel possible again.

New goals. 🎯
New ideas. 💡
New places to explore. ✈️

And if you’re already dreaming about where your next wine trip might take you, I’ve got some inspiration to get the year started.

These are the wine destinations that feel a little larger than life.
The ones you see in books, movies, and travel reels.
The ones you say you’ll get to someday.

If 2026 is finally that day, here are five bucket-list wine regions to start planning now.

🏰 Tuscany, Italy​
Rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and some of the world’s most iconic wines. Tuscany is a dream for anyone who loves good wine and good food. Wander through Montepulciano, sip Sangiovese, and don’t miss Florence’s historic wine windows while you’re there.
👉 Montepulciano Guide​
👉 Florence Wine Windows Guide

🍷 Bordeaux, France​
If there’s a wine region that defines “bucket list,” it’s Bordeaux. From prestigious châteaux to quiet countryside villages, this is the place where wine lovers get a little starry-eyed. The Left Bank is famous for Cabernet blends and the Right Bank for Merlot. Plus, the city’s La Cité du Vin museum is worth a stop all on its own.
👉 Bordeaux Guide​

🏞️ Douro Valley, Portugal​
Start in Porto for a taste of its historic wine cellars. Then, head upriver to the Douro Valley where terraced vineyards climb the hillsides in every direction. Whether you’re into Port or dry reds, this UNESCO-designated landscape is one of the most unforgettable wine destinations in the world.
👉 Porto Wine Cellars Guide​
👉 Douro Valley Guide​

🏺 The Greek Islands​
Volcanic vineyards, cliffside views, ancient wine history, and some of the most distinctive wines in Europe. Santorini’s Assyrtiko and Crete’s local varieties offer flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Add gorgeous food (and beaches) and this becomes the ultimate “treat yourself” trip.
👉 Santorini Wineries Guide
​👉 Crete: Heraklion Wineries​
👉 Crete: Chania Wineries​

🍇 Sonoma, California​
One of the regions that helped put American wine on the map, Sonoma blends deep-rooted winemaking history with a remarkable range of producers and styles. It’s a place where you can taste everything from iconic labels to newer names shaping what’s next.
👉 Healdsburg Wineries Guide​
👉 Dry Creek Valley Wineries Guide​

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to plan a dream wine trip, consider this your sign to make it happen.

Because let’s be honest, “someday” rarely puts itself on the calendar. 📅

Cheers,

Laura

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🚌 Tours I'm Eyeing This Douro Valley wine tasting and river boat tour

⚙️ Travel Tools I'm Loving ​Wine trip checklist for planning your next getaway

🌎 Destinations I'm Visiting The bucket-list trip I'm finally taking in 2026

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