1
Swartland
South Africa
33°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in South Africa during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 33°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:17–33°C
Chenin BlancSyrahGrenache
Budget ~$40/dayExplore
Best Wine Regions to Visit in Winter
Don't hibernate — explore. These 15 wine regions stay warm, welcoming, and often cheaper when the rest of Europe shuts down.
☀️ 15 Southern Hemisphere (summer harvest)🌿 0 warm Northern Hemisphere destinations
How we selected these: From our weather database of 134 wine regions, we identified destinations where December–February average daily highs exceed 12°C. Southern hemisphere regions are in summer during these months and always qualify.
15 Wine Regions Worth Visiting in Winter
Sorted by average December–February daytime high temperature. All regions shown are above 12°C in the coldest part of the year.
2
Mendoza
Argentina
32°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Argentina during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 32°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:17–32°C
MalbecCabernet SauvignonBonarda
Budget ~$50/dayExplore
3
Cape Winelands (Paarl/Wellington)
South Africa
32°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in South Africa during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 32°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:17–32°C
ShirazCabernet SauvignonChenin Blanc
Budget ~$45/dayExplore
4
Colchagua Valley
Chile
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Chile during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:13–30°C
CarmenereCabernet SauvignonSyrah
Budget ~$40/dayExplore
5
Barossa Valley
Australia
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Australia during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:15–30°C
ShirazCabernet SauvignonGrenache
Budget ~$90/dayExplore
6
Hunter Valley
Australia
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Australia during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:18–30°C
SemillonShirazChardonnay
Budget ~$85/dayExplore
7
Franschhoek
South Africa
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in South Africa during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:16–30°C
SemillonShirazCabernet Sauvignon
Budget ~$55/dayExplore
8
Uco Valley
Argentina
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Argentina during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:14–30°C
MalbecCabernet FrancPinot Noir
Budget ~$45/dayExplore
9
Clare Valley
Australia
30°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Australia during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 30°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:14–30°C
RieslingShirazCabernet Sauvignon
Budget ~$70/dayExplore
10
Maipo Valley
Chile
29°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Chile during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 29°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:13–29°C
Cabernet SauvignonCarmenereMerlot
Budget ~$50/dayExplore
11
Stellenbosch
South Africa
29°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in South Africa during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 29°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:16–29°C
Cabernet SauvignonPinotageShiraz
Budget ~$50/dayExplore
12
McLaren Vale
Australia
29°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Australia during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 29°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:15–29°C
ShirazGrenacheCabernet Sauvignon
Budget ~$80/dayExplore
13
Salta (Cafayate)
Argentina
28°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Argentina during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 28°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:16–28°C
TorrontesMalbecCabernet Sauvignon
Budget ~$35/dayExplore
14
Vale dos Vinhedos
Brazil
28°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Brazil during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 28°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:17–28°C
MerlotCabernet SauvignonChardonnay
Budget ~$40/dayExplore
15
Margaret River
Australia
27°C
Summer (harvest season)
It’s summer in Australia during Northern winter — catch harvest season with warm 27°C days.
Dec–Feb temps:15–27°C
Cabernet SauvignonChardonnaySauvignon Blanc
Budget ~$100/dayExplore
Tips for Winter Wine Travel
Southern hemisphere = summer harvest
When it's December in Europe, it's harvest season in South Africa, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. You can witness the actual grape picking and taste from-the-barrel wines.
Off-peak = better prices
Mediterranean wine regions like Sicily and Madeira are far cheaper in winter. Accommodation rates drop 30–50% outside of summer peak.
Winter tastings are more personal
Smaller crowds mean winemakers have time for you. January in Rioja or Mendoza means private cellar visits that would cost a premium in harvest season.
Pack layers even in warm regions
A 16°C day feels different in a hillside cellar than on the town square. Evenings drop quickly in most wine regions, regardless of winter averages.
Plan Your Winter Escape
Use our cost calculator to estimate your trip budget, or browse seasonal guides to find the best time to visit any wine region.