Last Updated on April 25, 2026 by Goya
From Mexico to Georgia: Discover the World’s 13 Best Underrated Wine Regions
Photo by Nicolas Peršolja
Hey there, fellow wine lovers! If you’re anything like me — always on the lookout for that next new great sip — then you’re in for a treat!
I’ve been lucky enough to wander through some incredible wine countries, and with a little help from my wine-loving blogger friends, we’ve put together a list of 13 lesser known wine regions that are absolutely worth exploring in 2024.
This isn’t just about sipping something new; it’s about discovering the stories, the landscapes, and the passion behind every bottle. From cosy, family-run vineyards to breathtaking landscapes that haven’t hit the mainstream radar yet, we’re excited to share these lesser-known but utterly captivating wine havens with you.
Ready to explore some new wine destinations with us? Perfect, let’s go!
Hey there, just a quick note: this post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue doing what I love and I cannot thank you enough! ♡
Up and Coming Wine Regions in the Americas
#1: Hood River in Oregon, USA
Recommended by Jess from Uprooted Traveler
While Hood River is often overlooked for more prolific wine regions in Oregon and Washington, like the Willamette Valley and Walla Walla, this is a huge oversight.
The surrounding Cascade Mountains trap the cool marine layer and the volcanic soils — due to the proximity to Mount Hood — are rich, providing an excellent environment for grapes to grow. Additionally, sunny days with cool nights, a long growing season, and moderate temperatures lead to the growth of well-balanced grapes.
Oregon’s cooler climate lends to the proliferation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
Make sure to plan a stop at Stave & Stone Winery, which has an excellent selection of Pinot Noirs, a jaw-dropping view of Mount Adams, and is next to one of the best U-pick lavender farms in Oregon.
Phelps Creek Vineyards is another excellent option, with a cosy environment, complete with fire pits, and a famed Chardonnay.
“One of the most popular things to do in Hood River is drive along the adorably named Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive where you’ll pass 27 wineries, cideries, and orchards. Besides grapes, Hood River is renowned for its production of other fruits, like apples and pears, so don’t be surprised to find some speciality fruit wines here as well.”
– Jess
#2: Cafayate, Argentina
Recommended by Nicki from Nicki Posts Travel Stuff
Cafayate is that wine region in Argentina you’ve never heard about, thanks to the fame of Mendoza, further south. It’s located in the northwestern Argentine province of Salta, in an area called the Calchaqui Valley, surrounded by desert plains and multi-coloured rock formations.
Cafayate is one of the highest places in the world that is hospitable for grape growing.
Because of its desert climate and high altitude (5600 ft above sea level), Cafayate receives intense sunlight during the day, and colder temperatures at night, forcing the grapes to grow a thicker skin, extend the growing season, and in turn, create a more balanced taste in the final product.
However, the dry soils of the area add stress to the vines, which leads to fewer grapes being produced, causing higher concentration levels in the final wines. The most common types of wine found in Cafayate are Malbec and Torrontes.
“If you’re looking for a truly indulgent experience in Cafayate, head to Piatelli Vineyards, which also serves as a boutique hotel. You can do wine tours, tastings, and even parings combined with lunch in their restaurant on the patio overlooking the grape vines with the mountains rising in the distance. Reservations are required”
– Nicki
#3: Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Recommended by Hannah from Hannah on Horizon
Mexico may be known for beer and tequila, but they have a growing wine scene in Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley), located in Baja California. Valle Guadalupe is less than an hour from Ensenada, making it a great stop for cruisers or visitors from Southern California.
Valle Guadalupe’s climate is similar to the Mediterranean, with warm temperatures and sunny days almost all year round. However, because it’s close to the Pacific Ocean, it gets breezes and morning fogs, giving the soil some moisture. The soil is mostly made up of loam (which is sand and clay) and granite. This makes the area perfect for growing some of the finest wines.
In Valle Guadalupe, red wine is made from Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. White wine grapes include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
When you’re in Valle Guadalupe for some wine tasting, be sure to check out Monte Xanic, the oldest winery in the region! Monte Xanic produces over 50,000 cases a year.
Casa Magoni is also popular with over 70 grape varieties from around the world!
#4: Finger Lakes, New York, USA
Recommended by Lara from On A Permanent Vacation
When you think of New York, you probably don’t think of wine, but New York actually has around 450 wineries. Over 130 of these wineries are in the Finger Lakes Region, making it the largest wine-producing region in New York.
