17+ Underrated Wine Destinations in Europe You Need to Visit
If you’re like me, you love discovering off-the-beaten path and lesser known destinations around the world. Sure, I love visiting Tuscany for wine tasting just as much as the next person, but there is something even more special and unique about visiting underrated wine destinations!
This list of 17+ underrated wine destination in Europe won’t have Bordeaux or Piedmont on it (although, I love Northern Italy, and have found several hidden gem wineries in Piedmont I recommend you check out as well!)
Instead, with the help of my fellow travel blogger colleagues, I wanted to showcase the hidden gem wine regions in Europe that you might not know about!
So without further ado, let’s get into it!
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Most Underrated Wine Destinations in Europe
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Recommended by Amber from Get Lost in Wanderlust
Dubrovnik has become a popular destination in recent years. However, many people don’t realize that Dubrovnik is also a great wine destination. There are many places to go wine tasting in Dubrovnik, including wine bars in the old town and wineries that surround the city.
Dubrovnik is located in Croatia’s Dalmatia region, which is home to many vineyards. The region is known for its indigenous grape varieties and traditional wine-making processes, which make it a place worth visiting for wine enthusiasts.
In Dubrovnik, one of the best wineries to visit is Škar Winery. They have a winery in the Lapad neighborhood and a wine bar in Dubrovnik’s old town. The winery specializes in wines from the Plavac Mali grape variety, which is the famous red grape variety of Dalmatian wines. At the winery, you can enjoy a wine tasting or order by the glass.
Another must-visit winery is Vardia. It is located just outside of the city, with vineyards overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This winery offers short vineyard walks with wine tasting, which is a great way to learn about winemaking in Dalmatia. They also have a unique sunset wine-tasting tour.
And, nearby Dubrovnik is the island of Lumbarda! This island also has fabulous options to enjoy a wine tasting on Lumbarda, allowing you to visit two wine regions in Croatia only a short distance away from one another!
2. Istria Peninsula, Croatia
Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, is a wine region that sometimes flies under the radar of visitors to Croatia. In fact, the area is one of the oldest wine producing regions in Europe. The terracotta colored soils are rich in iron to support excellent grape growing conditions. The climate, influenced by both the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, is excellent for high yields and grapes of unique character.
Many vineyards are family operated and offer tours and tastings. Fakin Wine near the historic walled hill town of Motovun is an family-owned vineyard with nine excellent wine choices. The family restaurant in Motovun, called Konoban Fakin, is the perfect place to pair their wines with local foods including truffles. Sit back and watch the sunset from a hilltop open-air table.
Rovinj, a charming fishing port on the west coast of the Istria Peninsula, is another great place to sample the local wines. Stancija Collis, a popular winery with gorgeous grounds, has wine and olive oil tastings.
For a taste of Rovinj area wines, choose a waterfront restaurant and sip the local favorites while enjoying the spectacular coast of Rovinj.
3. Cornwall, England
Recommended by Sarah Carter, Cornwall’s Best
More than 50,000 visitors explore the vineyards of Cornwall each year, which is pretty impressive for a region of Europe where vines were only planted in 1978! Even with that many visitors, Cornish wine is still very much underrated.
The wine produced in Cornwall, England’s most southern county more than 65% sparkling (in line with other wine regions in the UK), but some vineyards do produce still white, rose, and red.
The most well-known of the vineyards in Cornwall is the Camel Valley, it’s a little more inland than other Cornish vineyards, giving it a dried and warmer climate. Camel Valley knows what they’re doing when it comes to wine, having won awards since 1993! They’ve also recently been awarded a Royal Warrant, the first English winemaker to receive this!
Heading further southwest, the Polgoon Vineyard, best visited from Penzance, produces Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose and Sauvignon Blanc with the unique flavour of the mineral terroir from this mainly coastal vineyard.
4. Alsace Wine Route, France
Recommended by Elisa from France Bucket List
The Alsace Wine Route in Eastern France is a must for wine lovers visiting France. Alsace is well known for its white wines, and it has excellent “Cru” made from a single grape variety: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, or Muscat. Alsace also has good red wines, made from Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines (called Crémants d’Alsace).
