Wine in a million

In many ways, a train journey is the ultimate homage to slow travel. Gliding through the heart of one of the top wine-growing regions in the world, the Napa Valley Wine Train is so much more than just a mode of transport. It’s a fine dining restaurant, a moving museum; the exquisitely restored vintage Pullman cars evoke the glamour and elegance of times gone by. With exclusive access to the homes of the globe’s greatest winemakers, expect private tours and tastings from vinters who have set the bar high in producing world-class wines. Your new finds can be paired with a private meal in the two-storey Vista Dome – with sweeping panoramic views from every angle it practically brings the lush Napa Valley inside.

Located just 45 miles from San Francisco, Sonoma Valley (the birthplace of California’s wine industry) is home to the nation’s best Pinot Noirs and sustainable organically-farmed wines. At its centre lies Farmhouse Inn: a boutique hotel with fine cooking, feather beds, and luxury wine refrigerators in each room. The five concierges have spent years cultivating friendships with locals and take great joy in introducing you personally to the proprietors of the wineries and their vintages. Whether it’s a hard-to-get reservation, an exclusive tasting appointment, or the right driver, they are always in-the-know. When you’re not delving into the world of phenomenal winemaking, you’ll be wandering the range of local farmers’ markets, food festivals, and art shows. It doesn’t get any better than this.

The Barossa Valley is as famous for its collection of 150 wineries as for its deep-rooted appreciation for the great outdoors. The valley is best experienced in slow motion; cycle the 40-kilometre Barossa Trail for the most picturesque route. Soak in the scents and sounds and entertain your tastebuds at the numerous cellar doors and quaint villages you pass. Nowhere will impress oenophiles more than a tour of Seppeltsfield, the Seppelt family estate, distillery, and underground cellars. Embark on a private tasting of the 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny, believed to be part of the world’s only unbroken lineage of single vintage wines spanning more than 130 years. Sip a bottle from your birth year and walk slowly among the vines to fully appreciate Australia’s striking natural beauty.