Make 2024 the year of wine tourism… with a difference.

Away from the most popular wine regions that are on everyone’s list are some not-so-hidden gems, which are which top the list of every sommelier in the world but somehow evade the spotlight despite their fabulous wines. They also make for great destinations for wine travelers who are seeking something not-so-famous, but very unique.

Here are some recommendations based on my own wine travels:

Portugal

Famous for: Port, the Douro Valley

But don’t miss: Alentejo

Visit Portugal for the history, the friendly folk, or the amazing food, but do not leave without travelling to some of its stunning wine regions.

Portugal has always been known for its diversity of wine production, its dozens of native grapes, and of course, the majestic Douro Valley, which is a treat for every traveller and among the world’s most beautiful wine regions.

But Portugal is also home to many other diverse, unique wine regions – Alentejo among them, is especially on the ascendancy. Historically famous for its cork production, Alentejo is seeing a revival of interest for its rich, robust red wines and fresh,fruit-driven whites.

The climate is warm and dry, allowing for healthy grapes to be produced. Its capital city, Evora is a mere 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon, making it very easy to get to. It is known for its white native grapes Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, and Arinto. But it is especially noted for its reds, made from Trincadeira, Aragonez, Castelão, and the French variety Alicante Bouschet.

Wineries to visit: Adega do Mouchão, Adega Cartuxa,  Heredad do Esporao, Herdad dos Grous

More details: https://www.visitalentejo.pt/en/

England

Famous for: London and its buzz

But don’t miss: English wine regions, especially Sussex and Kent

Tear yourself away from the shops and restaurants in London and head to the countryside. Here, a mere two hours or less from the capital, are vineyards famous for making excellent sparkling wine on soils similar to Champagne, and with identical grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir). The wine tourism industry is fast developing, with wine hotels, gastropubs, and fine dining restaurants coming up next to wineries. All this can be done in a day trip or a relaxed overnight stay. Very worth it for a break from the hustle and bustle of London.

Wineries to visit: Balfour, Gusbourne, Chapel Down, Ridgeview

More details: https://www.winegardenofengland.co.uk/, https://www.sussexwinetours.co.uk/

Sicily

Famous for: Mount Etna the volcano

But don’t miss: wineries around Mount Etna

Sicily and its wines have been in the news for all the right reasons over the last few years. Beloved of sommeliers and critics, the spotlight has shone anew on the wines of Mount Etna, located on the volcanic slopes of Sicily’s iconic volcano. These wines embody a distinct sense of terroir and centuries-old winemaking tradition. They combine mineral-rich volcanic soil, with high altitudes and cool climates. This combination produces grapes of complexity particularly the indigenous Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, among the reds and Carricante, Insolia, and Cataratto. Etna’s wines often exhibit elegant acidity, vibrant fruit flavours, and a pronounced sense of place, making them highly sought after.

Wineries to visit: Benanti, Tenuta delle Terre Nerre, Vini Franchetti.

More details: https://www.visitsicily.info/en/sapore/wine-in-sicily

Hungary

Famous for: Thermal baths and spas, historic architecture

But don’t miss: its historic wine regions including the famous Tokaj region.

Hungary’s most famous wine product for centuries was its lusciously sweet Tokaji wine, known as the wine of kings, the king of wines. But its native grape Furmint is also used to make crisp dry wine that is all the rage in wine bars these days. Besides the must-visit Tokaj,(the winemaking process for the historic sweet wine is extraordinary) there are other noteworthy regions Lake Balaton (known for its  Olaszrizling aka Welschriesling), the historic Eger known for Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wines dominated by Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch). Combine history with wine and it will be a memorable trip.

Wineries to visit: Tóth Ferenc Pincészet, Gál Tibor winery,(Eger) Patricius winery (Tokaj), Barta (Lake Balaton)

More details: https://hungarianwines.eu/

Images by Ruma and AI