Wine & Wilderness Journeys

April 29, 2025

Where to Go for the Ultimate Wine & Wilderness Escape

Wine country is lovely. But wine country with a wild edge? That’s unforgettable.

If you’ve ever wanted to trade polished tasting rooms for clifftop pours, or vineyard strolls for forest trails, welcome to your kind of trip. Wine and wilderness travel combines indulgent experiences with untamed backdrops, giving you the best of both worlds: bold flavors and breathtaking views.

Here’s where to go when you want that perfect pour with a side of awe.

1. Stellenbosch & Grootbos, South Africa

Start in the iconic Stellenbosch wine region for earthy Pinotage and Cape Dutch charm. Then, head to nearby Grootbos Nature Reserve, where fynbos flowers meet marine conservation and you can swap your wine glass for whale watching.

Why it’s perfect: Diverse experiences, sustainability-first luxury, and an ideal pairing of elegance and edge.
📍 Explore Grootbos Reserve

2. Argentina’s Uco Valley + Andes Adventures

Mendoza gets the spotlight, but head south to Uco Valley for lesser-known vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery. Sip high-altitude Malbecs before hiking the Andes, horseback riding through the valleys, or just soaking in the view from a private estancia.

Why it’s perfect: Bold reds, bold landscapes, and just enough adventure to balance your tasting notes.
📍 Visit Wines of Argentina

3. Oregon’s Willamette Valley + Columbia River Gorge

Love Pinot Noir? Willamette Valley is your spot. Love waterfalls, forests, and epic hikes too? Drive just an hour east and you’ll find the Columbia River Gorge—a nature-lover’s playground that still ends with a perfect pour.

Why it’s perfect: Accessible beauty, progressive winemakers, and that oh-so-cozy Pacific Northwest vibe.
📍 Visit Columbia Gorge

4. Canada’s Okanagan Valley + Wild BC

Okanagan’s boutique wineries are one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. After tastings, trade the vineyards for wild lakes, paddling adventures, or mountain lodge retreats in British Columbia’s backcountry.

Why it’s perfect: Pristine nature, cool-climate wines, and a cozy Canadian welcome.
📍 Travel Okanagan Wine Country

5. Italy’s Piedmont + the Alps

Go beyond Tuscany. Piedmont serves up truffle-rich cuisine, bold Barolo, and sweeping vineyard views. Then head north for a few days in the Alps: hiking, spa soaking, and yes—more wine.

Why it’s perfect: Refined, rustic, and just unexpected enough to impress even the most seasoned sipper.
📍 Discover Piedmont Wine Trails

Pairing Luxury with the Untamed

Wine & Wilderness isn’t about going off the grid. It’s about trading ordinary for extraordinary. It’s for travelers who want to feel something—deeply—in a place that surprises them. Whether you’re clinking glasses in the shadow of a volcano or toasting at the edge of a forest, these destinations deliver that rare mix of refined and real.

Let’s plan a trip that’s part pour, part path. Start your Wine & Wilderness journey →

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Our blog is a treasure map for the eco-conscious traveler, a compass pointing towards the most sustainable destinations on the planet.
This blog is not just about places; it's about a movement to tread lightly and travel responsibly, sharing insights on how to embrace the beauty of the earth without leaving a heavy footprint.
It's for those who want their wanderlust to align with their values, ensuring that the only thing they leave behind are memories and the only thing they take are pictures.

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