1. Discover unique wine regions beyond the classic favorites.
2. Explore the hidden gems of Bolivia, Israel, Sweden, South Africa, Texas, England, France, China, Virginia, and Jordan.
If you’ve already sipped your way through Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Napa, and are ready to take your wine vacation to a new level, you’ll need to go off the beaten path. Even seasoned travelers may not know about the cider-producing pockets of Sweden or the rolling vineyards of Texas Hill Country. We asked iBestTravel’s A-List of top travel advisors for their recommendations of lesser-known wine regions that deliver stunning views and delicious pours — with almost no crowds.
1. Southern Bolivia
“I love sending wine buffs to Tarija, Bolivia, and the surrounding villages in the foothills of the Andes, along the flanks of the deep red Cinti canyon. This region is responsible for 80% of the country’s wine and is known to locals as ‘Bolivian Andalusia,’ with a Mediterranean-style climate of sunny, warm days and cool nights. Bolivian wines have been described as wild, fruity, and easy to drink, and are slowly breaking into the international scene. It is a unique style that is not French, nor New World, and not your typical icon wines of South America. Some of the vineyards are more than 300 years old and still have original vine stock from the 17th century.” — Thomas Robinson, Dehouche
2. Israel
“Israel — yes, Israel — has come of age as a wine region. After all, the locals have been producing wine here for over 5,000 years. In the mountainous northern regions of Golan and Galilee, I suggest the Pelter and Chateau Golan wineries, and I like Castel and Clos de Gat in the Judean Hills. Even in the Negev Desert, people grow grapes in the ancient style. Nana and Carmai Avdat vineyards have exquisite wines.” — Joe Yudin, Touring Israel
3. Skåne County, Sweden
“The coastal county of Skåne, in southeast Sweden, has beautiful white sand beaches and is very popular with Swedes as a summer getaway. It’s also emerging as a center for wine and cider production because of its bounty of orchards. Try a tasting at Kiviks Musteri.” — Melissa Lee, Royal Travel
4. Elgin, South Africa
“The Elgin region of South Africa’s famed wine country is a bit off the popular track and has a different ecosystem. It is higher in elevation, colder, closer to the coast, and the soil is more gravely. Thus, you get very different wines and varietals. The Pinots are great and the Sauvignon Blancs very crisp. It is definitely worth the detour!” — Cherri Briggs, Explore Africa
5. Texas Hill Country
“As a resident of the Texas Hill Country, I have to brag and say that the wine country west of Austin and north of San Antonio now produces more wine annually than Sonoma County in California. And some of these Texas wines are very, very good now.” — Keith Waldon, Departure Lounge
6. Sussex, England
“English sparkling wine is becoming more popular than Champagne from France. Many of our clients enjoy learning about the intricate traditional method of making English sparkling wine at places like Coolhurst Vineyard in West Sussex.” — Nicola Butler, Noteworthy UK
7. Jura and Alsace, France
“Every major wine region in France has a lesser-known part. In Burgundy, head to the north of the region for some exceptional whites on the Côtes d’Auxerre at under $10 a bottle. Moreover, if you enjoy Sancerre and Pouilly Fumés, then try some of the exceptional offerings from nearby Mentou-Salon or Reuilly. Other off-the-radar regions include Jura, east of Burgundy, and the Alsace, which amazes me every time I go tasting there.” — Philip Haslett, Kairos Travel
8. Ningxia Hui, China
“China is in the midst of its wine revolution and the unlikely northern Ningxia Hui autonomous region is at the helm. It’s mostly dry and desert-like, and has been economically underdeveloped. However, the wineries opened up by entrepreneurs in recent years are not only changing the region’s economic image but also its image as a tourist destination.” — Mei Zhang, Wild China
9. Charlottesville, Virginia
“Charlottesville is becoming the new Napa. Positioned near a triangle of fabulous restaurants — the classic Inn at Little Washington, the recently renovated Kewsick Hall, and the always incredible Pippin Hill — it’s the perfect escape for a long weekend of indulgent meals and wine tasting. Look out for this region!” — Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond
10. Mafraq, Jordan
“Though much of the country does not drink, Jordan has a tradition of winemaking going back to ancient times. The first modern vineyard in the country, Haddad Estates & Vineyards, recently launched tours a few years ago.” — Crisney Lane, Mosaic Safaris
