As a certified sommelier, I’ve had the privilege of traveling all over — from the Loire Valley to the hills of Chianti — to experience some of the world’s most iconic wines right at their source.
Some of my favorite wine spots in Europe, though, have been a little more under the radar. I love nothing more than heading somewhere for a beach, mountain, or cultural visit, and stumbling upon a robust local winemaking scene.
Not only do I always feel like I’ve discovered something rare, but these visits have often turned into more low-key, authentic, and dedicated wine experiences. Across Europe, here are four of my favorite small and mighty or hidden-gem wine regions to visit.
Alentejo preserves an ancient wine tradition in Portugal
Alentejo, Portugal, is primarily known for its cliffsides, historic sites, and gastronomy, but this region is also home to red and aromatic white wines. In fact, it’s almost single-handedly responsible for preserving a fascinating, ancient winemaking technique.
Here, wines are made in clay vessels, called talha, which give the wines a gently earthy, mineral-driven character. On St. Martin’s Day, November 11, the historical celebration of the annual unsealing of the talha is still observed by the various local winemakers who continue to produce talha wines.
For a taste of these, head to Herdade do Rocim. Their deep selection of wines includes selections for every wine lover, including indigenous grapes and blends from the region, international varieties, and talha wines.
The Thames and Chilterns area is a lesser-known, up-and-coming wine gem in England
The majority of English wine is made in its southern counties, including Sussex and Kent, where the latitude, coastal conditions, and chalky soils give winemakers a slight climatic advantage.
However, I prefer the rolling hills set in the Thames Valley, just west of London. In the Thames and Chilterns region, several smaller winemakers are carving out rightful attention, also producing dazzling sparkling wines to rival Champagne’s.
Whenever I plan to be in the area, I always make a reservation at Harrow & Hope, a charming winery with world-class, organically farmed sparkling wines and hilltop views overlooking the valley.
Valle d’Aosta proves that great wine can be made in the Italian Alps
Italy’s smallest region, Valle d’Aosta, is situated in the country’s northwesternmost boundary, bordering France and Switzerland. In my opinion, the steep vineyard rows with stunning, mountain-peaked backdrops are among the most dramatic in all of Europe.
Winemaking in Valle d’Aosta is considered “heroic,” an official term for vineyards whose climate and geography make it especially challenging. It’s rare to find bottles from the Aosta Valley beyond its borders, given its small yields and number of producers, which is all the more reason to seek them out in person if your outdoor travels bring you to the area.
A quick drive out of the town of Aosta, multigenerational winery Grosjean Vins is a must-visit: Its premium sparkling wines give après-ski vibes all year round. A variety of tastings and tours are offered throughout the season — you can even sign up for a vineyard picnic between the months of April and October.
Irouléguy offers a sip of French Basque culture
France boasts more famous wine regions than basically anywhere else on earth, from Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux to the Loire Valley and Provence. That’s not even counting Alsace, Languedoc, Jura … you get the idea.
One of the lesser-known French regions is Irouléguy, a tiny area in the heart of the French Basque Country. With approximately one square mile of vineyards, Irouléguy is often nicknamed “France’s smallest vineyard,” but it is a distinctive region unto itself with several producers.
Cool, wet weather defines the region’s winemaking, with rustic, robust reds that perfectly match the Basque Country’s sheep cheeses, Jambon de Bayonne, and espelette pepper. Plus, the views — from colorful Basque architecture to abundant grazing pastures — are unlike anywhere else.
A trip here is incomplete without a visit to La Cave d’Irouleguy, a wine cooperative that’s responsible for 60% of the region’s winemaking.
This co-op is the best place for an immersive experience: You can enjoy a free tasting of Irouléguy’s dynamic wines, take an interactive discovery tour or an electric-scooter ride, or hike through the vineyard.
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