I’m not a wine snob, despite what my father might say when I look askance at a $20 bottle of wine on a restaurant list. But I have a decent knowledge of the stuff and I know what I like. And, luckily, wine and travel go together like a cork and a bottle.

With that in mind, here’s a purely personal look at some favourite spots for sipping around the globe. I’ve skipped Europe for new world spots right now, but check this space later this week for a few notes from the continent, as well as British Columbia and other U.S. places.

NEW ZEALAND

An awesome food scene to go with remarkable wines in a country that feels like Canada but looks like California, Switzerland, Scotland and, at times, Tahiti mixed together.

Marlborough is famous for crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and they make gorgeous, full-bodied reds up in Hawkes Bay on the North Island. Central Otago on the South Island makes probably the best, most consistent and full-bodied Pinot Noir in the world, with great fruit. There are something like 178 wineries in Central Otago these days, which is pretty crazy. I didn’t like Pinot much until I visited NZ a few years ago and now it’s my favourite summer wine. Chard Farm has a fun tasting room and an interesting drive along a steep canyon, while Rippon, near the town of Wanaka, has killer lake and mountain views.

This is a country with great seafood (yes, and also a bit of fresh lamb), spectacular scenery and marvellous people make this my favourite wine destination on the planet.

ONTARIO

The food and wine scenes both are terrific in our province. There are many worth trying but Ravine is a personal favourite down Niagara way, with a fun tasting room and, in good weather, an excellent patio. Great reds with plenty of body and special menus. Excellent Rieslings abound in Niagara and it’s a hugely versatile food wine that goes great with pork and also with curry and Chinese/Thai dishes. And don’t forget our world-class ice wine. Looking for something different in Ontario? Check out the growing wine scene in Prince Edward County, about 90 minutes east of Toronto.

INDIA

Okay, the wine’s not exactly incredible just yet. Maybe not even “quite good.” But there are some tasty varieties being made in the north of India and the food has always been a world-beater. A truly exotic, off-the-beaten-path destination for wine.

CALIFORNIA

Napa and Sonoma are great, but nothing beats a Santa Maria-style grilled steak and a bottle of Paso Robles Syrah. The Paso Robles area is growing increasingly diverse and sophisticated by the day, and they do marvellous things with Syrah and Rhone blends, especially. It’s about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and definitely worth the drive.

Santa Barbara is a great area for Pinot Noir, as any fan of the movie Sideways will attest. If you’re in the East Bay area of San Francisco, check out some of the great spots in the Livermore Valley, an underrated wine area with good prices and lots of great wines, especially Cabs and Chardonnay. Try Tamas or, for more of a touristy experience, Wente Bros.

If you do want to hit Napa, try Calistoga in the north end of the valley for a fun experience with less pretentiousness than you’ll find in places like St. Helena. Good food and a main street with angled parking in a town that’s equally about vines and more traditional farming, with cowboys mixed in with wine afficionados. The Alexander Valley in Sonoma is a lot of fun, too, and there’s always lunch at the Jimtown store or shopping in lovely, fashionable Healdsburg. The Russian River area makes fine Pinot and, in warmer areas, even full bodied Zinfandels.

NOVA SCOTIA

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

The wine I’ve had isn’t amazing, but they grow some pretty good stuff in up around Wolfville; lighter-style reds and some nice whites. Luckett’s was the best of the bunch I tried this summer. Excellent food can be found at several Wolfville restaurants, including Tempest and, they say, Le Caveau at Grand Pre Vineyards. I’ve only tried a bit of the wine from down around Annapolis Royal. Frankly, I didn’t care for it much. But you might feel differently.

Got a beef or a comment? Email me at jbyers@thestar.ca. You also can find me on Twitter @jimbyerstravel.