The best wine tour destinations are hard to settle on. Start locally if wine touring is new to you. It is made in every nook and cranny the world has to offer. A day or two spent learning about the region you wish to visit just enhances the experience. Many organized tours offer classes at all levels from Beginner to Master as either a part of the tour or as an addendum.

Most of the world's wineries are small family run operations available by tour or appointment only. You can design your own tour by picking a region, setting your own appointments and finding nearby accommodations. If this seems daunting check for organized multi winery tours. Two wineries per day makes for a full day of touring. It is nice to have a day off in the middle to see local sites.

Think local to start your taste buds yearning. No matter whether you live in Osaka, Japan or Anchorage Alaska someone nearby is making wine. Be careful though a weekend journey to discover what your region has to offer may be the beginnings of a life long wanderlust.

Should you become obsessed here are a few of my favorite destinations to put on your bucket list. If you are only mildly curious they can make great weekend getaways or become part of a larger vacation.

BORDEAUX

Bordeaux is the heartbeat of wine. A must taste destination for all who have fallen in love with the fruits of the vine. While in Bordeaux make sure to visit the Vinorama, a museum all about winemaking.

For those on the frugal route a day in class at the Ecole' du Vin will enhance your knowledge and get you the contacts for a self made tour. Hostels abound and bike rentals are reasonable. The trip can be managed for about $75 a day.

If your pockets are deep stay at one of the local chateaus with tours guided by the top sommeliers in Europe. These guides can gain admittance to secreted private vineyards and the opportunity to buy wine that never appears on the open market.

TUSCANY

Just on the other side of the Alps in the heart of Italy lies Tuscany the soul of Italian wine country. It has five distinct regions, all with different flavors. If this is your first trip to Tuscany stop off in the fourteenth century Villa Pandolfini for a short course on tasting Tuscan style.

CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

These are my top choices for visits whether you take a guided tour or choose to guide yourself. Most of these places you should call or E-mail ahead for a reservation. To get the most personal attention

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