6 Emerging Wine Regions
Find great wine at great values in these wine regions.
Emerging wine regions are parts of the world that are relatively new to wine making. New wine regions are being cultivated and discovered all the time, which leads to more diverse and interesting wines. You may have heard that great values can be found from emerging wine regions, and that’s also true. Purchasing wine from an emerging region is a great way to find something unique, delicious, and affordable.
In addition to famous wine regions in France, Italy, and the United States, some regions that were emerging several years ago are now new favorites. Argentina, Spain, Chile, South Africa’s Stellenbosch, and Australia’s Barossa Valley are all newer wine regions that have developed a reputation for great wine. You will be able to find good values on wines from these areas in most wine stores.
The wine regions below are still in the early stages of development, but they are promising. These emerging wine regions will get you out of your comfort zone and could be an excellent choice for a wine-themed vacation. You’ll get to enjoy great wine at a good value, and the stunning sightseeing doesn’t hurt either.
Top Emerging Wine Regions
Slovenia
This country of idyllic landscapes borders Italy, Germany, and Austria and has coast along the Mediterranean Sea. In other words: the terroir is perfect for wine. White wines are the country’s specialty, and the best region is Primorska. If you decide to visit, expect to find energetic young winemakers dedicated to sustainability.
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is becoming another prime wine-making region in Australia. The island’s cooler climate makes for wines unlike any others coming out of Australia. Crisp, dry Rieslings and Sauvignon Blancs are great varieties to look for. Premium red wines are made in the warmer southern Tasmania.
Ontario, Canada
The cool, mineral-rich soils of the Niagra Peninsula are excellent for producing Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir (plus ice wine, of course). The growing reputation for good wine has led the number of wineries in Ontario to double in the last 10 years. A visit to this emerging wine region is tempting, as it easily complements a Niagra Falls vacation.
Moldova
The wine production in this tiny country is remarkable. A wide variety of excellent wines – red and white – are produced here. Dry, earthy red wines are made in the south, while indigenous white grapes produce fruity Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays in the north. The country is unique in that almost a quarter of its population are winemakers. It is also home to the world’s largest wine cellar, Milestii Mici.
Bolivia
South American wines have become increasingly revered, but Bolivia is a relative newcomer. The emerging Tarija wine region boasts vineyards at the highest elevation in the world – more than 6,000 feet above sea level. Big names have been taking notice of Bolivian wine recently. Claus Meyer, co-founder of restaurant Noma, is sourcing exclusively Bolivian wine for his new South American restaurant. What does he know about food and wine? Noma was voted the best restaurant in the world 4 times in the last 6 years.
Walla Walla Valley, Washington and Oregon
This emerging wine region is sometimes overlooked in favor of its flashy neighbor, the Willamette Valley. Walla Walla Valley wine benefits from a diverse terroir that produces rich, earthy, excellent wine. A range of red wine grape varietals thrive in the varied landscape of the valley. Consider visiting Oregon and Washington for a trip to one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United States.
Have you tried wine from these wine regions? Tell us about your experiences below!