Introduction
Wine has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, and there are few pleasures that rival a perfectly paired glass of wine with a delicious meal. When it comes to wine regions, Napa Valley in California is often the first place that comes to mind. But, there are many other wine regions around the world that offer unique and exciting experiences that are worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a look at 7 surprising wine regions that should be on your bucket list.
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is a province in Argentina that is known for its world-class Malbec wines. The region is located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, which provide a unique climate for growing grapes. Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina, producing more than 70% of the country’s wine. The region is known for its high altitude vineyards, which can reach up to 5,000 feet above sea level. This altitude provides cooler temperatures and a longer growing season, which results in grapes with higher acidity and more complex flavors.
One of the best ways to experience the wines of Mendoza is to take a wine tour. There are many companies that offer tours of the region, which typically include visits to several wineries, tastings, and a lunch or dinner. Some of the most popular wineries in Mendoza include Bodega Catena Zapata, Bodega Norton, and Bodega Salentein.
Douro Valley, Portugal
The Douro Valley is located in northern Portugal and is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The region is known for its production of Port wine, which is a sweet fortified wine that is typically served as a dessert wine. The Douro Valley is also known for its dry red wines, which are made from a blend of grapes that are unique to the region.
The Douro Valley is a stunningly beautiful region, with steep terraced vineyards that overlook the Douro River. The best way to experience the wines of the Douro Valley is to take a boat tour of the river, which offers stunning views of the vineyards and the surrounding hills. There are also many wineries in the region that offer tours and tastings.
Yarra Valley, Australia
The Yarra Valley is located in the state of Victoria, Australia, and is known for its cool climate wines. The region is located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, making it an easy day trip from the city. The Yarra Valley is known for its production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines.
The best way to experience the wines of the Yarra Valley is to take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. This unique experience offers stunning views of the vineyards and the surrounding mountains. There are also many wineries in the region that offer tours and tastings, as well as restaurants that offer local cuisine paired with local wines.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, and is known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and beautiful beaches. But, the island is also home to a unique wine region that produces wines that are unlike any other in the world. The vines on the island are grown in the volcanic soil, which gives the wines a unique mineral taste.
The best way to experience the wines of Santorini is to take a tour of the wineries on the island. There are many small, family-owned wineries that offer tours and tastings, as well as restaurants that offer local cuisine paired with local wines.
Okanagan Valley, Canada
The Okanagan Valley is located in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, and is known for its production of ice wine. Ice wine is a sweet dessert wine that is made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. The Okanagan Valley is one of the few places in the world that has the ideal conditions for producing ice wine.
In addition to ice wine, the Okanagan Valley is also known for its production of dry white and red wines. The region has a unique climate, with hot summers and cool winters, which creates ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varietals.
The best way to experience the wines of the Okanagan Valley is to take a tour of the wineries in the region. There are many wineries that offer tours and tastings, as well as restaurants that offer local cuisine paired with local wines.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region is located in upstate New York and is known for its production of Riesling wines. The region has a cool climate, which creates ideal growing conditions for Riesling grapes. The Finger Lakes region is also known for its production of other white wines, as well as some red wines.
The best way to experience the wines of the Finger Lakes region is to take a tour of the wineries in the region. There are many wineries that offer tours and tastings, as well as restaurants that offer local cuisine paired with local wines. In addition to wine, the Finger Lakes region is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with many lakes, waterfalls, and parks to explore.
Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough is located in the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and is known for its production of Sauvignon Blanc wines. The region has a cool climate, with warm days and cool nights, which creates ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Marlborough is the largest wine region in New Zealand and is known for its high-quality wines.
The best way to experience the wines of Marlborough is to take a tour of the wineries in the region. There are many wineries that offer tours and tastings, as well as restaurants that offer local cuisine paired with local wines. In addition to wine, Marlborough is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with many hiking and biking trails, as well as water activities on the nearby coast.
Conclusion
There are many surprising wine regions around the world that are worth exploring. From the high altitude vineyards of Mendoza to the unique volcanic soil of Santorini, there is something for every wine lover to discover. So, next time you’re planning a wine-themed vacation, consider adding one of these surprising wine regions to your bucket list.
