The U.S. is the second biggest consumer of wine, behind – you guessed it! – France. But enotourism, travel centered on wine, is an American invention that started in the 1970s with the Napa Valley marketing itself as a wine connoisseurs’ dream destination.
As other wine-producing nations caught on, enotourism has boomed: As many as 27 million U.S. travelers partake in wine-related travel each year.
As with any trendy destination or activity, the “money is no object” mindset is common in enotourism. But who says you can’t drink great wine in a fantastic vacation spot at a reasonable cost?
With that in mind, we found 10 amazing trips that will thrill any budget-conscious oenophile.