Cape Winelands South Africa

Gary Barlow's Wine Tour: Six must-visit wine regions

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Newmarket Holidays

Follow in the footsteps of Take That star, Gary Barlow, with a wine-lovers' escape to the world’s best viniculture destinations.

“Good times, friends, wine and great food – that to me is what life is all about”, says Gary Barlow in the trailer for his brand-new wine-tasting series, Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa. With over 40 years of experience in helping you make wish-list memories, we’re inclined to agree – sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference!

Across this series, which airs on Monday, 11 November, on ITV, the Take That star will set out across glorious South Africa to discover and taste some of its most famous local labels. With that in mind, our team got thinking about their favourite spots to wine and dine across the world and here are six of their top picks:

Cape Winelands, South Africa

Ask any connoisseur, no wine-tasting wish-list would be complete without including South Africa’s famed Cape Winelands. With a milder coastal climate, and rolling vineyards, the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl offer world-renowned labels accompanied by simply glorious mountain views. Based along the idyllic Garden Route, a famed safari haven, visitors to the Winelands will also enjoy a wealth of exciting activities across the region to enjoy in between tastings!

Our recommended tour: Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari 

 

 

Takamaka Winery, Mauritius 

Sticking with Africa’s breath-taking southern stretches, Mauritius’ idyllic coastal vistas give way to a truly unique wine-tasting experience. If you’re in the area, or are interested in a relaxing island retreat, consider stopping at the acclaimed Takamaka Winery for a glass or two of its specialist lychee wine. With a delightfully sweet flavour profile, it’s no surprise that Takamaka’s famous Chinese-style dessert wine keeps visitors coming back for more every year.

Our recommended tour: On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach

 

 

Kyoto, Japan 

Though perhaps not as scenic as Mauritius’ coastal wine farms, historic Kyoto boasts just as strong a wine-making culture. In another departure from grape-based wines, Japan’s traditional sake comes into its own in the country’s former capital with numerous breweries offering demonstrations and interactive tastings. Nara, which neighbours Kyoto, is also a great choice for traditional sake and is widely considered the alcohol’s birthplace. Better still, you’ll be well-placed to enjoy the cultural and historic highlights of these two iconic Japanese destinations after your tasting!

Our recommended tour: Japan Unveiled 

 

 

Tuscany, Italy 

An obvious choice for any self-respecting wine listing, Tuscany is the cream of the crop when it comes to Italy’s bucolic vineyards. Home to some of Europe’s most historic wine estates, from Montepulciano to Montecatini Terme, these rural Tuscan towns live and breathe wine-making – and it certainly shows in the quality of each label. Embrace la dolce vita, take life in the slow-lane and sample a local Chianti against the backdrop of the region’s glorious vistas.

Our recommended tour: Tuscany, Rome & the Amalfi Coast

 

 

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

While France boasts countless world-famous vineyards, its historical Languedoc-Roussillon region promises a historic wine-making culture which simply must be experienced to be believed. Producing a third of the national supply of wine, three times as much as Bordeaux, the area’s alpine villages are home to numerous celebrated wineries and have something for every taste, be it red, white or rosé. Whether you’d prefer sipping a glass or two in France’s gorgeous summertime scenes or trying a tipple of the region’s festive Muscat de Noel around Christmastime, the best part about Languedoc Roussillon is that it’s a great place to visit all year round.

Our recommended tour: Carcassonne, Avignon and Beautiful Provence 

 

 

The Douro Valley, Portugal 

Our final pick, Portugal’s idyllic Douro Valley, is as good for its food as it is for its wide selection of acclaimed wines. Winding along the Douro River, this region is especially famous for its port wines and its charming rural towns offer more decadent tasting experiences, often paired with local produce. Another Portuguese treat to try during a tour of the Douro’s rolling vineyards is Muscatel, which is made using the world’s oldest grape variety and boasts a uniquely fruity flavour.

Our recommended tour: Flavours of the Douro 

 

 

Book your wine-tasting getaway today

So, whether you’re an ardent wine-lover or are simply looking for a relaxing getaway with a glass or two, these delightful destinations are certainly worth a closer look. Pop the cork on your next wish-list escape and enjoy the world’s finest wines, in the most unique places, with the help of our dedicated holiday planners today.

Top Holidays for Wine Lovers:

South Africa vineyard
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Cape Town, the Garden Route and Big Five Safari
South Africa
+ 5 More
  • Spend two nights in the privately owned Garden Route Game Lodge
  • Four game drives in search of the Big Five
  • Wine-tasting on a Franschhoek wine estate
  • 12 days from £2,708 pp

    was £3,185 pp

  • Dates Available

    January 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    12 days

  • Depart From

    5 airports

  • Excursions

    11 included

  • Meals

    16 included

Church, Mauritius
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On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach
South Africa, Mauritius
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  • Spot the ‘Big Five’ on open-air game drives through Sebatana Private Reserve and Kaingo Game Reserve
  • Experience an optional private dinner of traditional African dishes and watch a performance of dancing and music
  • Partake in a sundowner on Sunset Rock while watching the sky transform
  • 15 days from £4,435 pp

  • Dates Available

    December 2024 - November 2026

  • Duration

    15 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    8 included

  • Meals

    42 included

Bamboo Forest in Japan
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Japan Unveiled
Japan
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  • Partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient and spiritual practice
  • Journey to the sacred eight natural springs and traditional thatched houses of Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
  • Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital, Tokyo on a guided tour
  • 16 days from £4,782 pp

    was £5,625 pp

  • Dates Available

    March 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    11 included

  • Meals

    15 included

Shot of half the Colosseum and half some of the town in Rome
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Tuscany, Rome and the Amalfi Coast
Italy
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  • Marvel at Rome and the Vatican City’s striking medley of historic monuments
  • Explore Florence’s Renaissance architecture and artistic wonders with a guided city tour
  • Pay homage to the Roman ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius
  • 11 days from £2,265 pp

  • Dates Available

    May 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Depart From

    3 airports

  • Excursions

    6 included

  • Meals

    20 included

View of the Pont D’Avignon bridge, with the river water in the forefront and a boat coming from the right. In the distance, on the other side of the bridge is a grey palace. The sky is blue.
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Carcassonne, Avignon and Beautiful Provence
France
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  • Experience a full day visit to majestic Avignon and the stunning Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard
  • Board a delightful cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi
  • Set off on a guided walking tour of historic, walled Carcassonne, including the inner Chateau and the beautiful church of St Nazaire
  • 6 days from £702 pp

    was £779 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    2 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    5 included

View Of Porto Portugal
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Flavours of The Douro
Portugal
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  • Uncover the highlights of historic Porto, along the riverbanks and beyond
  • Take to the waters of the Douro River, passing under six bridges
  • Cruise along the canals of Aveiro in a traditional, coloured boat
  • 8 days from £1,436 pp

    was £1,595 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    5 airports

  • Excursions

    6 included

  • Meals

    15 included

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