Wine and food lovers routinely flock to Italy and France for their world-renowned cuisine and award-winning vintages (and with good reason). But we’d like to dive in here to five of our favorite destinations for travelers in search of a fresh, exciting food and gastronomy experience:

South Australia,
New Zealand’s South Island,
South Africa,
Argentina, and
Chile

All of these regions happen to be in the Southern Hemisphere which goes to show there’s plenty of delicious travel to be enjoyed well beyond Europe.

Each of these destinations is also perfect for the experiential traveler looking to combine a luxurious food and wine experience with other thrilling aspects of travel: city adventures, awe-inspiring nature, wildlife encounters, quiet stays in the countryside, explorations of quaint small towns, and more. Whatever sort of journey you have in mind, we can custom-tailor an itinerary that’s perfect for you and your unique interests and style of travel.

Get inspired, and start dreaming of the amazing meals and wines that await you at your next luxurious destination.

1. South Australia

While the Barossa Valley in South Australia is famous for Shiraz, also find white varietals here

Australia is a sprawling, astonishingly diverse country with new adventures and discoveries around every corner. South Australia has been named one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals and is home to some incredible wine regions. The three we feature here are all within proximity of Adelaide, the state’s lively coastal capital.

Essential Wine Regions

Barossa Valley — Boasts a continental climate overall with a series of transverse valleys and undulating hills which result in a broad range of mesoclimates. Famous for the distinctive Barossa Shiraz. Other varietals produced include Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Saperavi.
Clare Valley — The altitude, higher than other wine regions in South Australia, provides cool nights throughout the summer and wonderful slowly-ripened fruit. Best known for Riesling wines, as well as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
McLaren Vale — Well-known for its dry red wines, particularly Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre. Other wines produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Fiano , Vermentino, Grenache blanc, and Roussanne.

Find unexpected architecture in the McLaren Vale region at the d’Arenberg Cube at d’Arenberg vineyards

Gastronomic Highlights

Mettwurst — this spicy cured sausage is just one of the German-style delicacies brought to the region by German settlers
Cheese — while in the Barossa Valley, be sure to indulge in some first-rate artisanal cheeses; Allium Piper is a delicious blend of chevre and organic garlic, hailing from Woodside, 35km east of Adelaide
Seafood — crab, King George whiting, crayfish, bluefin tuna, Coffin Bay king oysters
The pie floater — meat pie immersed in pea soup, a sure fix for any comfort food cravings
Lamb — a regional specialty, raised locally and available in restaurants across the region
Muntries — these berries, the fruit of a low-growing coastal shrub, taste similar to apples combined with juniper and make wonderful jams and chutneys (or serve it for dessert à la mode)

Other Things to See & Do

Along with being a renowned wine destination, find plenty of other things to see and do from the coastal capital of South Australia, Adelaide to coming upon a kangaroo in the Flinders Ranges.

Adelaide — the coastal capital of South Australia, home to renowned museums, art festivals, film events, a buzzing food scene, and much more
Kangaroo Island — home to 300 miles of exquisite coastline, the area was damaged during Australia's 2019-2020 bushfire season, but it’s recovering; this incredible wildlife and nature destination does not disappoint
Flinders Ranges — rugged, mountainous region perfect for trekking, photography, and even quad biking adventures; history and anthropology buffs will enjoy exploring aboriginal sites and abandoned homesteads
The Outback — the vast, sparsely populated regions of the Outback span from the southern to northern Australian coastlines, encompassing sub-tropical savannas, complex waterways, ten deserts, mountain ranges, millions of hectares of temperate woodlands, and more
Eyre Peninsula & Fleurieu Peninsula — exquisite seaside destinations noted for exceptional coastal, scenic, and culinary experiences (seafood galore); renowned for its world-class aquatic activities like shark cage diving, swimming with sea lions, and whale watching
The Murray River — one of the world’s longest navigable rivers (2,700km long) traverses a wide variety of landscapes, from mountain streams to red gum forests and sandy beaches; a haven to copious wildlife, including 350 varieties of birds; historically significant for Aboriginals since ancient times and for European settlers and traders since the 1800s

Farther Afield

While you’re “in the neighborhood,” you might consider exploring Oz beyond South Australia. Get A Glimpse of Western Australia in our recent blog post, and discover this special, underappreciated corner of the world that we love so much.

