6 Surprising Destinations for Wine Lovers
I love including wine tastings as an experience during travel, and last year discovered an unusual destination had a strong wine culture, which inspired me to explore other countries that are surprising wine regions…
If you have even a passing interest in wine, then you will know about some of the most well-known wine producing regions in the world. Think Bordeaux in France, Tuscany in Italy and Stellenbosch in South Africa. You may not, however, be familiar with Hungary’s Tokaj region, or Naoussa in Greece.
When planning travel, I love to include experiences as well as sightseeing, and wine tastings and vineyard tours can be an interesting and enriching way to learn about a destination. I’ve been surprised by some of the locations that have a strong wine culture I’ve never heard of. When I went to Budapest last year, I enjoyed a fabulous 2+ hour educational and tasting session in a wine cellar, where we tried 8 different wines paired with charcuterie and cheeses. Who would think Hungary has a big wine culture, much less 22 different wine regions?
That inspired me to look beyond the typical wine destinations, and I have selected six surprising countries that have up-and-coming wine regions away from the more commonly visited tourist path. These countries generally offer quieter and more reasonably priced wine tasting experiences and vineyard tours, and the actual wine itself is just as good, if not better. Read on to find out where you should go for your next memorable wine experience.
Hungary
Located in Eastern Europe, Hungary has emerged onto the tourist scene in the last few years, with the capital city of Budapest becoming a firm city break favorite.
When it comes to wine, the Tokaj region, to the country’s north-east, is best. It is known for Tokaji Aszu, a sweet wine made using centuries old traditions and grown on volcanic soil. Visitors to Tokaj can tour the historic cellars of family-run vineyards and taste a selection of the aromatic wines that the region is known for.
Tokaj is located close to the Polish border and near the city of Krakow, another excellent city break destination. Nearby Eger is renowned for its hilltop castle and military history – a Turkish rebellion was famously repelled here in 1552. According to legend, the Hungarians managed to defeat the Turks despite being drunk on the still-produced local red wine, Egri Bikaver, which translates in English to “Bull’s Blood”.
Austria
Austria is best known for its towering mountain peaks and skiing opportunities. But in amongst this rugged topography are pockets of fertile land ideal for wine production.
One such area is the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, famed for the crisp Grüner Veltliner white wine. Austria’s varying elevation means many different grapes can be grown here, leading to a dizzyingly diverse selection for a country which produces just 1% of the world’s wine. Consider combining a summer hiking or cycling trip in the Austrian Alps with visits to mountain vineyards, and make sure to visit the grand capital of Vienna, and Salzburg, birthplace of legendary composer Mozart.
Israel
The USA is the largest importer of Israeli wine, but the Middle Eastern country is a surprisingly large producer, with 350 wineries spread across five regions of the nation. The Golan Heights and the area around Galilee are the most productive, with the award-winning Yarden brand responsible for a large number of varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Winemaking in Israel can be traced back to biblical times, and visitors to wineries can learn about the history of wine in the country.
It may be awhile before Israel is back on the frequent travel circuit, but it should definitely be on your future bucket list if you have not been. Beyond wine, other destinations to visit on a trip to Israel include the Old City in Jerusalem, modern and coastal Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea, where travelers can float like a cork in the salty, mineral-rich waters.
Switzerland
If you have never seen a Swiss bottle of wine in a restaurant or a supermarket before, it’s because it very rarely gets exported. Meaning you have to travel to this landlocked alpine nation to try it for yourself!
Like Austria, Switzerland has a very mountainous terrain, but there are around
37,000 acres of vineyards spread throughout the milder south and west of the country. The western region of Lavaux, in particular, is renowned for its Pinot Noir and the fruity Chasselas white that pairs exceedingly well with the local cuisine. Many of the vineyards in this area overlook Lake Geneva, making for quite the backdrop. An interesting fact is that Switzerland is home to the world’s smallest vineyard, in Saillon. Vigne à Farinet covers just 10 square feet of land and is home to three vines. It is owned by, of all people, the Dalai Lama – it was gifted to him in 1999. Travelers can visit to see this novelty and appreciate the stunning surroundings.
Croatia
Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, with reliable sunshine, a long Adriatic coastline and hundreds of picturesque islands to explore. The island of Hvar, known as the sunniest in Croatia, allows travelers to combine wine tasting with relaxation.
But when it comes to wine, the Istrian Peninsula on the north-west coast is a leader. The Mediterranean climate here offers the perfect conditions for growing grapes and is thought to be one of the oldest wine producing regions in Europe. Production is small-scale and exclusive, covering just 10,000 acres. However, there are plenty of secluded wine cellars that travelers can visit.
Greece
Birthplace of one of the world’s most successful civilizations, wine production in Greece dates back centuries. Greece’s diverse landscape of islands allows for an array of different grapes to thrive – from the crisp Assyrtiko of Santorini’s volcanic soil to the most famous Greek wine, Retsina, which gains its unique flavor from tree resins and is grown around Athens and elsewhere across the country.
Another popular wine producing region is Naoussa, located in the north of Greece. It produces Xinomavro, a complex red. Visitors here can explore family-owned wineries and learn about the winemaking traditions passed down the generations.
Elevate Your Travel Experience
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just a curious traveler, delving into these unexpected wine regions can add a delightful twist to your adventures. Adding a wine tasting experience or a vineyard visit to your itinerary can enrich your understanding of these regions and offer a fresh take on their traditions. Engage all your senses and create memorable stories, ensuring your travels are as fulfilling and celebratory as the wines you encounter along the way.