The wine trail is located between Strasbourg and Colmar, but the best part of the route (where the Crus are produced) is in the villages near Colmar. If you only have 1-2 days to explore this area, then Colmar is a good base camp for your wine explorations.
The Domaine Dopff au Moulin (Riquewhir) and Domaine Bernard Haas & Fils (Kaysersberg) are two good wineries to visit along the route. They are both located in pretty Alsace villages and offer wine visits with tastings in English, with the possibility of buying the best of their wines. When you visit the villages, take the opportunity to taste the regional cuisine, which goes very well with the Alsace wines!
5. Saale-Unstrut, Germany
Recommended by Audrey from That Backpacker
Saale-Unstrut is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and it is Germany’s northernmost wine region! Its first vines were cultivated by monks as early as 998 AD and today it’s a thriving wine region with beautiful terraced vineyards that spill down the hills.
Saale-Unstrut is a destination for white wine lovers seeing as white grapes dominate the region. Müller-Thurgau is the most popular varietal, along with Pinot Blanc, Silvaner and Riesling.
We stayed in the town of Freyburg, which is considered the wine capital of the region, and used this as our base to explore the surrounding area and its wineries.
The first winery we visited was Rotkäppchen-Mumm, which dates back to 1856 and specializes in sparkling wines. They make up nearly half the market for sparkling wine in Germany, and they’re also one of the five largest producers of sparkling wine in the world! They only offer guided tours in German, but their shop is worth perusing since some of their wines can only be obtained on-site.
We also visited Herzoglicher Weinberg, a terraced vineyard that has been preserved in the style of a baroque vineyard from the late 18th century. It sits at the foot of the Unstrut River and has views of Neuenburg Castle. We had a wine tasting and picnic here and the setting was perfect!
Lastly, if you’re looking for a wine hotel, I can recommend the Freylich Zahn Weinhotel in Freyburg. They have their own wine bar available 24 hours, plus their 51° Restaurant & Weinbar serves up some delicious dishes in a cool underground setting. A must-visit for wine lover!
6. Crete, Greece
Recommended by Ellen Johnson from Journeys in Focus
If you want to sip wine in one of the oldest wine regions in the world, head to Crete, Greece! With its wine-making history dating back over 4000 years to the Minoans of Ancient Crete this is a truly special place to visit for wine lovers.
Today, wine-making has spread to most of Greece, but Cretan vineyards still make up 12.8% of Greece’s wine regions which is the largest of all of the Greek islands. To enjoy these beautiful wines, you can visit wineries yourself, sign up for a tour, or even do a wine education class trying wines from all over the island.
A visit to Lyrarakis Winery is a must for your Crete wine adventure. Lyrarakisis one of the pioneers of wine-making on the island and has a strong focus on rare local varietals including reviving the ancient Cretan varietals of Dafni and Plyto. On top of this, they are working to convert their vineyard to be organic. You can’t get wines like this anywhere else!
Or if you want to learn about a variety of Cretan wines and sample from multiple wine-makers, head to The Wine Center of Crete and do one of their educational classes. Through this class, you will learn about all of the varietals of the area, learn how to properly taste wine, and just have an overall great time!
7. Rhodes, Greece
Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Europe to explore the world of wine, Rhodes should definitely be on your list. Not only are there tons of fun things to do in Rhodes (including wine tasting), but it is also one of the best Greek Islands for solo female travel.
The island is known for its crisp white wines, made from grape varieties such as Athiri, which thrive in the island’s sunny climate. At Kounaki Wines or Winery Anastasia Triantafillou, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich Greek wine culture.
Kounaki Wines is a family-owned company has been operating since 1928, and their dedication to producing exceptional wines is evident in every bottle. The labels on their bottles are hand-drawn by one of the members of the family, making each bottle a work of art.
If you want to explore picturesque vineyards, where you can learn about the winery’s cultivation methods make sure to visit Winery Anastasia Triantafillou. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the art of winemaking in Rhodes – one of the most underrated wine destinations in Europe.
8. Santorini, Greece
Recommended by Haley of Haley Blackall Travel
Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, is often celebrated for its breathtaking views rather than its viticulture. Yet, this majestic Greek island is one of Europe’s most underrated wine destinations.