The Finger Lakes is a cooler area surrounded by large lakes with diverse elevations, think sloping hillsides, and are known for their Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer, as well as their Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Wagner Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, Red Newt Cellars and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards are popular wineries in the NY Finger Lake region.
The Finger Lakes region is also known for their gorgeous landscapes. It’s home to many waterfalls and the popular gorge at Watkins Glen State Park.
This region also hosts many wine tours and festivals and is a great spot for girls’ trips or bachelorette parties.
For a Truly Decadent Experience:
Emerging Wine Regions in Europe
#5: Moravia, Czech Republic
Recommended by Samantha from Undiscovered Path Home
When most people think of the best wine regions in Europe, they immediately think of France, Spain or Portugal. But the Czech Republic’s Moravia region, nestled in the southeastern part of the country, is a hidden gem of a wine region that offers exceptional quality at an affordable price point.
Moravia boasts a rich winemaking tradition dating back centuries, thanks to its unique terroir and favourable climate. It’s a must-visit for any wine aficionados, and it makes for a perfect day trip from Prague, as well.
The terroir of Moravia plays a pivotal role in shaping the character of its wines. The region’s diverse soils and continental climate, including warm summers and crisp autumns, create an ideal climate for growing grapes.
Moravia is perhaps best known for their Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay wines, primarily grown around Palava. Some of the lesser-known, but equally as impressive, wines include Pálava, Silvaner, Traminer and Neuburger varieties.
Moravian winemakers are known for their sweet, extractive wines — and the region boasts a large variety of top-tier, high-end wineries in addition to a large number of local, family-owned wineries.
Some of Moravia’s best-known wineries include Sonberk, Vinarstvi U Kaplicky (specialising in biodynamic winemaking practices), and Templářské sklepy Čejkovice, three stellar wineries which live up to the hype.
“Sonberk is renowned for its elegant Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings with a stunning view over the valley. It’s the one place I take all guests visiting the region!”
– Samantha
TOP TIP: When you visit Moravia, consider walking through one of the region’s bigger wine cities, like Mikulov or Velké Pavlovice, and try out some of the smaller wine cellars — cash only, and local only. You can’t go wrong!
#6: Goriška Brda, Slovenia
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you know that I absolutely love Slovenia! Of its many hidden gems, its unique wine regions, particularly Goriška Brda, should definitely be on every wine lover’s list!
This picturesque region, a mere two-hour drive from the capital and close to the Italian border, is a patchwork of vineyards set against a backdrop of rolling hills, offering a terroir that’s as rich and diverse as its history.
The area is renowned for its Rebula grape, a local speciality that produces some of the most intriguing white wines you’ve likely never tasted. The climate here, influenced by both the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, provides the perfect conditions for this and other varieties like Merlot to flourish.
A visit to Goriška Brda isn’t complete without stopping by Klet Brda, the cooperative winery at the heart of the region’s wine culture, where you can enjoy unforgettable wine tasting (including our favourite, Bagueri Rebula), and stunning views.
If you want, you can even bring your own container (3 litres or more only!) to fill straight from the barrel!
For those eager to explore the road less travelled, Goriška Brda offers stunning landscapes and top-notch wines, making it a wine lover’s paradise that shouldn’t be missed.
For a Taste of Brda:
Want to Go Beyond Goriška Brda?
Check out my Slovenia Travel Guide for inspiration and additional tips!
- The Ultimate Ljubljana Guide — but first: how to pronounce Ljubljana?
- Best Day Trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia — for road trip lovers
- Highlights of Slovenia — Ljubljana and beyond
- Ptuj: Slovenia’s Oldest Town — for wine festival and thermal spas
- Piran: Slovenia’s Coastal Gem — for sea, salt and colourful Venetian-style architecture
- Venice to Ljubljana
- How to Tip in Slovenia?
#7: Stuttgart, Germany
Recommended by Marianne from Galavanting the Globe
Many people are surprised to learn that Stuttgart, Germany is home to an exceptional wine region. This hidden gem is tucked away among the lush, rolling hills of Baden-Württemberg, and is revered for its distinctive terroir.
Stuttgart’s wine region lies in a fertile bowl-shaped valley that gets plenty of sunshine and is shielded by the landscape. It creates an ideal setting for grape growing. The soil composition varies, with a mix of shell limestone and Keuper. This is what gives the local wines a unique mineral quality.
The signature grape in Stuttgart is the Trollinger, which is often celebrated for its light, fresh profile. This wine perfectly complements the regional Swabian cuisine.
