Oenophiles around the world are onboard with the latest travel trend: entire holidays centered around a favorite wine region, grape varietal or vineyard. An epic wine tasting tour paired with on-site winery stays and an authentic travel experience is a must for wine lovers on holiday. We’ve done the research: these wine destinations and varietals offer more than a sample tasting!

Get ready for our top expeditions seeking out the latest trending varietals and exclusive bottles of wine on offer. From California to the remote hills in Thailand, here are the best wine varietals around the world worth traveling for right now.

1. Etna Bianco, Sicily

Sicily is already a top destination for red wines; the nerello mascalese grape gained a foothold in the culinary scene over the past few decades. You will be in for a slightly lighter surprise with our top pick: Etna Bianco. The carricante grape is most often found staged on Mount Etna’s northern slope nestled in volcanic soil. Tour authentic irrigation systems years in the making: stone terraces and drainage ditches that stand the test of time.

Sicilians are already adept at staging wine tours that impress. Family-run vineyards are common and sipping your glass in a basement cellar is often accompanied by local folklore and truly unique finds. Enjoy that family feel as you enjoy and tour local sites. We recommend booking your stay at Monaci delle Terre Nere for a chic Sicilian adventure.

Expert Tip: While you’re in Sicily don’t forget about these other amazing wines: Malvasia, Novello or Cataratto Bianco. You can reach Sicily via air or sea. If you can’t travel there, try to find a bottle of 2017 Gamma from Federico Curtaz.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Wineries are California’s second most-popular tourist destination. With 200-plus sunny days in the calendar year, it’s no wonder California is a top wine-growing region, with its yearly production rivaling the entire country of Australia. The North Coast is by far the most known region in the state and Napa Valley’s high-end flair pays homage to its best export: Cabernet Sauvignon.

You can opt to tour Napa celebrity-style, or book a more rustic bicycle tour. Whatever suits your fancy, make sure you check out the plethora of wineries in this region. You’ll find almost 400 wineries on the map in one small area - but don’t be surprised if you discover some off-the-map gems as well.

Expert Tip: Don’t forget to sip some Chardonnay and Merlot while you’re there! Can’t make it? Seek out the best of the best with a bottle of Paul Hobbs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2014).

3. Plavac Mali, Croatia

Wine connoisseurs may balk at the Croatian tradition of drinking chilled red wine but historically, the country has deep-roots in winemaking. Croatia boasts the world’s oldest continuously-planted vineyard in the world located on Hvar Island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is just the start of wine-touring in the region. Croatia offers some amazing dark grape varietals specific to Dalmatia and the Adriatic region.

Worth seeking out is the Plavac Mali with an aroma of dark berries, pepper and spice from bottles local to the region. One perk of travel to Croatia is that it’s situated near other wine regions like Italy and France. Many cruises depart or pass through Dubrovnik.

Expert tip: Game of Thrones enthusiasts can tour sights from the epic series as they taste local wine. Can’t get there? Try some local flavor with a bottle of Miloš Stagnum (2007).

4. Colombard, Thailand

Look just a tad south of Bangkok and you’ll find the tiny coastal tourist town of Hua Hin. Well-known with Thai locals, you’ll find beaches and wide open roads year-round in this tiny village. From Hua Hin, rent a scooter or car and find the Monsoon Valley winery. The property is situated on a former elephant corral about 35 km from the beachside town. The area boasts some truly unique wines set on an amazing property and landscape.

This relatively new wine-growing region is just the beginning of Thai wine culture.You’ll have to do a bit of work to get there, but the hues of perfectly clear wine glasses set against the Thai landscape make the trip well worth it.

Expert Tip: Dress appropriately for the climate; it gets hot and muggy but you’ll enjoy feeding the elephants in this relaxed environment. Too far to reach? Try ordering a premium bottle of Colombard and pair it with a delicious Thai papaya salad.

5. Tannat, Uruguay

If you love big and bold, trek to Uruguay for luxurious wine flavors you don’t often find outside of France. Locally, the Tannat vine is an import with deep roots. Introduced to Uruguay in the 19th Century by Basque settlers it has become known as the national grape of the country. You won’t find wine quite like this anywhere else in the world. The temperate region has perfect soil for grape growing, and wines aged to perfection in oak are a wine explorer’s dream.

Tannat tastings in Uruguay are often complemented with spectacularly cured meats and local cheeses. Winemaking in Uruguay is not so different from other more established wine regions; it’s a family business with techniques passed down through generations.

Expert Tip: For a bit of a twist, try pairing your wine with an empanada for a fun treat! Can’t get there? Try Los Nadies Equilibrio Tannat Merlot (2011).

Plan Your Wine Tour Today

Before you embark on your next tour, it may be worth looking into companies who tailor an entire trip for you. Some agents can plan a luxury wine holiday with special events and a sommelier’s advice to compliment you and your guests. Try looking for cruises that pair wine tastings with some of the above destinations.