The secret lies in its unique volcanic soil and ancient vine training methods, which contribute to the distinctive taste of its wines, particularly the crisp and mineral-rich Assyrtiko. The island’s challenging growing conditions mean that the grapes have a unique flavour profile, making Santorini wineries a hidden gem in Europe for wine enthusiasts seeking something truly different.
When it comes to winery visits, the panoramic views of Santo Wines can only be beaten by a Santorini Caldera view hotel. This European winery offers an exquisite range of wines but tasting their Assyrtiko is an unforgettable experience. The island’s volcanic terroir shines through.
Another must-visit is Estate Argyros, renowned for its meticulous approach to winemaking and sustainable practices. Their aged Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto wines are not to be missed, showcasing the depth and complexity that Santorini wines can achieve.
9. Tokaj, Hungary
Recommend by Mal & Robin from Renting A Car in Europe 101
Hungary, a hugely underrated wine destination, offers a rich ancient winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times. It is also known to be a very affordable destination in Europe!
The country is home to several wine regions, each with its unique climate and soil conditions that contribute to a diverse array of wine styles. If you’re a wine connoisseur, we recommend renting a car in Budapest and embarking on a scenic drive through Hungary’s picturesque countryside to explore its varied wine regions firsthand (just be sure to have a designated driver!)
From the historic vineyards of Tokaj – a famous Hungarian UNESCO heritage site where you can taste the world-renowned sweet Tokaji Aszú dessert wines, to the rolling hills of Eger, home to the legendary Egri Bikavér, and down to the sunny slopes of Villány, known for its exceptional reds, each region offers a unique opportunity to delve into Hungary’s rich winemaking heritage.
If it’s your first time in Hungary, visit Grand Tokay, one of the region’s oldest and largest wineries. The highlight is an on-site museum that dates back to the 1920s. And, for an easy day trip from Budapest, visit Etyeki Kúria, known for its crisp, aromatic white wines, particularly those made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, reflecting the cool climate of the Etyek-Buda region.
10. Ischia, Italy
Recommended by Helen from Helen on her Holidays
Ischia, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples that is known for its thermal spas, has somehow managed to stay under the international radar for its wine. Wine-making in Ischia dates back to around 700BC with the ancient Greeks; it later flourished under the Romans, who named the island “Enaria,” or “Land of Wine.”
Ischia’s mild Mediterranean climate, volcanic soil, and sea breeze all help vineyards on the island to produce high-quality wines. Ischia has seven types of wine with the “Denominazione di Origine Controllata” (DOC) label: golden Ischia Bianco, Ischia Bianco Spumante, fruity Ischia Rosso, Biancolella which has almond notes, aromatic Forastera, ruby-red Per’ e Palummo and Per’ e Palummo Passito, a dessert wine.
Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Ischia and there are several vineyards where you can sample island wines. Two of the best are Ristorante Cantine Pietratorcia, where you can eat amazing food paired with their wines underneath a canopy of vines, and Casa d’Ambra, where you can do a wine tasting or take a tour of their vineyard on the slopes of Mount Epomeo.
11. Sardinia, Italy
Recommended by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia
While everyone knows that Italy is one of the best wine producing countries in the world, not many realize that the island of Sardinia has a long tradition of producing wines, and makes some of the best Italian wines.
There are many varietals that are typical of Sardinia. The best known internationally are the Vermentino of Gallura, a white wine which is specifically produced in the Gallura region of Northern Sardinia; and the Cannonau, a rich and very tannic red wine that is the perfect pairing to meat dishes and traditional Sardinian cuisine.
Wine tasting in Sardinia is a fantastic experience. Depending on the winery, you will get to visit the vineyards, learn about the history of the wine cellar and the wine making process, and obviously taste wine.
Most wine makers in Sardinia offer wine tasting experiences. If you are in the north, you could opt for Surrau, not far from Arzachena in the Gallura region. If you are staying in Alghero, go to Sella e Mosca Winery: it’s the oldest and largest wine producer in Sardinia and makes some excellent wines such as the Marchese di Villamarina.
If you are staying in Cagliari, head straight to Serdiana. This small village about 20 minutes drive from Cagliari counts no more than 2500 inhabitants and five excellent wineries. The best one is by far Cantine Argiolas, makers of the excellent Turriga, a blend of cannonau, bovale and other Sardinian varietals. They offer several experiences in the vineyard including a segway tour, so it’s a perfect activity for the whole family.
