A new wine route connecting French and Spanish vineyards

You’d be hard-pressed to find another town with such a good vantage point over its surrounding wine landscape than Saint-Émilion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural amphitheater is surrounded by the region’s finest vineyards. A remarkable monolithic church–carved into the limestone rock in the 12th century–and the citadel overlook the Cordeliers convent and an endless network of underground galleries. Until nightfall, you can wander through the escalettes–charming, steep medieval alleyways that hide a number of wine bars.

As Spain’s premier wine destination, Rioja is home to 226 wineries that welcome visitors. Divided into three distinct wine-growing zones–Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental–the region has long established itself as the most prestigious appellation in the country. As you wind through the landscape you’ll pass through vineyards, encounter hilltop villages and traverse mountains. Stopping for frequent wine tastings–featuring Grenache and Tempranillo, the region’s signature grape varieties–you’ll discover the nuance of each estate.

Driving through the vineyards of Priorat takes you to the heart of its spectacular landscapes, steep hills and rugged slopes. On these slate-rich soils, winemakers have patiently planted vines on man-made terraces. The region is home to two specific winemaking denominations–DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant–which produce excellent mineral-rich and aromatic wines. Most of the wine estates, which are often small in scale, welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Architecture lovers should be sure to stop at the Agricola Falset Marçà cooperative, whose winery was designed by Cèsar Martinell, a follower of Gaudí.