The cultivation of grapes into wine spans back in history to every ancient civilizations. Evidence of wine making found in Egypt, China and Sumer and other areas and date back to 5000 BC. Wine has become of our culture is also an important part of many religion of days gone by and of modern times as well. Today wine enthusiast from around the globe visit wineries for retreats and vacations that are not only a delight for the body but for the palate as well. There are many great wineries around the world and they offer a unique vacation experience that is a blend of wine tasting and beautiful landscapes.



Though Argentina is now the world's fifth largest producer of wine, little of it is exported, so chances are few have ever tasted their fine wines. One way to get a taste of their delicacy is by visiting their wine districts. The best way to experience this is to immerse yourself in the region by visiting the Mendoza province of Argentina. Once little more than a desert the Andes region has been beautifully transformed into a lush valley oasis of wine producing wineries, among them their most famous wine, Malbecs. Mendoza is located about 600 miles west of Buenos Aires and offers temperate climates and is a prefect choice as a wine retreat vacation. A great choice for accommodations is the Mendoza Park Hyatt, it is conveniently located just a short fifteen minute ride from the airport and close to many local vineyards such as the Familia Zuccardi Winery. Other siteS to visit while on your wine retreat in Argentina are the Lagarde Winery and the Terrazas de los Andes Winery. This area is considered the new “Napa” and is becoming a very popular vacation destination for the wine connoisseur.

The Tuscan province of Italy is among the most popular European winery retreat vacation selection. World famous for the many wines, Tuscany offers wine enthusiasts of any level the best in wine tasting, winery tours and luxury accommodations. Nestled among 1300 beautiful acres is the Villa Sant' Andrea. The villa is a working winery and produces some of the finest Chianti available. It is near the Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and offers tours of the cellars, wine tasting as well as wonderful bike and walking trails. They are a Bed & Breakfast that has vacation apartments, single rooms and a villa that can accommodate up to twelve people.

You need not leave the United States of America to partake in a wonderful winery retreat vacation. The Napa valley of California is famous for its lush wineries and there are many great destinations to choose from right here at home. The Silverado Retreat is among the finest destination in the Napa Valley wine district. Here one can enjoy home style accommodations in one of the two and three bedroom condominiums. The Silverado is a gated community in the heart of Napa Valley and the prefect choice for your next wine retreat get-a-away.