Excellent Wine Regions in the World You May Have Not Heard Of

I’ve been able to visit some truly incredible wine regions in my many years of travel, and what I’ve found is that there are so many unexpected regions producing some of the most interesting creations! Italy, France, and Napa Valley tend to get the most notice, but you’ll be surprised at some of the places below.

 

For even more alcohol-inspired travel, check out a special episode of Places to Love – “Wine, Beer, & Spirits of the World”

 

Unique Wine Regions You May Not Have Heard Of

Temecula Valley, California

Located in southern California, Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to nearly fifty different wineries. It’s fairly similar to Tuscany, Italy in that its microclimate features morning mist, midday sun, cool air, crisp nights, and a granite-based soil. Feel like you’ve stepped into A Walk in the Clouds at Carter Estate Winery & Resort, which was inspired by the dreamy movie; check out the blended wines at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and don’t miss the fantastic Persian fusion cuisine while wine tasting at Fazeli Cellars Winery. And, of course, get around safely and in style with Sidecar Tours Temecula.

See more in our “California Road Trip” episode

Wellington, South Africa

When it comes to the Western Cape in South Africa, Franschhoek tends to get more of the attention but if you only go there, you’re missing out on the charming Wellington Wine Route. Only about an hour from Cape Town, this area has been called “The Cradle of Wine” thanks to its sheer amount of vineyards and vine nurseries. Not to mention, this is where wines like the chocolate pinotage and white pinotage were born. One of the best wineries to visit is the Bosman Family Vineyards – they’ve been here for eight generations and you can even stay over to really relax and unwind. I’d also join one of the Wellington Wine Walks where you’ll follow local, fully accredited guides around different, scenic trails and wineries over a few days.

Marlborough District, New Zealand

Located in the northeast of South Island, Marlborough is often credited as the region that put New Zealand wine on the map! It’s the country’s largest winegrowing region with four different valleys – Te Hoiere Valley & Kenepuru Sounds, Tōtaranui Valley, Wairau Valley, and Awatere Valley. No surprise, it’s also one of the sunniest places on the island. Get around by bicycle whether on your own or through a tour. The breezy ride lets you really enjoy the views. And if you stop at only one winery, make it Brancott Estate. They were the first place to grow the sauvignon blanc grape, and it’s this wine in particular that has made New Zealand so renowned. Another incredible place is te Pā Wines. Winemaker Haysley MacDonald’s family are descended from the original Māori people that settled here and have worked the land, grown crops, and raised livestock for 800+ years. She planted the first grapes here in 2003  and launched the winery in 2011 to much critical acclaim. Plan to eat here – they get the freshest seafood right from nearby waters.

See more in our “Top of South Island” episode

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Northern California has become renowned for places like Napa and Sonoma Valley – you’d think it’d be obvious that nearby Oregon is also home to a thriving wine industry! However, even now Willamette Valley seems to fly under the radar. Home to a whopping 700 wineries, the valley is actually further split into its own regions. North Valley is known for its rolling hills, historic downtowns, and charming vibe. Mid-Valley is great for families with lots of hiking trails, gardens, cities, and farms. South Valley, where the Willamette and McKenzie rivers converge, is all forest, scenic views, and historic bridges. And then you have the West Cascades, which are great for those of you who want the quiet and adventure of the outdoors. Think mountain biking, campgrounds, wildflower hikes, hot springs, and more. If you can only visit one winery, head to St. Josef’s Winery. Not only are they one of the original Oregon wine pioneers but they also have the very fun catchphrase, “serious wines for the not so serious.”

See more in our “Oregon Family RV Trip” episode

Paso Robles, California

Located smack dab between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you’ll find Paso Robles. The term “wine country” might give the impression that things can get a little snooty. Not here. With its quaint main street and small-town vibe, you can really relax. The area grows about 40 grape varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Chardonnay. A stellar place to start is Justin Winery. Founded in 1981, this vineyard creates world-class Bordeaux-style wines. Another notable vineyard? AronHill Winery & Vineyards. Owned and operated by Judy Aron, the intimate vineyard grows dry-farmed Primitivo—the European sibling to Zinfandel. Judy and her daughter Kathryn personally welcome you to their tasting room, which they treat as an extension of their home. Enjoy lunch on their bistro patio while savoring the idyllic hilltop views.

Yarra Valley, Australia

About an hour from Melbourne, Yarra Valley is one of those places that’s so beautiful, it’s worth booking a trip all the way across the world just to visit here. Despite its nearly 200-year-old legacy as the birthplace of Victorian wine, the region is known for constantly pushing the boundaries of winemaking. It’s home to over eighty wineries but if you only have time for one, make sure you go to Yering Station. It’s the very first vineyard in the valley and the chardonnay is unlike anything you’ve had before. And if you need a break from wine, check out Four Pillars Gin, a nearly zero waste distillery or Healesville Sanctuary where you can meet Australia’s most beloved animals up close.

