#WineWednesday: Attractions for Wine Lovers

Plan a trip and fill your glass at these spots.

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Calling all wine lovers! Whether you thoughtfully observe the nuances of your Bordeaux or—like me—can mainly tell if you’re drinking red or white, there’s always more to learn about wine. Here are some of the top places for sipping and studying up on wine.

Quintessa Vineyard, Napa Valley, California, North America.

Quintessa Vineyard, Napa Valley, California, North America.

Photo by: Hoberman Collection / Contributor

Hoberman Collection / Contributor

Theme Parks and Museums

Did you know there’s a wine theme park in Bordeaux, France? Sign us up!

People look at bottles of wine as they visit La Cite du Vin (Wine Museum) as it opens its doors to the public in Bordeaux on June 1, 2016. 
La Cite du Vin opened its doors to the public on June 1. The 13 350 m2 compound offers thematics areas about the history and civilisations of wine around the world with digital and sensory exhibits. / AFP / MEHDI FEDOUACH        (Photo credit should read MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP/Getty Images)

People look at bottles of wine as they visit La Cite du Vin (Wine Museum) as it opens its doors to the public in Bordeaux on June 1, 2016. La Cite du Vin opened its doors to the public on June 1. The 13 350 m2 compound offers thematics areas about the history and civilisations of wine around the world with digital and sensory exhibits. / AFP / MEHDI FEDOUACH (Photo credit should read MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo by: MEHDI FEDOUACH

MEHDI FEDOUACH

La Cite du Vin, meaning “City of Wine,” opened in summer 2016 and features 20 themed areas and exhibits, simulator boat rides and, of course, expert-led wine tastings. Book a multi-sensory tasting workshop that will awaken all of your senses with 360-degree images, lights, sounds and smells.

Before there was La Cite du Vin, there was Hameau Doboeuf – a wine museum that offers 3-D movies, train rides and visits to the wine cellars where you can learn about the process of winemaking while surrounded by 150 stainless-steel vats. Kids ages five and up take a virtual flight over the hill and valleys of the Beaujolais and Maconnais districts through cinematic simulation. This attraction is perfect for families.

Sign outside for the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

Sign outside for the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

In Satorini, Greece, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is located underground, inside a natural cave. Visitors learn about the history of wine through the ages before tasting the four leading wines produced by the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery. 

Photo by: Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

France isn’t the only European destination with wine museums. In Santorini, Greece, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is located underground inside a natural cave. Life-size figures tell the story of winemaking in Santorini through the eyes of a winemaking family that spans four generations. Visitors learn about the history of wine through the ages before tasting four leading wines produced by the Koutsoyannopoulos Winery. Those who really want to get a hands-on (maybe, feet-on) experience can sign up for the Grape Stomping Experience to crush grapes in an outdoor vat.

Wine Trains

San Diego Winery Train

San Diego Winery Train

Hop aboard the Coaster commuter train with San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours for the Winery Train Tour, which makes several stops at wineries and wine bars along Southern California's coast. Each tour includes tastings of 15 wines as well as a fine dining-wine pairing light luncheon.

Photo by: Photo courtesy of San Diego Beer; Wine & Spirits Tours

Photo courtesy of San Diego Beer; Wine & Spirits Tours

What could be more relaxing than sipping a sauvignon blanc while cruising through the beautiful scenery of wine country? Check out these 10 places you can hop on board a winery train.

So whether you’re an aspiring sommelier or a wine newbie, head to one of these destinations ASAP - the wine is waiting.

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