Samantha Brown – Places to Love
I’ve been able to visit some truly incredible wine regions in my many years of travel, and what I’ve found is that there are so many unexpected regions producing some of the most interesting creations! Italy, France, and Napa Valley tend to get the most notice, but you’ll be surprised at some of the places below.
TIPS
EXCELLENT WINE REGIONS IN THE WORLD YOU MAY HAVE NOT HEARD OF
- May 19, 2024
I’ve been able to visit some truly incredible wine regions in my many years of travel, and what I’ve found is that there are so many unexpected regions producing some of the most interesting creations! Italy, France, and Napa Valley tend to get the most notice, but you’ll be surprised at some of the places below.
Temecula Valley, California
Located in southern California, Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to nearly fifty different wineries. It’s fairly similar to Tuscany, Italy in that its microclimate features morning mist, midday sun, cool air, crisp nights, and a granite-based soil. Feel like you’ve stepped into A Walk in the Clouds at Carter Estate Winery & Resort, which was inspired by the dreamy movie; check out the blended wines at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and don’t miss the fantastic Persian fusion cuisine while wine tasting at Fazeli Cellars Winery. And, of course, get around safely and in style with Sidecar Tours Temecula.
Wellington, South Africa
When it comes to the Western Cape in South Africa, Franschhoek tends to get more of the attention but if you only go there, you’re missing out on the charming Wellington Wine Route. Only about an hour from Cape Town, this area has been called “The Cradle of Wine” thanks to its sheer amount of vineyards and vine nurseries. Not to mention, this is where wines like the chocolate pinotage and white pinotage were born. One of the best wineries to visit is the Bosman Family Vineyards – they’ve been here for eight generations and you can even stay over to really relax and unwind. I’d also join one of the Wellington Wine Walks where you’ll follow local, fully accredited guides around different, scenic trails and wineries over a few days.
TIPS
EXCELLENT WINE REGIONS IN THE WORLD YOU MAY HAVE NOT HEARD OF
- May 19, 2024
I’ve been able to visit some truly incredible wine regions in my many years of travel, and what I’ve found is that there are so many unexpected regions producing some of the most interesting creations! Italy, France, and Napa Valley tend to get the most notice, but you’ll be surprised at some of the places below.
For even more alcohol-inspired travel, check out a special episode of Places to Love – “Wine, Beer, & Spirits of the World”
Unique Wine Regions You May Not Have Heard Of
Temecula Valley, California
Located in southern California, Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to nearly fifty different wineries. It’s fairly similar to Tuscany, Italy in that its microclimate features morning mist, midday sun, cool air, crisp nights, and a granite-based soil. Feel like you’ve stepped into A Walk in the Clouds at Carter Estate Winery & Resort, which was inspired by the dreamy movie; check out the blended wines at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and don’t miss the fantastic Persian fusion cuisine while wine tasting at Fazeli Cellars Winery. And, of course, get around safely and in style with Sidecar Tours Temecula.
See more in our “California Road Trip” episode
Wellington, South Africa
When it comes to the Western Cape in South Africa, Franschhoek tends to get more of the attention but if you only go there, you’re missing out on the charming Wellington Wine Route. Only about an hour from Cape Town, this area has been called “The Cradle of Wine” thanks to its sheer amount of vineyards and vine nurseries. Not to mention, this is where wines like the chocolate pinotage and white pinotage were born. One of the best wineries to visit is the Bosman Family Vineyards – they’ve been here for eight generations and you can even stay over to really relax and unwind. I’d also join one of the Wellington Wine Walks where you’ll follow local, fully accredited guides around different, scenic trails and wineries over a few days.
Marlborough District, New Zealand
Located in the northeast of South Island, Marlborough is often credited as the region that put New Zealand wine on the map! It’s the country’s largest winegrowing region with four different valleys – Te Hoiere Valley & Kenepuru Sounds, Tōtaranui Valley, Wairau Valley, and Awatere Valley. No surprise, it’s also one of the sunniest places on the island. Get around by bicycle whether on your own or through a tour. The breezy ride lets you really enjoy the views. And if you stop at only one winery, make it Brancott Estate. They were the first place to grow the sauvignon blanc grape, and it’s this wine in particular that has made New Zealand so renowned. Another incredible place is te Pā Wines. Winemaker Haysley MacDonald’s family are descended from the original Māori people that settled here and have worked the land, grown crops, and raised livestock for 800+ years. She planted the first grapes here in 2003 and launched the winery in 2011 to much critical acclaim. Plan to eat here – they get the freshest seafood right from nearby waters.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Northern California has become renowned for places like Napa and Sonoma Valley – you’d think it’d be obvious that nearby Oregon is also home to a thriving wine industry! However, even now Willamette Valley seems to fly under the radar. Home to a whopping 700 wineries, the valley is actually further split into its own regions. North Valley is known for its rolling hills, historic downtowns, and charming vibe. Mid-Valley is great for families with lots of hiking trails, gardens, cities, and farms. South Valley, where the Willamette and McKenzie rivers converge, is all forest, scenic views, and historic bridges. And then you have the West Cascades, which are great for those of you who want the quiet and adventure of the outdoors. Think mountain biking, campgrounds, wildflower hikes, hot springs, and more. If you can only visit one winery, head to St. Josef’s Winery. Not only are they one of the original Oregon wine pioneers but they also have the very fun catchphrase, “serious wines for the not so serious.”