Around the world in 8 glasses

They say you can go around the world in 80 days, we say you can do it in – 8 glasses that is. Follow us around the world and stop in at the best places to taste the most exquisite wines this summer.

1. CHATEAU DE LA TUILERIE, RHONE, La Bastide de Fabrègues is a beautiful 18th-century building in a haven of English roses in French countryside. Relax in a sparkling pool or dream away your troubles in a hammock before strolling down to Chantal’s historic cellars for a celebrated glass full of rich tones of Chateau de la Tuilerie Vieilles Vignes Red.

We recommend: Splashing out on their speciality, an astonishing aged rum from the island of Marie-Galante in Guadeloupe.

2. BODEGAS MUGA, SPAIN, This bodega practices 19th-century old-world craftsmanship more fervently than any of its competitors. Founded in 1932, wine is an age-old tradition running through the veins of this Spanish family.

We recommend: Try the unusual Muga Rosada with hints of cherry, apple, peach, pineapple, white blossom and fennel, this wine is something truly unique to this part of Spain.

3. VILLA VIGNAMAGGIO, CHIANTI, TUSCANY, This extraordinary 14th century villa is the perfect setting for a wine getaway and feels straight out of the middle ages. It has a traditional Italian atmosphere and the mysterious Mona Lisa is supposed to have graced it’s halls.

We recommend: Quaint cottages pepper the estate ready to welcome weary travellers and the wine is not just for drinking, the selection of grape therapy treatments at the wellness centre is a unique addition to a stay. It would be criminal to leave without trying the Il Morino!

4. THELEMA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS, SOUTH AFRICA, A prestigious, award-winning producer of modern classics, Thelema’s Cabernet Sauvignon contains delicious hints of mint, absorbed from the eucalyptus trees that line the approach to the winery. The mountain vineyards are considered one of the most beautiful places on earth, placed on a peak with stunning panoramic views.

We recommend: Walking through the stung vineyards and trying everything on offer.

5. HIGHFIELD ESTATE, NEW ZEALAND , This idyllic estate perches upon the Brookby Ridge with spectacular views over the Wairau plains, complete with a fairy tale tower. Highfield specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rieslings; but the piece de la resistance is a sparkling Elstree Cuvée Brut.

We recommend: accompany this perfect New Zealand vintage with a juniper marinated rack of lamb and treacle-sautéed sweetbreads in their wonderful outdoor restaurant.

6. PENFOLDS WINERY, ADELAIDE, This vineyard and adjacent restaurant has undergone a recent makeover by a noted Australian interior designer, which has given this Penfold’s showcase a sultry, modern vibe.

We recommend: food from the kitchen is dished up by chefs Scott Huggins and Emma McCaskill, both worldly craftsmen with outstanding international reputation, who create contemporary food to accompany the all-round wine Penfolds is famous for.

7. BERGGO WINERY, CALIFORNIA , Famed for its Pinot Noir and located on the banks of Anderson Creek, the vineyard is accompanied by Filigreen Farms, which is Mendocino County’s first multi-crop Biodynamic farm. There is also a self-contained ecosystem, which has a diverse array of crops as well as its own animals, which supply some the best restaurants in California.

We recommend: enjoying a glass of wine and a good old fashioned horseback ride through the Western hills.

8. CASA SILVA, CHILE, Situated in Los Lingues, the Silva family has established gorgeous wine-tasting facilities and and idyllic restaurant, inspired by Chilean styling, with whitewashed adobe walls, red-tiled roofs and old-world ceramic patterned floors.

We recommend: trying the Chardonnay, creamy on the palate with refreshing hints of peaches and bananas, this wine is not allowed out of the owner’s sight without first being approved by five members of the tasting panel.