Of special note, Western Australia’s Margaret River region, famous for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a must-see wine destination.

Bonus: A Day Away from the Icons

And, if it’s your first visit to Australia and you are focusing on some of the heavy-hitting icons, chances are that you’ll be spending a few days in Sydney or Melbourne (or both). Wine exploration is entirely possible, even if just for a day trip out of either of these cities.

About 160km north of Sydney, find the Hunter Valley, where Australian winemaking had its origins. A wide array of wines can be found here, and the region is particularly known for Semillon and Shiraz.

From Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are less than an hour away. Here, sample the cool-climate wines this region is known for while indulging in fresh regional cuisine. In the Mornington Peninsula, also within an hour of Melbourne, find small wineries, distilleries, craft breweries, farmers markets, and artisan makers.

2. New Zealand South Island

Essential Wine Regions

Marlborough, in the South Island of New Zealand, is the country’s largest wine growing region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and fresh cuisine.

Marlborough — New Zealand’s largest wine region, located in the north-east of the South Island. Especially famous for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Other varietals produced include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.
Central Otago — The world’s southernmost commercial wine growing region, also located on the South Island. Best known for Pinot Noir, but white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris are also popular.

Gastronomic Highlights

New Zealand lamb — one of New Zealand’s top export meats, held in high esteem worldwide
Crayfish and seafood — also of note are Marlborogh’s green-lipped mussels and Mount Cook’s king salmon
Hāngī — food cooked underground in the traditional Māori style of earth oven cooking
Pies — bacon and egg, steak and cheese, and potato-top pies are all Kiwi classics; newer favorites include mint and venison pies and butter chicken pies
Artisan cheese — cows, sheep, and goat milk produce award-winning cheeses, including blue cheese, sharp vintages, and several creamy soft cheeses

Other Things to See & Do

Queenstown, New Zealand, a highlight of the South Island. New Zealand’s South Island offers the opportunity to enjoy a combination of active adventure and taking in the natural beauty with a wine and gastronomy centered experience in the island’s renowned wine regions.

Queenstown & surrounds — nestled between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the stunning Southern Alps, the area is a fantastic destination for active adventure and ski getaways
National Parks — 13 national parks across the North and South Islands offer incredible scenery and wildlife encounters; all parks are culturally significant (we love to arrange privately-guided tours), and the sights to explore range from glaciers and golden beaches to lush rainforests and active volcanoes
Marlborough Sounds — expansive swath of sea-drowned valleys encompassing 1,500 square miles of sounds, islands, and peninsulas; fantastic destination for forest hikes and kayaking
Fiordland — incredibly dramatic and scenic landscapes perfect for hiking, helicopter or small-plane tours, small-vessel cruises, and more; home to Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site, and Milford Sound (described by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World)
Christchurch — the perfect modern-day basecamp for outdoor exploration on the South Island with easy access to the gorgeous Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula, and a host of charming towns, luxe retreats, and active adventures

Also don’t miss: The North Island
While we focused here on the South Island, it would be remiss to not mention that the North Island also has plenty of wine region to explore from Hawke’s Bay to Gisborne to Wairarapa and more.

3. South Africa

Essential Wine Regions

Picturesque views in Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands in South Africa

The Cape Winelands, concentrated mostly in South Africa’s Western Cape, offer travelers a bevvy of exceptional wines to sample. There are five wine regions in South Africa:

Coastal Region — Home to the famed Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions. Noted for its proximity to the Atlantic coast and False Bay which provide the region with cool winds and a maritime climate. The birthplace of Pinotage, the region also produces Suavignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, and Malbec.
Klein Karoo — Semi-arid region with a hot dry climate. Produces South Africa’s best-known fortified wines. Varietals found here include Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cape South Coast — Situated at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The cool climate and long growing season produce wonderful Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and Shiraz.
Olifants River Valley — One of northernmost wine regions in the Western Cape. The varied terroir here produces a variety of grapes. Best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Shiraz.
Breede River Valley — Largest wine producing region of the Western Cape, surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides. Known for rich and fruity red wines, as well as sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Other varietals grown here include Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you love wine, you’re likely familiar with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. But vino-loving travelers have a multitude of delicious, lesser-known wine routes to choose from, including Elim Wine, Tulbagh Wine Route, Constantia Wine Route, and Paarl Wine Route (home to the world’s first white Pinotage), to name just a few.

