Some of the world’s most storied travel destinations are lined with vines. Places like Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, Portugal’s Douro Valley and Spain’s La Rioja province hardly need an introduction. But beyond the famous regions lie lesser-known terroirs both in the U.S. and abroad worth seeking out for their spectacular scenery and delightfully surprising wines to match.
Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia
Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, Charlottesville, Virginia and the Monticello American Viticultural Area are home to more than 40 wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail that honors the winemaking traditions of this region steeped in American history. Jefferson Vineyards in Charlottesville traces its roots to Thomas Jefferson himself, who initiated grape cultivation on the estate. A more contemporary connection to a native Virginia son, musician Dave Matthews’ Blenheim Vineyards, known for its minimal intervention winemaking, traces its roots to 1730 and frequently hosts live bands, food trucks and tastings.
At the five-star Keswick Hall, just outside of Charlottesville, enjoy an award-winning golf course, a brand-new spa and a culinary program overseen by Jean-Georges Vongerichten (with perfectly paired wines par for the course).
Priorat, Spain
A unique microclimate and fertile soils make the red wines from this small but celebrated region southwest of Barcelona some of the boldest in all of Spain. Hints of ripe red cherries and rich baking spices can be noted in the carignan and grenache-driven wines from Priorat, a rugged and remote place in the foothills of the Montsant mountain range, not far from the coastal city of Tarragona.
With the 2023 opening of the Relais & Châteaux property Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno, you can stay in true style in one of just 24 suites within a 500-year-old estate cradled by acres of vines. Amenities and diversions include an outdoor infinity pool set among the vines, a Roman bath-like spa within a restored building that was once an olive press, and village visits and hikes within the nearby Montsant Nature Park.
Finger Lakes, New York
Often compared to the German wine-growing regions of Rheingau and Mosel, New York’s Finger Lakes region is famed for producing excellent dry riesling and cabernet franc. Other stars of the local terroir include French-style chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
If you visit just one vineyard within this region of 11 glacier-formed lakes, make it Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, in a spectacular setting between Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake and known for its range of rieslings and beloved blaufränkisch. About 35 miles west, on the 16-mile-long Canandaigua Lake, make The Lake House at Canandaigua your pied-à-terre for exploring wine-tasting trails when you’re not enjoying the heated pool and twin barrel saunas hugging the lakefront.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas steals the luxury resort spotlight along Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. But for Mexico’s most storied wine country, Valle de Guadalupe in northern Baja California draws in-the-know oenophiles to Ensenada and the spectacular El Cielo Resort. The five-star property has an onsite winery and 95 suites and villas in a boutique setting with vineyards, olive groves and Baja’s rugged mountains.
Tour the vineyards in a rustic wagon or golf cart or settle in for a tasting on the sweeping, scenic terrace. There are over 100 artisan, high-design and commercial wineries in the greater Valle de Guadalupe region, known for wines made from nebbiolo, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Let the hotel’s concierge help you plot a tour to Vinicola 3 Mujeres, family-owned Vinos Pijoan and other celebrated local caves.
Thirsty? Check out some of the best cocktails in Tampa Bay (and how to make them!) Want to advertise with us? Click here.
