While the world’s traditional and classic wine regions are great to visit for any wine lovers, they can often become tired and be too touristy. 

With more and more wine regions established globally, sometimes the best wine regions are the undiscovered ones. It is the places of the world you would never expect that extraordinary wine and experiences could exist. 

We have put together a list of 8 of the world’s hidden gems that will blow away anyone who is a sucker for good wine and great experiences.

1.      Txacoli de Bizcaia, Spain

Txacoli is situated in Basque, northern Spain, where white wine is the focal point. These whites are known to be delicious, acidic, and slightly sparkling. Both this region’s wines and its history are unique and allow you to experience an unbeknown side of Spain.

When it comes to easy-drinking summer wines, this is this undiscovered wine region that is doing exceptionally well. The main varieties grown throughout the area include Hondarrabi Zuria, Folle Blanche, and smaller amounts of a red variety, Hondarrabi Beltza.

The people in Basque speak their own language and stick to their age-old traditions. Essentially, they are a small country on their own that highlights this extremely unique area. This hidden gem of Spain gives you insight into a new world that you would never expect to experience in any part of Spain.

2.      Kakheti, Georgia

Georgia has a wine history that dates back almost 8 000 years ago. Because of this longstanding history, wine has become a quintessential part of the locals’ lives. This wine includes over 520 different native varieties that are often farmed semi-organically.

Kakheti is the easternmost province of Georgia and holds some of the country’s most outstanding wines. In terms of both quality and quantity, Kakheti is arguably the most important wine region of Georgia. Here, you can expect a unique range of varieties, including Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Kakhuri Mtsvane.

Other than the actual wine that tends to blow consumers away, the area is a real site for sore eyes. There are several incredible wineries, tastings, and unique experiences in the area to truly experience the uniqueness of the region and its wines.

3.      Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Lebanon holds some award-winning wines and a range of undiscovered wine regions. Although the country doesn’t stand out as a world-renowned region, wine has been produced here for centuries. Today, the country produces over seven million bottles of wine every single year.

The hidden gem of Bekaa is home to some of the most outstanding Lebanese wines. It is the heart of the Lebanese wine industry. With all the ideal conditions for quality grapes, it is understandable why this region stands out among the rest.

The region has remained undiscovered, but it seems more tourists are flocking to the area every year, and with good reason. With great tasting rooms and guided tours, visiting the Bekaa Valley allows for the incredible insight into the country’s winemaking traditions. 

4.      Okanagan, Canada

The Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s top wine-producing areas but still remains hidden in the international wine scene. There is a vast range of varieties grown here since the temperatures reach unfathomable heights. In dessert pockets, the region grows varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

The types of wineries in this region are quite diverse, ranging from commercial wineries to family-run businesses. This means that there is great diversity in the sorts of tastings, tours, and experiences of the area.

Okanagan offers a unique look at the warmer areas of Canada where there is quality North-American wine produced. Although this region is still semi-under the radar, the wines will give a Napa-Cab a run for its money.

5.      Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is an incredible wine region that is responsible for the majority of Uruguay’s premium wines. With a climate that resembles that of Bordeaux, you can expect equally powerful red wines being produced here. The difference here, however, is that the red variety focused on in Montevideo is Tannat. This red variety is one of the driest, most tannic (and arguably most powerful) varieties in the world.

But apart from the wine, the region is a hidden gem that is well worth exploring. It is an exceptionally scenic area that is surrounded by rolling hills, rugged mountain sides, and gorgeous vineyards. The tours and tastings you can find in the area are one-of-a-kind experiences highlighting this great undiscovered wine region.

6.      Serra Gaúcha, Brazil

Located in the South of Brazil sits the hidden gem of Serra Gaúcha. This region is where the majority of Brazil’s wines are produced. The problem is, experiencing this region’s wines outside of the country is quite tricky. Most of the region’s wines are kept within their own borders for local consumption. That makes it the perfect area to visit for a unique wine tasting experience.

What makes this region even more unique is the foreign influence on the cuisine, wine, and architecture. The Italian influence on this region can be found around every corner since Italy brought the first vineyards to Serra Gaúcha. Today, you can find a diverse and unique experience in the area, including some of the country’s best eateries and wineries.

7.      Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is one of the best areas for Greek wines. It is essentially the epicenter of Greece’s white wines. The most famous variety grown on the island is Assyrtiko, which is a clean, crisp white with a distinct minerality.

But the wines aren’t what has lured more and more tourists to this hidden gem. The picturesque island, with the classic white and blue homes and coastline, is the real attraction. The island is like something from a film, which captures the ideal vacation moment.

And for all wine-lovers, the area’s vineyards are absolutely one of the most fantastic attractions. Considering the harsh wind experienced in the area, the vines of Santorini are shaped like baskets to prevent them from blowing over. It is by far one of the most unique vine-shapes ever to be seen.

8.      Tokaj, Hungary

Tokaj is most famous for its rare, luscious dessert wine that has been rated the most expensive dessert wine in the world.

The uniqueness of the wine stems from the fact that it is hand-crafted throughout the entire process.

The golden, delicious dessert wine is made in a few different styles but mainly consists of grapes left to dry out on the vines before being picked and fermented. And although you can find the wine worldwide, it is the region itself that stands out as a real hidden gem.

The city itself is relatively small but allows tourists to experience the undiscovered wine regions of the world. The city is modest and seemingly average but has so much tradition, culture, and history on every street and every building.

For those looking to experience the lesser-known parts of the world, these eight regions are an excellent place to start. Whether you’re looking to explore beautiful coastlines, extraordinary tastings, or just the simpler things in life, each of these regions offer something different. From robust reds to crisp whites and luscious dessert wines, you are sure to be blown away by these wine regions that should be at the top of your bucket list.