France and beyond: These are the best wineries and distilleries to visit abroad | Canada Voices

Despite Champagne’s popularity around the world, the celebrated French sparkling wine region hasn’t always welcomed consumers with open arms. Invitations to Champagne houses are usually limited to special guests and members of the wine trade.

But there’s a new era of hospitality in Reims, France, when Maison Ruinart is inviting in bubbly fans without reservations or entry fees. “We decided to open the Champagne world to the public, to really share our ways and the art of blending,” says Frédéric Dufour, managing director of Champagne Ruinart. In the past, Ruinart would welcome 25,000 visitors. Dufour believes that number could reach 50,000 guests a year without diluting the brand’s legacy of luxury and exclusivity.

Named after the man who founded the Champagne house in 1729, the recently completed Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Fashioned from local stone and glass, the contemporary building is surrounded by a sculpture garden and tree-lined walking path created by landscape artist Christophe Gautrand. Fujimoto’s design was influenced by aesthetic and technical details that relate to Ruinart’s historic buildings and the properties of a glass of sparkling wine. The Pavilion’s UV blocking glass walls and mirrored surfaces play with natural light to evoke the glittery effervescence of Champagne bubbles.

On the pavilion’s terrace or in its lounge, guests are offered different ways to savour a glass of Champagne. A seat at the Bar by Ruinart is a chance to indulge in an inventive list of seasonal drinks and Champagne cocktails paired with a menu of savoury and sweet dishes. Wine collectors will also enjoy the selection of Ruinart Champagnes including exclusive old vintages on offer. “We didn’t want it to be too commercial,” Dufour says. “But after experiencing these beautiful wines, people may want to preserve their memory with some bottles.”

For more, visit ruinart.com.

Beyond France, here’s where to visit

Durigutti Winemakers, Argentina

Brothers Héctor and Pablo Durigutti have worked in Las Compuertas since 2002, expanding a family winery based on old vine malbec and other specialties from Mendoza to become a tourism hot spot. An organic approach in the vineyard and cellar helps sets the tone for Cocina de Finca, the on-site restaurant with a menu that includes an expansive 14 course offering encapsulating the history of Argentine wine. durigutti.com.

Four Pillars Distillery, Australia

There’s a saying in winemaking circles that it takes a lot of beer to make wine (a cold one being the drink of choice during the harvest season). For Australian vintners, credit is also owed to gin. Located on the outskirts of Melbourne, Four Pillars is a welcome addition to the Yarra Valley wine route, luring visitors with tastings and masterclasses including an opportunity to distill your own gin on a micro-still. fourpillarsgin.com.

Marchesi Antinori, Italy

The Antinori family’s winemaking roots in Tuscany date back to 1385, but its estate in Chianti Classico speaks to the future. Modern architecture that’s energy-efficient and built from local materials makes a big impression, while visitors select from different thematic tours that celebrate the family’s history and seasoned approach. A visit isn’t complete without taking in the views and indulging in the regional cuisine offered at the rooftop restaurant, Rinuccio 1180. antinori.it.

Nikka Yoichi Distillery, Japan

Yoichi in Hokkaido was the first whisky distillery founded by Masataka Taketusuru, who selected its location based on its similar climate to Scotland and the purity of its water. Guided tours are only offered in Japanese but the on-site museum offers an immersive dive into Taketusuru’s pursuit to master whisky-making and how it established the country’s quality-minded approach to distilling. The tasting bar features single malts made on site alongside distillery exclusive products. nikka.com.

Paul Cluver Family Wines, South Africa

Working from his family’s estate beneath the Groenlandberg mountain range in Elgin, Paul Cluver has been cultivating top-notch chardonnay, and pinot noir since 1987. The serious and refined styles of wine are internationally celebrated. They’re best enjoyed with a meal, which means grabbing a seat at the on-site restaurant, Bloem, operated by celebrated South African chef Bertus Basson. A leisurely lunch over shared plates and a crisp chardonnay is a must. cluver.com.

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