See more in our “Melbourne, Australia” episode

Guadalupe Wine Valley, Mexico

Did you know one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the Americas resides just a 90-minute drive from San Diego? After colonization by the Spaniards, settlers from Italy and Russia planted grapes in Valle de Guadalupe. Over 300 years later, the Baja California region produces roughly 90 percent of Mexico’s wine. And it’s really, really good. 

The bad news? You’re not going to find bottles of this at your neighborhood wine shop as it’s rarely exported. The good news? That’s all the more reason to visit! Some of the popular varieties you’ll find include Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, and Barbera.

Rheingau, Germany

Located in Hesse along the River Rhine, Rheingau is one of thirteen wine regions in Germany. It may be a smaller region but it’s made a name for itself for its innovativeness in Germany winemaking since the first grapes were planted here in the 900s. Because most of its vineyards are on a south-facing slope from the Taunus mountain range, the conditions are perfect for grape growing. It’s especially become famous for its Riesling, and no one does it better than Weingut Adolf Störzel. His family has been growing grapes in Rheingu for four centuries and 80% of his grapes are riesling. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Schloss Johannisberg, a castle and winery, as well!

Check out our “Rhine River Cruise” episode for more

Vienna, Austria

I know what you’re thinking – Vienna? As in the city? Yes! Vienna is known for a lot of things and viticulture is quickly rising on that list. While many cities have some sort of urban vineyard more for the quirky experience rather than quality drink, Vienna’s wine, Wiener Gemischter Satz, is world class. And its history with grapes goes way back to 1132 AD! With 630 producers working nearly 1700 acres, the focus is mainly on white grapes, especially Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Walk or use the Vienna Heurigen Express to visit and enjoy your wine in a heuriger, Vienna’s version of a biergarten (except, of course, for wine instead of beer). I personally visited the gorgeous Wieninger Winery.  

See more in our “Vienna, Austria” episode

Lavaux, Switzerland

I imagine a lot when I think about Switzerland – snow capped mountains, water so blue it seems dyed, landscapes that seem too beautiful to be real… But until I visited, I don’t think I ever thought of its wines. Believe it or not, Switzerland actually has a long and thriving wine industry – it’s just that they make everything by hand in small batches and nearly all Swiss wine is consumed within the country. So you really do have to visit to see for yourself! 

The Lavaux region in particular goes back to the 1000s and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vineyards are often on steeper terraces, which means they not only get warmth directly from the sun but also from reflections in Lake Geneva and nearby stone walls – making this area feel almost Mediterranean. The best way to get around? Hiking! There are 35 km of trails to wind your way through different vineyards. Be sure to check out Domaine Pascal & Cécile Dance. The Dance family has been working in Lavaux since 1451 and really represents all that makes this region so unique. It’s where I got to sample some of the wine most famous to Lavaux – Chasselas.

See more in our “Lake Geneva and the Valais Region” episode for more

Waipara Valley, New Zealand

Only an hour from Christchurch in North Canterbury, Waipara Valley is located in what’s considered New Zealand’s driest place. Think long, hot summers and cool winters with low rainfall, which means grapes here have a long time to ripen. With 90 different vineyards, most of them independently-owned, the region is known for pinot noir, riesling, and chardonnay. I particularly loved the family-owned and operated Black Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant for their organic and biodynamic wines. Not to mention the views from their land! I’d also recommend checking out Pegasus Bay and Greystone Winery. And come prepared to eat – this valley has just as strong a gastronomy scene as it does wine! The Food Farm is a very cool experience where you can forage with owner Angela Clifford before cooking a meal together. 

See more in our “Christchurch, New Zealand” episode

Verde Valley, Arizona

Roughly two hours north of Phoenix in northern Arizona, you’ll find the Verde Valley. Situated along the Verde River, the region boasts mesas, buttes, and mountain views. It’s hard to believe there’s a wine scene exploding here, but indeed there is! With roots going back to Spanish times, you’ll find about nineteen different wineries and tasting rooms as you follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail, mainly centered around Page Springs, Old Town Cottonwood-Clarkdale, and Jerome. I personally recommend staying in Jerome. It was once a huge copper town known as the “Wickedest Town in the West” and is now the country’s largest ghost town.

 

Sorbara, Italy

I know, I know — how can any wine region of Italy be considered underrated? However I’d argue that most people don’t think of wine when they think of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. However if you look a little closer, you’ll see that this area, especially near Modena, is specializes in Lambrusco wines. Sorbara specifically is unique in that its soil is more sandy and alluvial which means it often produces the highest quality grapes. Stop into Cantina Paltrinieri to learn more about what makes a good Lambrusco wine and taste all their different varieties!

And there you have it – some very unique wine regions around the world that you may have never heard of! Any to add? Sound off below!