The World Cup is only a year away with the scheduled start date set in June 2009. The World Cup is similar to the Olympics in that it brings people together from all over the world for a rollicking good time. This World Cup is also a chance to experience the wines of South Africa.

Nobody is looking forward to the World Cup more than the wineries of South Africa. Wine has been produced for hundreds of years in South Africa, but it was a local business only during the years of Apartheid when international embargoes were in place. The embargoes ended with Apartheid, but South African wine has never really seemed to catch on. This is a mistake as there are many excellent vineyards in the country.

South African wine is unique because most of the grapes produced are based on cross-breading of various vines. This makes the varietal claims of the vineyards fairly humorous as it seems every grape is a mix of two or more competing vines. Regardless, the result is a bevy of unique wines that are often like nothing you've tasted before.

The best of the wines in South Africa are the Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinotage. Despite the names, each is the result of a cross-breading program. The Chenin Blanc can be hard to find because the name is not used in the country. Instead, ask for "Steen." The Pinotage is uniquely South African and excellent. It is a cross breading of Pinot Noir and the Cinsault grape of France. All and all, these are wines you do not want to miss.

Should you go to South Africa just to taste the various wine offerings? Probably not. It is a long, expensive trip for most people of the world. Going for the World Cup, however, makes sense. When your team inevitably gets bounced out, you'll have a side trip to take with the promise that you'll experience a new vintage that will have you taking notes in your wine journal and pasting labels from bottles!

Thomas Ajava writes for Nomad Journals - where you can buy a wine journal that makes a great wine gift for wine lovers to record their experiences in.

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Considered to be one of the famous wine capitals of the world, a tour to Paris would not be complete without engaging in the exquisite event of wine tasting. Almost every tour that is available in Paris offers wine tasting as it is very much a part of the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating city. Wine has grown to become a regular beverage enjoyed at every meal. Some of the popular French wines that tourists should definitely sample are Bordeaux, Alsace, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Burgundy.

Almost all restaurants and bars in Paris will have an extensive list of wines that are part of its beverage list. Visitors can taste these fine wines by themselves or book a wine tasting tour. Sensational French wines can be tasted in the classy atmosphere of a mezzanine overlooking the Eiffel Tower, at cozy cellars near the Louvre Museum or even in the romantic atmosphere of a cruise followed by delicious French cuisine. For those wishing to taste wines in the more relaxed and casual atmosphere of bistros, places such as the Left Bank Wine Promenade, the Right Bank Wine Promenade and the Monmatre are ideal. Parisian bars like Chateau's and Willi's offer wine tasting sessions which are scheduled in advance.

Travellers looking to understand and appreciate more about wines and wine tasting in Paris can actually take up some lessons to learn about the subject of wine which will enhance the visitor's experience of wine tasting. There is also a museum displaying a wonderful collection of items that relate to wine making. Located within the ancient cellars of the Passy abbey, this museum is an interesting place to visit.

Tourists looking for a Paris luxury hotel to stay in should consider the Le Royal Monceau, Paris, France, which is a haven of extraordinary comfort, elegance and artistic charm located in the heart of the city. This luxury hotel in Paris is part of the world renowned Raffles group, and is the perfect base for an unforgettable and relaxing holiday.

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Being home to five prominent wine producing regions, Sonoma County is remarkably unique in its own way. Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Los Carneros District, Alexander Valley, and Russian River District make up these five regions. With more than 200 different wineries, each representing its unique culture, history, and people, Sonoma Valley is a great place for wine tasting and touring. Yes, it is possible to visit more than one wine-producing region in a day, but it is advisable to concentrate on spending your leisure time in one winery at a time. There are plenty of customized wine tour services that help tourists plan out exciting wine tours to wine county of Sonoma. Whether you are just a curious tourist, a novice, or an experienced wine aficionado, these tour services can design a tour for you accordingly.

Apart from providing top quality transportation and services, Sonoma Valley customized wine tours can also personalize a trip to meet your specific needs. Whether you are staying in Sonoma Valley or Napa Valley, these custom tours offer the best in transportation services. Most full service transportation companies can accommodate groups of varying sizes. Sonoma Valley custom wine tours operate with Stretch Limousines, Mini Buses, New Lincoln Town cars, Full Size Motor Coaches, Custom Vans, and Corporate Suburbans.

You can sit back and enjoy yourself while sipping on some complimentary fine sparkling wine in any of the latest luxury vehicles. What is more, your knowledgeable tour guides or chauffeurs will take you to the winery of your choice, or you may also arrange for one of the pre-scheduled itineraries.

Here are a few of the Sonoma Valley customized wine tour packages:

. The Four Hour Sonoma Valley Custom Wine Tour: The shortest of all the customized tours, it is offered from Sunday to Friday. The tour starts off with a private stretch limo picking up your party from any location in Sonoma Valley. You will be welcomed with complimentary champagne, and the chauffeur will personally guide you through some of the finest wineries in Sonoma. You are given the opportunity of tasting different varieties of wine.

. The Six Hour Sonoma Valley Custom Wine Tour: For first-time tourists, this wine tour is the best. A private stretch limo will pick up your party, and you will be pampered with complimentary champagne. You will have the opportunity to visit four or more premium wineries, and also get to taste some of the finest wines in Sonoma. Touring through some of the oldest wineries in Sonoma, you will learn a lot about winemaking, and will further acquire your own individual appreciation for fine vintages. Finally, there will be a gourmet picnic lunch at one of the wineries.

. The Eight Hour Sonoma Valley Custom Wine Tour: Similar to the six hour custom wine tour, the eight hour tour starts from any location in San Francisco or East Bay.

The Sonoma Valley customized wine tours also provide public tours throughout the Napa Valley and Sonoma County wine producing regions. Tour vehicles depart on a daily basis from any of the Sonoma County or Napa Valley hotels. Besides being a fun-filled experienced, taking a customized wine tour is also quite affordable.

So, if you are planning on visiting San Francisco or the Bay Area, then you should consider taking one of the wine tours for a day of adventure and fun that will leave you with the most pleasant of memories.

Sacramento Wine Tours are a once in a lifetime treat. Luxury Limousines has the newest fleet of Sacramento Limos to take you on a wine tour. Visit http://www.luxxlimo.com for more information.