Wine connoisseurs delight in traveling the four corners of the globe to visit wineries and vineyards that produce classic wines and champagnes. Many of the world's top wineries allow guests to explore their aromatic vineyards as well as sample the tasty vintages that they passionately create. We have handpicked a few of our favorite wineries offering tours and wine tasting for those yearning to experience firsthand the time-honored art form of winemaking:

LEESBURG, VA

Tarara Winery (703.771.7100) Tarara Winery, just a scenic 50-minute drive from Washington DC, is a 475-acre farm committed to the process of creating award-winning wines. Take a day trip to this charming winery to tour the grounds and sample its fine Merlot, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and other fine vintages, or spend a relaxing weekend at the winery's romantic bed and breakfast. Tours and wine tasting offered daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tarara hosts a variety of live concerts and festivals throughout the year. www.tarara.com

NAPA VALLEY, CA
The name Napa Valley is synonymous with winemaking. Here is just a sampling of what California's breathtaking wine country has to offer:

Bouchaine Vineyards (707.252.9065) Bouchaine, featuring over 100 lush acres of vineyards in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, produces ultra-premium Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine tasting is featured daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Tours available by appointment. www.bouchaine.com

Chateau St. Jean (707.833.4134) Explore the scenic gardens and magnificent chateau on the grounds of this historic vineyard and winery. This award winning winemaker is the only winery ever to have five of its vintages listed at one time on the Top 100 Wines list in the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. A tour of this exceptional winemaking facility, as well as wine tasting, is available upon request. www.chateaustjean.com

Hakusan Sake Gardens (707.258.6160) Hakusan Sake Gardens offers informative tours through their traditional Japanese gardens and innovative sake brewery. Guests must make reservations for sake tasting featuring 5 to 6 sake varieties, a private tour of the facility, and a traditional sake gift set (admission prices vary depending on the tour package). www.hakusan.com

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA

Konzelmann Estate Winery (905.935.2866) Konzelmann Winery, established in 1893 by Friedrich Konzelmann of Uhlbach Germany, now safely rests in the hands of his great grandson, Herbet Konzelmann who moved this award-winning winery to Ontario in 1984. An informal tour of this beautiful lakefront vineyard and winery is given daily for just $2 per person. Private tours such as the Connoisseur, VIP, and Winemaker's tour are offered at various prices (reservations required). www.konzelmannwines.com

REIMS, FRANCE - THE CITY OF CHAMPAGNE
For close to 300 years, Reims (tourist office 33.03.26.77.45.25), known as 'The City of Champagne,' has been the birthplace for many of today's celebrated champagne developers. Here's a sampling of Reims' numerous champagne cellars currently open to the public:

Champagne G.H. Mumm (33.3.26.49.59.70) Established in 1827, Mumm today has over 25 million bottles of the bubbly on display in its historic cellars. Make reservations to take a 1-hour guided tour of the cellars, followed by a free champagne tasting. www.mumm.com

Champagne Lanson (33.3.26.78.50.50) Champagne Lanson, established in 1760, is one of the oldest but most revered Champagne Houses in France. This fine institution offers a 1-hour tour of its cellars starting with a lecture on its prime vineyards, continuing through the laborious process of champagne production. Reservations required. www.lansonpf.com

Louis Roederer Champagne (33.3.26.40.42.11) Louis Roederer Champagne, one of the largest enduring Champagne Houses in France, was the official supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia in the early 1900s. A visit to their historic cellars is by appointment only. www.champagne-roederer.com

SANTA YNEZ, CA

Sunstone Vineyards and Winery (805.688.9463) Sunstone Vineyards and Winery, located on the central coast of California, is a family-owned operation that takes pride in the fact that their grapes are lovingly hand-harvested and hand-sorted, then placed in small vessels for proper fermentation. Their vineyard is also considered one of the most beautiful in the Santa Ynez Valley. Wine tasting is held daily in the French-style tasting room at just $5 a glass. www.sunstonewinery.com