Other popular grapes include Riesling and Lemberger. Both of these varieties also contribute to the incredible diversity of Stuttgart’s wine offerings.
There aren’t any formal appellations in Stuttgart like in other wine regions. But the focus is still on producing incredible wines that showcase what this area is all about.
If you are planning to visit Stuttgart, you should consider heading to the Weinbaumuseum (Museum of Viticulture). Housed in the historic “Alte Kelter” in Stuttgart-Uhlbach, the Weinbaumuseum is the perfect spot to start your wine-tasting adventure.
Inside, you’ll find a ton of art, photos, and videos that detail the entire wine-making process. Plus, their glass-walled “Vinothek” lets you taste a rotating selection of local wines, enjoy small bites, and even partake in special wine-tasting events.
Book Your Tickets Here:
#8: Fruška Gora, Serbia
Recommended by Danielle from The Amazing Traveler
Throughout the length of Fruška Gora, below the forest and above the Danube and the Srem plain, stretches Fruškogorje or Wine Srem, one of Serbia’s most beautiful vineyard regions.
For more than 1700 years, the people of Fruškogorje have been nurturing vineyards and wine, pouring their love and sweat into them, and in return, they receive joy, happiness, and a distinct uniqueness that adorns this region. They remained here through wars, plagues, and famine.
Viticulture in Fruška Gora is one of the oldest in Europe, with its beginnings tied to Emperor Probus in the year 276. Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus (232 – 282 AD) lifted the nearly two-century-long ban on wine production in Roman provinces, planting the first vines in the areas around the villages of Divoš and Grgurevci, near Sirmium (today’s Sremska Mitrovica).
“Remnants of buildings and cellars from that era still exist there. Historical records indicate that these first vines were brought from the south of the Apennine Peninsula over 1700 years ago.”
– Danielle
The grapevine found very favourable conditions in Fruška Gora and has thrived from Roman times to the present. In the last two decades, there has been a significant boom in winemaking.
There are as many as 60 wineries in Fruška Gora, with the most renowned being Kovačević, Erdevik (established in 1826), Deuric, and Komuna. The most prevalent varieties are the white and red Slankamenka, Italian Riesling, Crvena Dinka, Šasla, and Frankovka.
Bermet and Ausbruh were the most famous wines of Fruška Gora’s vintners in the 18th and 19th centuries, while in the 20th century, it became the Italian Riesling… As for which wine or wines will stand out in the 21st century, we have yet to find out!
#9: Alentejo, Portugal
Recommended by Ana from We Travel Portugal
The sunbaked Alentejo region in Portugal is one of the best wine regions in Portugal. Although it might be overshadowed by the famous Douro and Vinho Verde regions, for those who want a more authentic and rural wine experience in Portugal, the Alentejo has it all!
The secret to Alentejo’s distinctive wines lies in its unique terroir. The region’s hot, dry climate and rich, diverse soils contribute to the production of bold and flavourful reds.
The region is home to a variety of indigenous grape varieties, such as Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, and Aragonez, which contribute to the deep, complex flavours that Alentejo wines are known for.
These native grapes are often blended with international varieties to create wines that are both unique and familiar to global palates.
What sets Alentejo apart is its understated and even quiet approach to wine tourism. Unlike more commercialized regions, the Alentejo offers an intimate wine experience, that proudly boast of over 2000 years of history. Visitors to vineyards, wineries and wine bars will often find themselves engaging directly with passionate winemakers and wine bar owners, many proudly local.
The heart of the Alentejo, its capital city Évora, is a great place to experience these wines. Some of the region’s most famous producers like Cartuxa and Ervideira offer intimate wine-tasting experiences in their own wine bars.
These places serve as a great place to savour a glass of wine, before adventuring into the countryside and visiting the vineyards themselves.
For a Taste of Alentejo:
#10: Kakheti, Georgia
Recommended by Joanna from The World In My Pocket
Kakheti is one of the most important wine regions in Georgia. Here, winemaking is steeped in tradition, with one of the most distinctive methods being the use of qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground.
This ancient winemaking technique, which dates back thousands of years, involves fermenting and ageing the wine in these qvevris, often lined with beeswax and sealed with a clay lid.
Kakheti has indigenous grape varieties, with Saperavi and Rkatsiteli being among the most prominent. Saperavi, known for its deep colour and robust character, produces bold red wines, while Rkatsiteli contributes to the region’s crisp and aromatic white wines.
