If your vacation planning is stuck in the Napa–Tuscany loop, it’s time to wax your board and paddle into some fresh wine country swells. In a new Wine Spectator piece by Julia Larson, top sommeliers and wine pros share the lesser-trodden regions they’d revisit in a heartbeat. It’s a dream list with ten stops: Alsace (France), Canary Islands (Spain), Douro (Portugal), Finger Lakes (NY), Jura (France), Puglia (Italy), Rhône-Alpes (France), Roussillon (France), Sardinia (Italy), and Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico). These are places where terroir still surprises, prices aren’t eye-watering, and the locals pour with pride.
Let’s cruise through each with a quick vibe check, signature grapes, and a travel tip—so you can actually plan a trip instead of just daydreaming at your desk.
Alsace, France
Alsace is a storybook of steep vineyards and half-timbered towns. Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner all shine—thanks to a patchwork of soils and that Vosges rain shadow keeping grapes snug and dry. Biking the Alsace Wine Route is basically adult Disneyland for wine nerds. As Sammi Schachter puts it: “I would absolutely recommend Alsace, France.” —Sammi Schachter, via Wine Spectator. And Nader Asgari-Tari doubles down: “It’s impossible not to be romantic about Alsace.” —Nader Asgari-Tari, via Wine Spectator. Tip: Book a tasting at historic La Confrérie Saint-Étienne and chase it with tarte flambée.
Canary Islands, Spain
Volcanic drama in every glass. Look for Listán Negro and Listán Blanco grown on lava, often on wild old vines. The wines are salty, smoky, and featherweight—perfect after a day surfing Lanzarote or hiking Tenerife’s moonlike trails. Tip: Keep an eye out for wines from Valle de La Orotava and Taganana; pair with grilled octopus and let the Atlantic breezes do the rest.
Douro, Portugal
More than Port. The Douro’s dry reds (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz) and increasingly stellar whites are having a moment. River cruises are touristy, sure, but that view of terraced schist vineyards is worth the selfie. Tip: Base in Pinhão, taste at quintas with lunch overlooking the river, and snag a few crisp Douro whites for summer sundowners.
Finger Lakes, New York
Cool-climate purity with lakeside chill. Riesling rules, but Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and sparkling are rising. Between waterfalls and farm-to-table spots, it’s basically Upstate wine camp. Tip: Hit Seneca and Keuka Lake loops; bring layers—those evening temperatures fall faster than a cork in carbonic maceration.
Jura, France
Tiny region, massive personality. Savagnin (Vin Jaune), Poulsard, and Trousseau deliver nutty, saline, and feather-light styles that pair with comté like it’s fate. Cellars are intimate; appointments matter. Tip: Taste sous voile styles side-by-side with fresher expressions to decode Jura’s spectrum—then go hike the vineyards and feel very French about cheese.
Puglia, Italy
Sun-baked abundance with seaside swagger. Primitivo and Negroamaro lead, but don’t sleep on fresh rosato and bomb olive oil. Stay in a masseria, chase golden hour in Polignano a Mare, and eat orecchiette like you’ve trained for it. Tip: Seek producers bottling coastal-influenced reds—salt and spice make magic.
Rhône-Alpes, France
Alpine freshness, fondue friendliness. Think Savoie whites (Jacquère, Altesse), plus light reds that belong on a mountain picnic. The scenery is a flex; the wines are glacier-crisp. Tip: Try Apremont and Chignin for mineral, low-alcohol sippers perfect after a hike or a mellow ski day.
Roussillon, France
Wind-swept, sun-drenched, and quietly excellent. Grenache, Carignan, and old-vine treasures thrive here, from dry table wines to revived fortified styles. Mediterranean herbs blow right into the glass. Tip: Visit vineyards at higher elevations for fresher profiles; pair with grilled lamb and watch the tramontane winds put on a show.
Sardinia, Italy
Island time meets serious terroir. Cannonau (aka Grenache) brings warmth and spice; Vermentino delivers zesty, sea-kissed whites. Between nuraghi, turquoise coves, and scrubby macchia, this is a postcard you can drink. Tip: Hit Gallura for top Vermentino and leave space in the suitcase—these whites are summer’s MVP.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Baja’s retro-modern wine playground. Expect adventurous blends, design-forward hotels, and wood-fired Baja Med cuisine with ocean views. The energy is creative, the hospitality sincere. Tip: Mix tastings with taco runs; a day that starts with oysters and ends with Nebbiolo is a good day.
Why these 10 for 2025?
Larson’s roundup has a theme: diversity of styles, strong farming, reasonable prices, and real cultural texture. They’re places to learn, taste widely, and still afford dinner. Whether you’re chasing volcanic minerals, Alpine chill, or Mediterranean swagger, each region brings a distinct personality—and a reason to leave the usual suspects for next year.
Pack curiosity, a sensible daypack, and a corkscrew you won’t cry over if TSA “borrows” it. Then go taste the world—one hidden gem at a time.
Quotes and reporting from Wine Spectator, article by Julia Larson.
Source: https://www.winespectator.com/articles/travel-best-wine-country-hidden-gems-underrated-2025
