I’ve been to maybe a dozen wine regions in person and explored hundreds more through bottles. Some regions keep pulling me back. Here are the ones I think deserve more attention from people beyond die-hard wine nerds.
Portugal
Not just for Port anymore. Portuguese table wines are some of the best values in the world right now. Indigenous grapes you’ve never heard of, centuries of tradition, prices that haven’t caught up to quality.
Try: Dão reds (elegant, mineral), Douro reds (powerful, complex), Vinho Verde whites (light, refreshing).
I buy more Portuguese wine now than from any other country. The value is insane.
Greece
Ancient wine culture, modern winemaking. Greek wines have improved dramatically while staying affordable. The indigenous varieties taste like nothing else.
Try: Assyrtiko from Santorini (volcanic minerality), Xinomavro (like Greek Nebbiolo), Agiorgitiko (fruity and approachable).
If you visit the Santorini wineries, you’ll understand why the wine costs a bit more. Worth it.
South Africa
Underrated for too long. The Chenin Blancs are world-class. The Syrahs from Swartland compete with anything from the Rhône. Pinotage is… an acquired taste but interesting.
Try: Stellenbosch Cabernet, Swartland Syrah, old-vine Chenin Blanc from anywhere.
The quality-to-price ratio is still excellent because the region doesn’t have Napa or Burgundy pricing power.
Sicily
The Italian region with the most dramatic recent improvement. Volcanic soils from Etna produce wines unlike anywhere else. Indigenous varieties are fascinating.
Try: Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese), Etna Bianco (Carricante), Nero d’Avola from anywhere.
I visited Sicily specifically for the wine. The food was incredible too, obviously.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you think American wine means Napa Cabernet, Oregon Pinot Noir will change your mind. Cool climate, Burgundian style, distinct American character.
Try: Pinot Noir from any sub-AVA (Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, Ribbon Ridge). Also excellent Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Prices have crept up but there’s still value, especially compared to actual Burgundy.
The Loire Valley
France’s most versatile region. Incredible diversity from dry whites to sweet dessert wines to light reds to sparkling. Usually excellent value.
Try: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (Sauvignon Blanc), Vouvray (Chenin Blanc), Chinon and Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc).
If I could only drink wine from one region forever, it might be the Loire.
Slovenia
Tiny country making excellent wine that barely anyone knows about. Orange wines originated here. Natural winemaking is the default, not the trend.
Try: Anything from Goriska Brda or Vipava. Orange wines (skin-contact whites). Rebula grape.
Hard to find in stores but worth seeking out or ordering direct.
How I Explore
When I want to learn a new region, I buy six bottles from different producers and taste them over a few weeks. The similarities reveal the regional character, the differences reveal producer style.
Good wine shops love recommending off-the-beaten-path regions. Ask what they’re excited about. Let them guide you somewhere unexpected.
The world’s most interesting wines often come from places you’ve never heard of. That’s half the fun.
