The Alentejo has been named the ‘Best Wine Region to Visit’ by readers of American online newspaper USA Today.
The region gained an early lead in the voting and left all other contenders considerably behind.
Okanagan Valley in the Canadian province of British Columbia and Maipo in Chile secured second and third place.
Following the announcement of the results, USA Today said: “This intriguing rural region (Alentejo) is like a trip back in time. The diverse terrain holds olive groves and vineyards, quaint villages, flower-filled meadows and forests.”
Stressing that while it is still “off the radar for many travellers”, the Alentejo is best known for its “hardy red wines made from a unique combination of indigenous varietals”.
The specialists also highlight that “the food in Alentejo is rustic and authentic, taking full advantage of the agrarian lifestyle in the area”.
It is the second time this year that USA Today – through its website ‘10Best’ – has Portugal as the winner of one of its polls. Back in May, Portugal was voted the ‘Best European Country’.
The full list of winners of the ‘Best Wine Region’ is as follows:
1- Alentejo, Portugal
2- Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
3- Maipo, Chile
4- Marlborough, New Zealand
5- Croatia
6- Napa Valley, California, USA
7- Tuscany, Italy
8- Oregon, USA
9- Hunter Valley, Australia
10- Virginia, USA
Alentejo named Best Wine Region to Visit
