▲A suitably picturesque place to stay is Petite France, the historic quarter of Strasbourg. Its half-timbered collection of 16th and 17th-century buildings are a delight to the eye.

▲The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest wine routes in the country. Grape varieties grown in the region include Muscat, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer.

▲The route snakes through 70 wine-growing villages, many renowned for their scenic beauty.

▲Located in Elciego is one of Spain's most remarkable hotel properties, Marqués de Riscal. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the building houses its own winery.

▲The region's capital, Logroño, makes an ideal base. Cultural draws include the ornate Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, built between the 15th and 18th centuries.

▲Exploring the Rioja Alta Wine Route is to discover Spain's wine-making heartland. Tempranillo, Graciano, and Viura are among the grape varieties cultivated.

▲Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated in abundance here, but other popular grape varieties include Merlot and Zinfandel.

▲Florence of course is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture, and goes very will with a fine Tuscan red. But you'll need to book accommodation well ahead.

▲Renowned as home to some of Italy's most cherished appellations including Chianti Classico and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany is a wine connoisseur's dream.

▲Enjoying a fabulous natural setting under landmark Table Mountain, Cape Town deserves several days exploration. Take the cable car to the top of the "Table" for a view you'll never forget.

▲Ripe with wine regions, the area around Cape Town with its dramatic mountain backdrop provides one of the most memorable wine-tasting locations you're ever likely to encounter.

▲Famous for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Victoria's Yarra Valley embraces a number of top-notch wineries that offer vineyard and cellar tours, and tastings galore!

▲Yarra Valley is little over an hour's drive from dynamic Melbourne and its numerous visitor attractions.

▲Casablanca Valley's elevated location provides for some interesting cool-climate winemaking. The destination's signature Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the wines of choice.

▲Casablanca lies an hour east of bustling Santiago should travelers desire cultural diversion... and some colorful nightlife into the bargain!

▲Enjoying a noble heritage (Tokaj wine was once the drink of choice for most of Europe's royal households), this sweet dessert wine is still famed throughout the world.

▲The River Danube divides hilly Buda from flat Pest but visitors will enjoy getting to know both. Several Budapest-based tour operators offer excursions to the Tokaj region.

▲Taking its name from the River Mosel, this is arguably Germany's leading wine region. Convivial wine tastings can be enjoyed along the meandering wine route.

▲Mosel is known primarily for wines made from the Riesling grape. The Calmont Winery behind the pretty village of Bremm cultivates grapes from world's steepest vineyard.

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Wine enthusiasts visiting the region should consider staying in Trier. Among the historic must-sees is the Porta Nigra (pictured), the "Black Gate" which dates back to the 4th century.

▲Following the excellent Alentejo Wine Route will introduce visitors to the incredible range of earthy reds and fruity whites this vast region is famous for.

▲There are eight subregions to explore in this sun-soaked province. Principal grape varieties include Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, and Fernão Pires.

▲While Napa and other towns like St. Helena provide very comfortable local accommodation options, the city of San Francisco is just a tempting 90-minute drive away.

▲For a highly rewarding wine tour, drive down from Florence to Sienna and Montalcino. The route takes in no less than six of the region's top wineries and Renaissance-era towns and hamlets.

▲A celebrated Californian wine country getaway destination, Napa Valley features several family-owned wineries.

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Modern wineries are plentiful, but for a truly authentic experience, seek out those whose cellars retain a wonderfully traditional atmosphere.

▲Make your home base the city of Évora, a beautiful and historic destination the Old Town of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the Roman Temple and the medieval cathedral.

▲In fact, one or two wineries are destinations within themselves—chic, stylish retreats catering for the serious wine lover.

▲The wine region of Tokaj-Hegyalja is found in northeast Hungary, close to the Slovakian border.

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Grape varieties grown here include Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. The Constantia Valley is on Cape Town's doorstep and is the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685.

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Wine routes allow connoisseurs and enthusiasts of this most civilized of drinks to visit wineries and vineyards in some of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.

So, where would you like to uncork your favorite red or white?

Browse the gallery, raise your glass, and start following these fabulous wine routes.