Read More: 7 Incredible Destinations in Italy for Wine Lovers
12. Alentejo, Portugal
Recommended by Ana Veiga from We Travel Portugal
The sunbaked Alentejo region in Portugal is easily one of the most underrated wine regions in Europe. The Alentejo offers a unique and authentic wine experience that deserves recognition alongside its wines.
Perhaps the secret to Alentejo’s distinctive wines lies in its unique terroir. The region’s hot, dry climate and rich, diverse soils contribute to the production of bold and flavourful reds. Varietals like Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, and Aragonez flourish here, delivering wines with a compelling blend of intensity and subtlety.
What sets Alentejo apart is its understated and unassuming approach to wine tourism. Unlike more commercialized regions, the Alentejo offers a genuine, intimate wine experience, that can proudly boast of 2000 years of history. Visitors often find themselves engaging directly with passionate winemakers and wine bar owners, adding a personal touch to each tasting.
Two of the Alentejo’s top wineries are Herdade do Esporão and Adega Mayor. Herdade do Esporão offers a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
Visitors can also dine at Herdade do Esporão’s Michelin starred restaurant which celebrates Alentejo’s cuisine as well as expertly chosen wine pairings. Adega Mayor offers a modern winery and vineyard experience.
Designed by renowned architect Siza Vieira, the vineyard not only presents exquisite wines but also an architectural marvel amongst the vineyards that you can tour through.
13. Douro Valley, Portugal
Recommended by Jess from Travel + Tannins
The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, protected because of its significance as the world’s first designated wine regions! Situated approximately 1 hour east of Porto, many visitors flock to the wineries in Douro Valley while visiting other destinations in northern Portugal.
While Douro Valley became famous because of its invention of the dessert wine, Port, the Douro Valley has many other varietals to offer wine lovers with varied taste preferences.
Quinta do Vallado has outstanding red wines (as well as Port of course), while Redoma Tinto is famous for its fantastic white wines.
Apart from visiting the phenomenal wineries, one of the best things to do in the Douro Valley is take a guided river boat tour of the Douro Valley! Many tours offer Portuguese wine on the tour, and showcase many of the Douro Valleys famous bridges!
14. Madeira, Portugal
Recommended by Tamara from My Elated Odyssey
If you’re searching for one of Europe’s most underrated wine destinations, visit Madeira! This Portuguese island is known for its unique landscape, stunning hikes, and wine!
Several factors make Madeira’s wine so special. First, these wines undergo a distinct aging process where they are exposed to heat and oxygen and are usually held in oak barrels. This contributes to the wine’s unique flavor and color, lasting far longer than standard wine even after opening.
Second, Madeira wines are fortified and usually have brandy added, contributing to a higher alcohol content than your average wine. One of the last main contributions to Madeira wine’s unique taste is the high acidity of the grapes because they are grown on pergolas in the wine region. Trying Madeira wine is a fascinating and unique experience, especially if you are a wine enthusiast!
Madeira’s stunning landscape provides the perfect backdrop for wine-tasting experiences. The island’s uniqueness is a result of volcanic activity, and vineyards are on beautiful hillsides. Hop in a Bolt to enjoy a fun day at the wineries without worrying about having to drive. Two must-visit wineries in Madeira are Blandy’s and Henriques & Henriques.
15. Dobrogea Hills, Romania
Recommended by Lowri Thomas From Many Other Roads
Romania stands as one of Europe’s most underrated wine destinations, boasting a rich viticultural heritage not many get the chance to explore. The country’s diverse climate and landscape, spanning from Transylvania to Moldova, nurtures a plethora of indigenous grape varieties, creating unique and flavorful wines.
One hidden gem is the Dobrogea Hills, an enchanting region in southeastern Romania, where vineyards flourish in a microclimate shaped by the Black Sea. Here, the combination of sun-soaked days and cool nights results in wines with a distinctive character.
Dobrogea’s wineries, such as Murfatlar and Avincis, produce exceptional wines that reflect the region’s ancient winemaking traditions. To get the full experience, I highly recommend booking a wine tasting tour. The summertime is the best time to experience the vineyards but if you visit during the winter months, you will find the wines throughout local restaurants and bars.