Gastronomic Highlights

Biltong — South Africa’s take on beef jerky is a delicious, spicy snack and a local favorite
Durban Chicken Curry — Durban curries are world-renowned for their flavor, including a good kick of heat and the spiciness of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves; key ingredients include garam masala, onion, tomato, curry leaves, and coriander
Malva Pudding — If you enjoy sticky toffee pudding, you’ll love malva pudding, a decadent, apricot jam-infused dessert created by Dutch settlers
Bobotie — The national dish of South Africa has ties to Asian settlers; minced meat is simmered with spices like curry powder, herbs, and dried fruit before being topped with an egg custard and baked until set

Other Things to See & Do

Cape Town — a vibrant, culturally and historically rich city (the oldest in South Africa) not to be missed on any visit to South Africa; world-class art, museums, cuisine, accommodations, and a stunning setting are guaranteed to fascinate, inform, and delight
Safari — round out your visit of South Africa with an incredible wildlife experience; intimate, luxurious safari adventures are available in multiple parks and private reserves throughout the country; travelers with small children appreciate the malaria-free destinations on offer for added safety
The Cape Peninsula — stunning, rocky peninsula bordered by Table Mountain to the north and terminating at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope at the southernmost tip; an easy day trip from Cape Town and a fantastic destination for kayaking, helicopter tours, whale watching, hiking, birding, and more
The Garden Route — scenic coastal route stretching from the forests of Knysna through charming small towns and wide, sandy beaches with plenty of lakes and lagoons to explore along the way; fantastic region for spotting aquatic and bird life, including yellow-throated warbler, olive woodpecker, dolphins, whales, and seals

Farther Afield

While the allure of South Africa’s natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and fantastic food and wine scene is undeniable, there’s infinitely more to be discovered beyond the Rainbow Nation.

Africa is a massive continent with incredibly varied landscapes, cultures, languages, wildlife, climates, and geographies. South Africa is the perfect place to launch a broader exploration of other destinations across Africa.

For more inspiration on your extraordinary adventure in South Africa and beyond, be sure to check out this recent post: 8 Reasons Why Your Next Escape Should Be To Africa.

4. Argentina

Essential Wine Regions

Mendoza — This region in Argentina's far west enjoys semi-arid desert conditions with four distinct seasons. Cereza and Criolla Grande account for a quarter of all vineyard plantings in the region, but Malbec is considered the most important variety, followed by Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Uco Valley — Situated at high elevation at the foot of the Andes Mountains with high daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Malbec shines in this region, but the area also produces Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Torrontés.
Maipu — Sub-zone of Mendoza known for its Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
Lujan de Cuyo — Another sub-zone of Mendoza, the region accounts for almost 80% of Argentina’s wine production. Overwhelmingly renowned for its bold, intensely-flavored Malbec. Also known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés.

Gastronomic Highlights

Dulce de leche — A thick, decadent caramel made by slowly reducing condensed milk from Argentina’s phenomenal dairy cows. Don’t miss this.
Chimichurri — Punchy green salsa made of finely chopped parsley, oregano, onion, garlic, chilli pepper flakes, olive oil and lemon or vinegar. Commonly paired with a variety of grilled meats and other savory foods.
Asado — Barbecue, the national dish, is a must. The tradition of grilled meats originated with Argentina’s gauchos (cowboys) and simply can’t be beat.
Empanadas — Delicious stuffed pastries (small hand pies) filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings like sweet potato paste, spiced meats, cheese, and vegetables.
Yerba mate — A caffeinated, herbal-infused drink made from the dried, ground-up leaves of the yerba mate plant indigenous to pre-colonial South American populations.

Other Things to See & Do

Argentina’s wine regions provide a marvelous contrast to other destinations in the area, and a stay here is a great addition to a variety of itineraries in this part of the world.

