Story by Valentina Phillips
Photos courtesy of wine region associations
South Moravia, Czech Republic
While the Czech Republic is renowned for its beer, an undiscovered world of wine awaits travelers. South Moravia, in particular, is emerging as a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts looking for authentic experiences. The Moravian wine region offers a captivating blend of centuries-old winemaking traditions and picturesque vine-covered landscapes. The area is famous for its crisp and aromatic whites from Grüner Veltliner, Müller-Thurgau, and Riesling. Among the reds, prevalent choices include Pinot Gris, Frankovka (also known as Blaufränkisch), and the uniquely Moravian Pálava.
Begin your journey into the Moravian wine region from the charming city of Brno, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and an ideal launchpad for exploring the unique world of Czech wines. Another gem awaits in the town of Valtice, affectionately dubbed the "wine capital of the Czech Republic." Explore the curated collection of top Moravian and Bohemian wines in the cellars of the baroque Château Valtice and enjoy a delightful tasting experience.
Thracian Valley, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's Thracian Valley has a rich winemaking history that dates back 7,000 years to the time of the Thracians, who held a deep reverence for the god of wine, Dionysus. Rolling landscapes, ancient Thracian ruins, and a terroir that turns grapes into liquid poetry – from bold reds to crisp whites. The region offers various flavors, with dominant grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc and indigenous grapes such as Mavrud, Rubin, Pamid, and red Misket. Embark on a captivating adventure through family-owned wineries and modern estates, where the fusion of traditional and innovative winemaking techniques unveils Bulgaria's rich vinicultural legacy. Just a stone's throw away, the town of Plovdiv invites you to delve into its vibrant history, with highlights like the ancient Roman Theater, charming Old Town, and a bustling contemporary atmosphere that adds a touch of modern flair to your wine-soaked exploration.
Vaud, Switzerland
Stretching along the shores of Lake Geneva, the wine region of Vaud in Switzerland is a hidden gem, boasting a rich viticultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The heart of Vaud's wine country lies in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 30 kilometers along the lake. This meticulously crafted landscape, with its steep terraces overlooking the water, creates a stunning backdrop for some of Switzerland's finest wines.
The region mainly cultivates the Chasselas grape, which produces elegant white wines with a distinct character influenced by the lake's moderating effect on temperatures and the meticulous craftsmanship of local winemakers. Pinot Noir flourishes in the cooler climate, producing delicate and expressive red wines.
The charming villages scattered throughout the region invite visitors to explore historic cellars, where the art of winemaking is passed down through generations. Wine tours offer an immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to savor the flavors of Vaud while soaking in the panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
Vayots Dzor, Armenia
Armenia is celebrated as one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions, with a winemaking history spanning millennia. The crown jewel of its wine scene is the region of Vayots Dzor, home to what is believed to be the world's oldest winery, dating back approximately 6,100 years. Vayots Dzor's long, narrow plateau distinguishes itself with vineyards reaching nearly 6,000 feet above sea level. Armenia boasts a rich array of indigenous grape varieties, with Areni Noir standing out as the most prominent. It produces medium-bodied reds with cherry and strawberry notes intertwined with black pepper aromas, often likened to the freshness, silkiness, and transparency of Pinot Noir. Additionally, Voskehat, Armenia's signature white grape, meaning "golden berry," creates light to medium-bodied wines with floral and stone fruit aromas complemented by hints of herbs and citrus.
The beautiful Armenian Highlands, with vineyards framed against ancient monasteries and mountain vistas, add to the charm of exploring the region's wines. In this beautiful setting, boutique wineries offer a warm welcome, allowing visitors to experience Armenian hospitality and immerse themselves in winemaking.
Styria, Austria
Known as the "Green Heart" of Austria, Styria's vine-covered hills and ancient forests create a mesmerizing canvas for a wine journey off the beaten path. While lesser-known than some of its European counterparts, Styria has been quietly gaining recognition for its distinctive terroir and dedication to producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc. The region's Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its vibrant acidity, crisp minerality, and aromatic profile with green apple, citrus, and elderflower notes. This white varietal has become a signature of Styria, drawing wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Styria's wine scene, however, extends beyond Sauvignon Blanc. The region is a haven for diverse white grape varieties, including Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat. The rugged vineyards, renowned as some of the world's steepest, accessible by foot, offer a unique terroir that imparts character to the wines. The opportunity to explore Styria's cultural heritage, visit historic cellars, dine in local eateries, and venture into the charming city of Graz completes the sensory journey.
Istria, Croatia
Tucked away on the northeastern edge of the Adriatic Sea, Istria is an idyllic retreat for food and wine connoisseurs. The stunning landscapes, with lush vineyards, medieval castles, olive groves, and secret truffle forests, set the stage for a unique wine adventure.
The Istrian Peninsula, characterized by a captivating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, reveals a side that extends beyond its famous truffles and olive oils. Family-owned boutique wineries welcome visitors to explore their cellars, where modern winemaking techniques blend harmoniously with ancient traditions. Indigenous grape varieties like Malvasia, Istriana, and Teran contribute an authentic touch to the region's diverse wine offerings.
The gastronomic scene perfectly complements the wine experience, offering a well-rounded journey for enthusiasts of both food and wine.
Guanajuato, Mexico
While Mexico is widely recognized for its Tequila and Mezcal, Guanajuato is steadily gaining prominence in the world of wine. Emerging as a key player in the Mexican wine industry, Guanajuato owes its success to its rich history and its ideal climate for grape cultivation. Today, the region stands as the fifth-largest grape producer in the country.
Annually, Guanajuato yields over 1,240,000 liters of wine, showcasing a diverse array of grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Sémillon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Beyond the vineyards, Guanajuato enchants with its charming colonial towns, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. The town of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a gateway to the region's wine country, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and wine discovery.
Kakheti, Georgia
If you're a wine enthusiast and have yet to consider adding Georgia to your travel plans, there is always time to correct that oversight. Georgian wine is gaining widespread acclaim, with its epicenter in the region of Kakheti. A substantial 70% of the country's grapes originate from Kakheti, showcasing a diverse array of grape varietals, including Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Mtsvane, Khikhvi, Kisi, and Saperavi.
One of the most distinctive and ancient among traditional Georgian wines is the white Kakhetian wine, also known as orange or amber wine. This unique wine undergoes maceration for several months, with the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes all within buried Qvevri.
Kakheti, however, is more than just a wine destination. Its mountainous landscape with ancient monasteries, castle towers, beautiful forests, and cerulean rivers contributes to its allure. The region also offers world-class hotels, hosts unforgettable festivals, and is known for its exceptionally friendly locals.
Moldova
Moldova's winemaking heritage runs deep, engaging around 25% of the country's population in various aspects of wine production. This cultural connection is evident in families who pass down unique blends and grape strains through generations. While commercial plantings are predominantly European grape varieties, Moldova boasts a notable presence of local varieties, including Fetească Neagră, Rara Neagră, and Fetească Regală.
Moldova is also home to the Mileștii Mici winery, celebrated for having the world's most extensive wine collection, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005. The vast underground cellars, carved out of limestone, cover an astounding 250 km, highlighting the meticulous care Moldovans devote to their wines.
Moldovan hospitality, combined with the affordability of this emerging wine destination, provides an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to savor exquisite wines and experience the warmth of the local culture.
