THE WORLD’S OLDEST WINE REGIONS

By Maria-Teresa Andreacchi

Imagine sipping on wine made using an 8,000-year-old tradition or toasting with a crisp white as you overlook the Mediterranean Sea. The world’s oldest wine regions are where taste and history blend, offering a full-bodied vacation experience that even a novice wine lover will enjoy.

VAYOTS DZOR, ARMENIA

When searching for the world’s oldest wine region, there’s no better place to start than Armenia, home to the oldest winery in the world (which dates back to approximately 4,000 BC). Since the 90s, the Armenian wine industry has been experiencing a resurgence – the indigenous grape Areni being one of the most popular varietals. The Vayots Dzor wine route is a great place to experience the thriving wine industry, and of course, sip on a varietal that has been growing for millennia.

KAKHETI, GEORGIA

IKALTO CATHEDRAL AND TRADITIONAL QVEVRIS, GEORGIA

If you’re interested in trying wine made using an 8,000-year-old method, Georgia is the place to do it. The Qvevri winemaking method, which uses buried clay vessels to ferment wine, is a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In addition to this ancient tradition, Georgia grows approximately 500 grape varietals. The region of Kakheti is only a few hours away from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Here, you can find wine made from the Rkatsiteli grape, which turns into an amber-hued white. With both mountains and plains, Kakheti easily ticks off all the elements of an iconic trip: beautiful scenery, delicious wine, and unforgettable history.

SICILY, ITALY

Between the sandy beaches and rolling hillside, you’ll find Sicily’s growing wine industry. In 2017, 6,000-year-old wine was discovered in a Sicilian cave. With wineries stretching across the entire island, every inch of Sicily is open to being explored. Notable varietals include Nero d’Avola, a bold and fruity red, Marsala, a dessert wine, and Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese which are both grown on Mount Etna.

CRETE, GREECE

OLIVE GROVES AND VINEYARD IN CRETE, GREECE

As if ancient Greece wasn’t influential enough, 21st-century archeologists uncovered a flavourful past to add to the country’s influence – Greece is among the first in Europe to cultivate wine. Crete, the largest island in Greece, has the perfect mix of beach, sun, and vino. Grapes in this region grow alongside olive trees at high altitudes. When touring Crete, keep an eye out for rare and unique white varietals, such as Dafni, Plyto, and Thrapsathiri. In addition to wine, the region is full of gastronomy, guaranteeing a delicious visit.

PENEDÈS, SPAIN

PENEDÈS VINEYARD

Viticulture is said to have started in the Penedès wine region. The region is most famously known for its sparkling wine, Cava, which is made using the same traditional method used to create Champagne. Only 40 minutes away from Barcelona, it’s a region you can easily slide into your itinerary for one day or an extended stay. Penedès’ wine production is responsible for heavily shaping the region’s culture and history, both of which can be explored at the Catalan Wine Cultures Museum.