Though the Czech Republic is better known for beer, its easternmost province of Moravia, just north of the Austrian border, is producing some of the world's best white wines.
Moravia (Czech Republic) —
Though the Czech Republic is better known for beer, its easternmost province of Moravia, just north of the Austrian border, is producing some of the world's best white wines.
Czech Tourism
Like Champagne, Italy's Franciacorta is both a geographical region and a wine. The wine is made using methode champenoise -- a special way of getting it to sparkle -- and with the same grape varietals as chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc.
Franciacorta (Italy) —
Like Champagne, Italy's Franciacorta is both a geographical region and a wine. The wine is made using methode champenoise -- a special way of getting it to sparkle -- and with the same grape varietals as chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc.
Courtesy Lake Iseo Tourism
Thanks to the Bekaa Valley's fertile climate and location on an inland plateau, you'll find everything from plush red blends to light, floral muscats and viogniers.
Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) —
Thanks to the Bekaa Valley's fertile climate and location on an inland plateau, you'll find everything from plush red blends to light, floral muscats and viogniers.
JOSEPH EID/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Though Italy's beautiful southernmost island has been making wine for more than five millennia, only in the past two decades has the region shifted away from the mass production of lackluster wine.
Sicily (Italy) —
Though Italy's beautiful southernmost island has been making wine for more than five millennia, only in the past two decades has the region shifted away from the mass production of lackluster wine.
Courtesy Sicilia DOC
Though winemaking in Moldova dates back more than 5,000 years -- the massive Cricova wine cellar complex is just one example of the mature industry here -- Moldovan wine has flown almost completely under the radar.
Moldova —
Though winemaking in Moldova dates back more than 5,000 years -- the massive Cricova wine cellar complex is just one example of the mature industry here -- Moldovan wine has flown almost completely under the radar.
Pat Kinsella
The Pieropan winery offers awesome views over Soave Castle, as well as a medium-bodied, crisp Soave Classico.
Soave (Italy) —
The Pieropan winery offers awesome views over Soave Castle, as well as a medium-bodied, crisp Soave Classico.
Courtesy Tourism Verona
Traditionally a grain-producing area, Swartland has long been overshadowed by the more famous South African wine-producing districts of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. That's changing.
Swartland (South Africa) —
Traditionally a grain-producing area, Swartland has long been overshadowed by the more famous South African wine-producing districts of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. That's changing.
Courtesy Tourism South Africa
Separated from the mainland by a 240-kilometer strait, Tasmania's southern latitude and unusually cool, maritime climate make for unique wines that are vastly different from anywhere else in the country. There are 160 producers across the island.
Tasmania (Australia) —
Separated from the mainland by a 240-kilometer strait, Tasmania's southern latitude and unusually cool, maritime climate make for unique wines that are vastly different from anywhere else in the country. There are 160 producers across the island.
Courtesy Freycinet Vineyard Tasmania
Though often overlooked in favor of Oregon's Willamette Valley, the lush Walla Walla Valley, which spans both Oregon and Washington, is one of the United States' most dynamic and fastest growing wine regions.
Walla Walla Valley (Oregon and Washington) —
Though often overlooked in favor of Oregon's Willamette Valley, the lush Walla Walla Valley, which spans both Oregon and Washington, is one of the United States' most dynamic and fastest growing wine regions.
Courtesy Visit Walla Walla
Michigan wine country is largely undeveloped, comprising just 100 or so small- to medium-sized wineries and just more than 3,000 acres of wine-producing vineyards. Yet the new wines coming out of the region are terrific.
Michigan —
Michigan wine country is largely undeveloped, comprising just 100 or so small- to medium-sized wineries and just more than 3,000 acres of wine-producing vineyards. Yet the new wines coming out of the region are terrific.
Courtesy CGT Wines Michigan