Editors Note: I am so excited about this article because I feel like a vacation is such a sacred thing.  My suggestion to you is to do a meditation on one of these vineyards this week.  Imagine what it would be like to taste the delicious wine, bask in the gorgeous sun, and be far away from anything stressful.  What does that feel like in your body?  Even if you can’t get to one of these amazing vineyards just yet, allow yourself to feel like you are there through meditation.  ~Nitika~

On your next getaway, skip the standard beach and sun trap and go wine tasting instead. The areas we’ve picked aren’t your packed with tourists vineyards- they’re off the beaten path. Some are domestic, some are international, but we promise you, in all, the wine is guaranteed to be great!

Paso Robles, California

Most travelers to California looking for an oenophile experience head straight to Napa to battle it out with throngs of tourists. Skip the crowds, and head south to the hidden gem of Paso Robles. The region boasts 200 wineries and 26,000 acres of vineyards spread across wooded hills- the third largest concentration in the country. The area is known for turning out cabernet, sauvignon, merlot and syrah vintages, and since many of the wineries are small, it’s likely you’ll be lavished with personal attention by the owners themselves when you visit. Worthwhile stops include Justin Vineyards,  famous for its cult wine, Isoceles (a cabernet and bordeaux blend), Tablas Creek Vineyard known for its organically grown Rhone varietals such as grenache and roussanne, and Wild Horse Winery to sample reasonably priced pinot noirs and chardonnay’s. Most wineries charge a small fee for visiting and tasting and close by 5pm. In between sipping vino, you’ll need to eat so head to Bistro Laurent, a classic French bistro housed in a 19^th century brick building, and nosh on dishes such as mussels gratin and smoked salmon tart. Stay at the Just Inn (from $350), on the grounds of Justin Vineyards. The property has a swimming pool, and the four suites have tapestry-covered furniture, frescoed ceilings and marble baths.  The best way to reach here is to fly into Los Angeles or Santa Barbara and rent a car and drive.  Best Glass: Isoceles at Justin Vineyards

Stellenbosch, South Africa (near Cape Town)

This picturesque region was founded in the late 17^th century, and visitors here will get a distinct sense of history including original Dutch houses and examples of Georgian, Victorian and Regency architecture. Red and white wine lovers can get their fix since the area produces both including merlots and sauvignon blancs. The 140 wineries are spread along four roads- R310, M12, R44 and R304- referred to as the Wine Route. Since distances between the vineyards can be several miles, visitors tend to explore them by car, but some companies such as Bikes N’ Wines offer guided biking tours. Travelers are in for a double treat since going to a winery means not only sampling top notch vino, but also being in the midst of stunningly beautiful estates from the 17^th and 18^th centuries, many of which are still run by the original families. The Moregenhaf Wine Estate, for example, is situated on a steep hill covered with vines and pine trees and has views of the surrounding mountains. While you’re soaking up the panorama, try the chardonnay with fresh coconut rose and hints of lime. Other worthwhile stops include Meerlust to sample Rubicon, an award winning Bordeaux blend and Neethlingshof for its gewurztraminer and Riesling vintages. Dine at Tokara which has vistas of the surrounding valleys and is known for its sauce based dishes such as mussels with banana and orange cream and saddle of lamb in a mushroom and port cream sauce. When it comes time to catch some winks, check into D’Ouwe Werf Country Inn (Rates from $180), a 32-room, 19^th century inn that’s decked out with antiques and four poster beds. For a list of all wineries along the Wine Route, visit www.wineroute.co.za. Get here by flying South African Airways from the U.S. into Cape Town- fares begin at $1400 round trip. It’s an hour drive to Stellenbosch. Best Glass: Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest at Neethlingshof

Marlborough, New Zealand

The first grapes weren’t planted in this region on New Zealand’s South Island until sometime in the 1970s, but it already has 27,000 acres of vineyards, more than quadruple its size ten years ago. Marlborough is now a major player in the international wine scene thanks to its exceptional sauvignon blancs, most of which are produced on a small scale. Although 65% of the wines coming out of here are this white varietal, pinot noir, rieslings and chardonnay’s are also part of the mix. The wineries are spread along the Wairau River and are surrounded by green hills. Most also boast views of Mount Tapuaenuku. Visit Cloudy Bay to try one of the most famous sauvignon blancs in the area. Also a must-visit: Wairau River, situated on the banks of the Wairau, and whose blancs have scooped up awards from numerous publications. For a taste of Rieslings, check out Fromm Winery-La Strada. Since the distances between the wineries can up to 10 miles or more, it’s best to visit them by car. Fill up in between stops at Rocco’s, an Italian boite that dishes up handmade pastas and locally raised meats. Stay at Old St. Mary’s Convent (Rates from $400), a former convent turned deluxe hotel that’s situated in the heart of the region. It’s surrounded by olive groves and has five rooms that look out onto the vineyards. Get here by taking Air New Zealand from any city in New Zealand and flying into Blenheim, Marlborough’s main city. Fares begin at $250 round trip. You can also rent a car in Wellington and make the three hour drive. Best Glass: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hudson Valley, New York

The history of the Hudson Valley wineries dates back to the late 17^th century when the first grapes were planted here. Today, the area which is just 85 miles from New York City, is rich with thoroughbred horse farms, dairies, orchards and lakes. Most of the wineries are on the banks of the Hudson River. There are two main trails: Shawangunk Wine Trail on the west side of the river and on the base Shawangunk Mountains has nine family owned wineries while the Dutchess Wine Trail on the east side of the Hudson has 11 wineries. The region is known for French-American grape varieties such as Seyval Blanc and Baco Noir as well as Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Notable stops include the Warwick Winery & Distillery, built between Mt. Eve and Mt. Adam and turns out rich Cabernet Franc aged in French and American oak barrels. Millbrook Vineyard has standout Chardonnay, and Clinton Vineyards offers Seyval Blanc as a wine and as a crisp and refreshing champagne. Since almost all the wineries are family run operations and tend not be overrun, chances are high that visitors will have the chance to spend time talking and tasting with the owners. The American Bounty Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America is the place for lunch or dinner. Tuck into upscale New American fare using ingredients from the Hudson Valley such as foie gras and free-range chicken. The area has a number of small and charming bed and breakfasts- the Belvedere Mansion (Rates from $105) is one example. Many of the rooms are decked out in French and Italian antiques and have river views, and the price includes a gourmet breakfast. The Hudson Valley is a ninety minute drive from New York City, two hours from Hartford and three-and-a-half-hours from Boston. Best Glass: Clinton Vineyards Seyval Blanc