No matter where you visit in Romania, you will get to taste some of the best wines in Europe, without the steep price tag!
16. Jerez, Spain
Recommended by Joanna from Andalucia in My Pocket
The Jerez wine region, a beautiful region in the south area of Spain called Andalucia, is the only place where the DOC Sherry wine is made. This region forms a triangle between the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and Puerto Santa Maria.
There are many things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, which is the ideal base for exploring the area. The town offers various activities related to Sherry, including a visit to the largest Sherry producer, Tio Pepe, located in the historical center. You can learn about Sherry-making and attend a tasting to understand the differences between various types of Sherry.
The most popular Sherry types in Spain are Manzanilla and Pedro Ximenez, which has a pale colour and is relatively dry. Pedro Ximenez is unique as the grapes are sun-dried to achieve a high concentration of natural sugar. It’s commonly used in local dishes.
Visiting the Jerez wine region is fascinating, especially for those familiar with sweet Sherry, often exported outside of Spain. In Jerez, you can try mosto, a very young wine barely fermented, available at tapas bars in town. If you visit in late November, this experience is both affordable and enjoyable.
Another great wine produced in Jerez but not known outside of the area is the red Tintilla. This is an endemic grape to the area which almost disappeared but was brought back to life by some of the local wine producers. It is a very bold red, with spicy and dark cherry notes. A great vineyard to visit where you can try this grape is Sancha Perez, near Conil de la Frontera.
17. Malaga, Spain
Recommended by Linn Haglund of Amused by Andalucia
Serrania de Ronda in Malaga is one of the most underrated wine regions in Europe. With around 20 family-run wineries, Ronda should be added to any Southern Spain itinerary! They typically produce fruity and spicy wines with plenty of attitude due to the high altitude the grapes are grown – at up to 900 meters.
Bodega Doña Felisa is one of the most prestigious wineries in the area with rewards-winning wines. It is quite remote, but you will have a unique and personal tour of the winery. If you prefer organic wine, a tour of Bodega Joaquin Fernandez Winery is an exclusive experience and the wine tasting takes place on their terrace with sweeping views of the picturesque valley below.
Some of the best Ronda wine tours can easily be incorporated into a 1 day itinerary of Ronda, as they provide all transportation for the tour, making it hassle free!
18. Montreux, Switzerland
Recommended by Giorgy from Sabiduri
Montreux, Switzerland, often lauded for its Jazz Festival and stunning lakeside views, is also home to some of the most underrated vineyards in Europe.
Nestled between the steep Alpine slopes and the serene waters of Lake Geneva, the Montreux wine region benefits from a unique microclimate that bestows upon its grapes a distinctive terroir.
The combination of warm sunshine and cool lake breezes helps in producing wines with outstanding character and finesse that wine enthusiasts often overlook for more famous European destinations.
One hidden gem that deserves recognition is the Domaine de la Crausaz, a winery that sits on the terraced hillside offering panoramic views that are as intoxicating as the wine itself. Their Chasselas, a light, dry white wine with a hint of minerality, is a delicious embodiment of what the terroir can produce.
Another exceptional winery is the Clos de Chillon, where history and viticulture entwine. Its storied cellar, under the shadow of the medieval Château de Chillon, produces exquisite reds and whites that capture the essence of Montreux’s wine heritage. Their Pinot Noir, with its delicate bouquet and elegant structure, is especially noteworthy.
Visiting Montreux’s wineries not only presents an opportunity to sample exquisite, lesser-known Swiss wines but also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. These wineries stand as a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of Swiss winemakers, offering a compelling reason to explore beyond the beaten path of European wine tourism.
Hidden Gem Wine Regions in Europe- In Summary
Wine can grow in so many unexpected regions of the world, which makes visiting these wine destinations in Europe even more exciting! Most countries in Europe have at least a few wineries to visit; I recommend making a day out of wine tasting wherever you travel (but maybe I’m biased!)
Through visiting these underrated wine destination in Europe, you will gain valuable exposure and awareness of the lives of the locals!
Have you visited any of these wine regions in Europe? Which was your favorite? Let me know below in the comments!