A great place in Kakheti to go for a wine tasting is Sighnaghi. The town has a breathtaking background of the Caucasus mountains, with their peaks covered in snow. Kerovani is a winery in the centre of Signagi that produces organic wines.
For a unique experience, where you can join a traditional Georgian supra alongside the wine tasting, go to Burjanadze in the small village of Sagarejo.
#11: Lumbarda, Croatia
Recommended by Trisha of Try Wandering More
The Lumbarda region on the island of Korcula in Croatia is famous for a refreshing white wine known as Grk and incredible views of vineyards and the sea.
Grk is indigenous to the island of Korčula and grown almost exclusively in Lumbarda in the dry sandy soil near the water’s edge. It is made in limited quantity so it is quite rare and highly sought-after.
The wine is dry and high in acidity. It is aromatic, herbal, and fruity, with a touch of saltiness. Grk means bitter in Croatian so naturally, the wine has a refined, bitter aftertaste.
The Grk vine produces only female flowers, so it is grown alongside Plavac Mali, a full-bodied red wine known for the flavour and aroma of berries, cherries, and spices.
To try these wines, visit Vitis and Popic Wineries in Lumbarda. They are small, family-owned wineries with impeccable views.
Vitis faces the vineyards in a garden setup and from Popic, you get views of the entire stretch of vineyards and sea. They’re located beside each other, and their wines taste different, making them both worthy of a visit.
#12: Commandaria Region, Cyprus
Recommended by Ioana from Travel Trail Adventures
One of the lesser known facts about Cyprus is that the Cyprus‘ terroir creates the perfect conditions for winemaking: it has a warm climate, with very
long, hot summers and mild winters, the ideal environment for grape cultivation.
The vineyards are situated on terraced slopes and are continuously basked in the gentle sea
breeze.
To produce Commandaria dessert wine, two varieties of grapes are used: red grapes Mavro and
white grapes Xynisteri. These grapes have been cultivated for hundreds of years on the island and
contribute to the wine’s unique identity. Xynisteri has a floral aroma and crisp acidity, while
Mavro has a deep colour and rich tannins that add depth and structure to the wine.
Among the two best wineries in the Commandaria region are Keo Winery and ETKO Winery.
Keo Winery is renowned for its innovative winemaking techniques, while ETKO Winery has been
producing exceptional wines since the 19th century.
“We have visited a family-run winery, Tsiakkas Winery, which is well known for its wine tours and wine tasting. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by a hospitable family that offered us an exceptional experience. The wine tasting was done in a very picturesque setting, with stunning views overlooking the vineyard.”
– Ioana
#13: Utiel-Requena, Spain
Recommended by Anna from Spain Inspired
If you love discovering unique wines and enjoying serene vineyard settings, you should definitely check out Utiel-Requena, an easy day trip from Valencia, Spain. This under-the-radar wine region is prized for its distinctive flavours, thanks to its exceptional terroir.
The area is defined by its continental climate — think hot summers and chilly winters, softened a bit by the Mediterranean. Its high-altitude, limestone-rich soils create perfect conditions for cultivating robust, flavorful grapes.
The region boasts its own DO (Denominación de Origen), focusing on top-quality red wines. Bobal is the standout grape here, famous for its thick skins and hearty nature, producing deep-coloured, full-bodied wines.
For must-visit wineries, Bodegas Mustiguillo and Pago de Tharsys are truly worth the trip.
“I live in Valencia and always point my guests towards Pago de Tharsys in particular for their warm hospitality and beautiful locale — not to mention the chance to grab a bottle of their Bobal by Diana García, which is a seriously good red for the price.”
– Anna
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Up and Coming Wine Regions from Around the World
#1: Hood River, Oregon, USA
#2: Cafayate, Argentina
#3: Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
#4: Finger Lakes, New York, USA
#5: Moravia, Czech Republic
#6: Goriška Brda, Slovenia
#7: Stuttgart, Germany
#8: Fruška Gora, Serbia
#9: Alentejo, Portugal
#10: Kakheti, Georgia
#11: Lumbarda, Croatia
#12: Commandaria Region, Cyprus
#13: Utiel-Requena, Spain
I love traveling for the food and drinks. This list is full of inspiration for fun places to go. There are so many smaller wine regions in Europe that I need to check out, like Slovenia and Cyprus. Would love to go!
I know, right? Slovenia has so many different wine regions and types of wine, and is definitely worth a trip! I have also added Cyprus to my ‘to discover’ list now!