From California to Germany, these wine destinations offer incredible tastings and scenic views for oenophiles.
Wine tasting is a charming way to spend a day or weekend of your vacation. With the growth in wine tourism, many vineyards now provide exquisite tasting rooms with scenic views, wine-pairing dinners, and tours of the estate and cellars
MOSELLE VALLEY, GERMANY
Moselle is one of 13 wine-growing regions in southwest Germany. It produces some of the best Riesling in the world. Visitors to this area can look forward to breathtaking landscapes of steep, hillside vineyards, as well as fairytale castles and rolling hills.
The wineries are mostly family-run, and tasting rooms are frequently extensions of family homes, giving you the opportunity to meet the winemakers and learn about their wines in a very personal way.
Time your visit to coincide with any of the numerous wine festivals that take place in the region so that you can enjoy not just wine tastings, but also the local food and pageantry. History buffs will want to drop in at the Mosel Weinmuseum to learn about the history of wine and vineyards in the region.
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Home to more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is considered the world’s premier wine region, and is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. With wineries that offer tastings and tours that walk you through the winemaking process, this is a good destination for novice wine buffs. At wineries like Hess Collection Winery, you could even become a winemaker for a day and blend your own wine!
Hop on the Napa Valley wine train to go on a relaxing tour of the area. Running between Napa and St Helena, it allows you to soak in spectacular scenery as you chug past beautiful wine country and charming little towns. If you prefer a more active means of transport, a guided or self-guided biking tour would be a fun alternative.
Stretch out the experience by staying in one of the beautiful resorts in the area and dining at some of Napa’s extraordinary restaurants.
TUSCANY, ITALY
Tuscany is famous for its undulating hills and picture-postcard scenery; that aside, the region also houses some of Italy’s best-known appellations, including Chianti Classico. Chianti country is a short drive from Florence. There, you will find wineries with Michelin-starred restaurants, sometimes set within luxurious resorts and even medieval castles!
At Castello di Nipozzano, for example, you’ll get to taste wine in a 1,000-year-old castle made from vines grown in the surrounding farm and owned by Florentine nobility. A visit includes a tour of the monumental cellars.
UNITED KINGDOM
If you are planning a trip to the UK, why not add a vineyard to your travel itinerary? Award-winning winemaker Nyetimber hosts visits in the summer at its estate in West Chiltington, West Sussex. Tasting of their celebrated sparkling wines — including the award-winning Classic Cuvee Multi-vintage, Rose Multi-vintage, and Cuvee Cherie Multi-vintage — takes place in a 15th-century barn!
A tour of the vineyards will allow you to walk among some of the oldest vines in England while enjoying stunning views across the rolling hills of the South Downs. You’ll also get to see the state-of-the art pressing centre, where grapes are taken upon harvesting.
OUR WINE PARTNERS
AA Singapore is constantly working to obtain all sorts of privileges for its Members. Here is a selection of wines available from our partners:
The Exchange
General Manager: Amelia Matheson
DeBortoli 2018 Woodfire Shiraz
Distinctive and aromatic, with fresh loamy earth, sandalwood and earl grey tea notes. Dense but velvety frame, plenty of energy on the juicy fruit. Vibrant on the finish.
Tiki Estate Pinot Noir 2016
Heady, ripe red-cherry aromas are backed by vanilla, white pepper, violet and cola. It’s a silky, plush style in the medium- to full-bodied spectrum.
Pirramimma 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Made from some of the oldest vines in McLaren Vale (and on the Pirramimma Estate, the intensity of the Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon is quite amazing. Matured in American oak for two years, this wine is dark red in colour, and has a subtle blackcurrant nose. The palate is rich, rounded and full of ripe Cabernet fruit. A complex wine with outstanding length and depth, and a firm but smooth tannin finish.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Operations Manager: Mark Walsh
McGuigan Chardonnay Private Bin 2018
Intense flavours of fresh yellow peach, honeydew and pineapple upfront, followed by a well-balanced crisp and acidic finish. Lifted aromas of ripe tropical fruits with a touch of peach and citrus backbone — a nice fresh expression of a Chardonnay. Creamy finish to a bit oak. Easy drinking and a well-structured everyday wine. One of our Chairman’s favourites.
Domaine Bousquet Premium Malbec 2018
This is a full-bodied un-oaked wine that allows the fruit to shine through and make it extremely food-friendly. 100% Malbec, fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its varietal typicity and achieve a fruity and expressive character. This goes perfectly with Molly’s Irish Stew.
Bottega Pinot Grigio Venezia 2019
This is a really nice easy-drinking Pinot Grigio, with floral notes of elderflower and acacia, and fruity aromas of pear and peach. Well balanced with a nice dry finish, this goes perfectly with any of our fish dishes, especially our Haddock & Chips.
BQ Bar
General Manager: Mark Walsh
Harbour Shiraz 2019, South Eastern Australia
With a 3.4 rating, this is a full-bodied wine that is blessed with vibrant berry and plum on both the nose and palate. Robust and spicy, with a slightly sweet finish. Good for pairing with our signature Lamb Kebab Wrap.
Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2020, Argentina
Produced in the region of Mendoza with intensely rich aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis and black pepper, this wine has silky tannins and plush finish. Good for pairing with our Main Menu Beef Tenderloin.
Matakana Estate Pinot Noir 2013, New Zealand
This wine has been matured in French oak barrels. Boasting cherry and berries characteristics, followed by soft and supple tannins, and a lingering toasty oak finish. Good for pairing with our Main Menu Tandoori Chicken Tikka.
AA Members promotion at the above three establishments:
- 10% off total bill (excl promotional item)
- 15% off total bill during birthday week (excl promotional item)
- $7.50 nett for San Miguel Light / Pale & Hahn SuperDry bottle
Pernod Ricard Singapore
Australian winemaker Jacob’s Creek has a range of wines dubbed Double Barrel. These wines are unique, having been aged in whisky barrels for added depth and sophistication.
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz
A striking deep crimson with bright purple highlights, this wine has a nose of blackberry, vanilla and waffle cone with smoky peat notes. On the palate, it presents as complex mix of plum, blackberry and vanilla, with charry notes and a beautifully soft finish. Pair it with wagyu beef, aged rib eye, or pan-seared filet wrapped in bacon.
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon
Similar to the Shiraz, this Cabernet Sauvignon is deep crimson with bright purple hues. You’ll get whiffs of vanilla, nuts and cassis, with ground spice and leafy notes. Upon tasting, you’ll appreciate its smooth and beautifully integrated flavour of cassis and roasted nuts, with fine and textural tannins and a long finish. Pairs well with roasted rack of lamb.
