For those who want to drink in the good life, International Living offers up a few exciting (and affordable) spots to enjoy vino, vin or as we know the fragrant grape goodness—wine—as part of the expat retirement experience.
“Retirees don’t need deep pockets to live in the world’s top wine-producing regions,” according to the travel and leisure website. “In the right locales of respected wine regions, you can retire at a fraction of the cost back in the States.”
Here are some of the top spots to sit and sip (responsibly, people).
Bordeaux, France
Anyone surprised by this? Anyone?
Bordeaux is a wine lover’s paradise, with everything from world-famous estates to small cellars barely known outside of France, IL notes.
“Boasting some of the finest wines in the world, it is also home to a special marathon in Médoc—a wine region just outside Bordeaux. Known as ‘the longest marathon in the world,’ the Wine Marathon du Médoc is like no other. The marathoners don crazy costumes to match a theme that changes each year, then run 26.2 winding miles through scenic vineyards, downing wine, oysters, steak, and ice cream at the refreshment points along the way.”
Montevideo, Uruguay (Wait …what?)
Uruguay doesn’t get much mainstream attention among South America’s wine countries, the site says, which is a shame, “because, thanks to a climate and geography that mimics that of France’s Bordeaux region, Uruguay produces some excellent, full-bodied wines.
The tranquilo (calm) lifestyle attracts expats to Uruguay, especially to the capital Montevideo. Here two people can live on $3,200 a month renting a one-bedroom, furnished apartment in Pocitos, the most popular expat neighborhood in the city.
La Rioja, Spain
Spain’s La Rioja province is in the north, set in the Ebro river valley and at the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains.
“The wines produced here are considered among the best in Spain, if not the world. About 85 percent are reds and come from several grapes, including Tempranillo and Garnacha, which are usually blended to create a classic Rioja vino tinto.”
A wonderful reality of living in La Rioja, IL adds, “is how much further a dollar stretches than at home. A bottle of good wine can be had for around $3. $450 rents a furnished, three-bedroom apartment. That provides enough space for a couple to spread out—with a spare room for guests.”
Guanajuato, Mexico
“Our neighbor south of the border is well known for its tequila and mezcal, but Mexico also produces wines that are gaining increasing fame for their high quality.”
Guanajuato, home to the expat haven of San Miguel de Allende, is one region.
“A string of wineries runs from near Dolores Hidalgo, about 30 miles west of San Miguel, to just south of the city. The ‘Guanajuato wine route’ includes vineyards producing traditional as well as organic wines. The neighboring state of Querétaro is also home to several decent wineries.”
A couple can live comfortably on a monthly budget of $1,650 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Umbria, Italy
“Italians are fiercely proud of their wines,” IL concludes, and wine is produced in just about every part of the country.
“Umbria, the region that lies between Rome and Florence at Italy’s geographic center, has an endless supply of attractive towns and picture-postcard landscapes that seems to encapsulate the best scenery and aspects of Italian life into one land-locked region.”
Although as famous as its neighbor, Tuscany, its winemaking can be traced back to the Benedictine monks.
“The vine-striped hills produce excellent wines—Sagrantino di Montefalco ranks up there among the most noted vintages and Orvieto is perfect for summer enjoyment.”