Here are a few destinations that pair well with a luxurious, relaxing meander through the Argentinian winelands:

Buenos Aires — capital city famed for its tango, fantastic music, world-class cuisine, museums, and historical sites; home to a cosmopolitan fusion of influences from Spanish, Italian, France, and German settlers
Salta — provincial capital in northwest Argentina known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Andean heritage; founded in 1582 and home to a variety of fascinating historical sites
Cafayate — one of the highest grape-growing regions in the world with wines to rival any in Mendoza; gorgeous mountainous setting with loads of colonial charm; remote and worth the effort it takes to get there
The Lake District — incredibly picturesque region in northwestern Argentina featuring glacial lakes, lush forests, craggy mountains, and extinct volcanoes; a marvelously tranquil and scenic contrast to a city-centric itinerary
Argentinian Patagonia — perfect for intrepid travelers and luxury-seekers alike, Patagonia is a feast for the senses with astonishing landscapes, world-class accommodations in some of the most remote places on Earth, and ample opportunities for active adventures in the stunning outdoors. Don’t miss Mount Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier

Discover what awaits you at The End of the World in this recent addition to the Wandermust Journeys blog: If You Are an Experiential Traveler, You'll Be Amazed by Patagonia.

Farther Afield

Argentina is also an ideal jumping-off point for a journey to Antarctica. If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the 7th Continent, we can arrange for an extension there by land or by sea. Learn more in our recent blog post: 9 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Antarctica.

5. Chile

Essential Wine Regions

Aconcagua — Small winegrowing area with a Mediterranean climate. Known for its reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenere, and coastal Sauvignon Blanc.
San Antonio Valley — Small region near the Pacific coast known for its Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Maipo Valley — Home to some of Chile’s most prestigious wines. Gravel terraces, warm days, and cool nights make for excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, the region’s most famous wine.
Colchagua Valley — Breezes off the Pacific mingle with Andean winds to provide the Colchagua Valley’s coastal hills with an ideal climate for several marvelous red varietals, namely Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Casablanca Valley — Known for its crisp white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay varietals. Also produces quality Pinot Noir.

Gastronomic Highlights

Pino (Chilean empanada) — Similar to the Argentinian empanada but filled with a mixture of meat, onions, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and raisins. An everyday favorite among Chileans.
Cazuela — Chile’s answer to chicken soup has its origins with the indigenous Mapuche people and a stew of potatoes, pumpkin, corn, green beans, capsicum and meat. The Spanish added chicken (or beef) and European herbs, resulting in the dish called cazuela.
Ceviche Chileno — Ocean-fresh fish cured with lemon juice, herbs, onion, and garlic. This is a seafood lover’s delight not to be missed.
Curanto — A delicious shellfish, meat, vegetable and dumpling stew cooked in a hole in the ground with hot rocks.
Arrollado — Tender marinated pork loin that’s rolled with seasonings like oregano, garlic, cumin, then sliced. Matambre Arrollado refers to a stuffed flank steak.

Other Things to See & Do

Chilean Patagonia — Like Argentinian Patagonia, a must-see for the outdoor adventurer; don’t miss Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego
Lakes District — Similar to the Argentinian Lakes District, home to temperate rainforests, volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and lush farmland
Atacama Desert — This remote, otherworldly corner of the earth is the driest nonpolar desert on the planet, a beautifully stark contrast to the lush vineyards and lively atmosphere of Chile’s wine regions

Read more about the Atacama here: These Are 5 of the World’s Most Spectacular Desert Destinations.

Farther Afield

Like several other wine regions featured here, travel from Chile to Antarctica is relatively easy, so an extension to the 7th Continent is a great option here if you’re looking for an even more luxe, exclusive addition to your itinerary.

Or consider combining your time in Chile with stops in Argentina and Uruguay for a completely food- and wine-focused itinerary.

Discover even more reasons to fall in love with Chile in this recent post: 5 Experiential Travel Destinations Not to Miss in Chile.

Your Wine and Food Adventure Awaits

Whether you’re keen on a wine-centric tour through South America, Oceania, or South Africa, there’s a delicious, exciting destination for you.

For even more food- and wine-forward travel inspiration, be sure to check out these blog posts:

Start Dreaming Today

Now is the perfect time to begin dreaming about your wine and gastronomy adventure. Even if you think you want to travel in 2023, it’s not too early to start planning. Wherever your explorations take you, we look forward to helping make your travel dreams a reality.

To learn more, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here, and give yourself something delicious to look forward to. Salud!

And for more travel insights and inspiration, join the Wandermust Journeys Travel Community. Your free subscription gives you access to periodic electronic communication from us, including our e-newsletter.

Go ahead. Start dreaming today.