Top 5 Lesser-Known Wine Regions in Europe to Visit

Out of all other reasons that Europe is famous for, wine is one of the most interesting one. Yes, you heard it right! Europe is home to world’s greatest wine regions such as Rioja, Tuscany, and Bordeaux.

However, there are some lesser-known regions in Europe that not only produce unique wines but also holds fascinating history. In this blog you’ll explore Lesser-Known Wine Regions in Europe to Visit.

1. Eger, Hungary

Eger is a special city in Hungary, known for its yummy red wine called Bull's Blood, which is made from different types of grapes. Eger also has tasty white wines like Egri Leányka and Furmint.

People who visit Eger can walk through the pretty vineyards and taste these delicious wines at local wineries. Eger’s wine-making history goes back a long time, all the way to the 13th century! This makes it one of the oldest places in Hungary to make wine. If you love wine and want to explore new places, Eger is a perfect spot to try some amazing wines that aren't found everywhere.

2. Kamptal, Austria

Kamptal is a lovely wine region in northeastern Austria, famous for its mineral-driven and tasty Grüner Veltliner wines. The vineyards are on hillsides, where the cool climate helps the grapes grow into wines that are crisp and full of flavor.

You can walk through the vineyards and visit wineries like Schloss Gobelsburg and Weingut Bründlmayer to see how the wines are made. Kamptal has been making wine since Roman times. This makes one of Austria’s oldest wine regions. It’s a great place to explore if you love wine and want to taste some unique, high-quality wines that you might not find everywhere.

3. Thracian Valley, Bulgaria

The Thracian Valley is a relatively unknown place in southern Bulgaria where people make delicious red wines like Mavrud and Rubin. The vineyards are surrounded by beautiful mountains and grow well because the soil is fertile, and the weather is quite favorable.

Visitors can explore the vineyards and visit places like Villa Yustina and Domaine Boyar to taste these yummy wines. Long ago, the Thracians, who loved making wine, started the winemaking tradition here.

Now, the Thracian Valley is becoming more famous for its unique and tasty wines, making it a great place for wine lovers to visit and enjoy both the wine and the culture of Bulgaria.

4. El Bierzo, Spain

El Bierzo is a quiet, hidden wine region in northwest Spain, famous for making yummy red wines from grapes like Mencía and Godello. The vineyards grow in the mountains, where the different kinds of soil give the wine a special taste.

Visitors can walk through the vineyards and visit wineries like Descendientes de J. Palacios and Bodegas Estefanía to learn about how the wine is made. Besides its great wines, El Bierzo is also known for its pretty landscapes, old villages, and rich history.

It’s a wonderful place for wine lovers who want to taste something new and enjoy Spain's unique culture. El Bierzo is also part of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, making it even more distinct!

5. Mantinia, Greece

Mantinia is a beautiful wine region in the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece. While it’s not as famous as places like Santorini or Crete, it has a long history of making wine and is a great place to discover some top-class Greek wines.

The Moschofilero grape, which grows well in Mantinia's cool, high-altitude vineyards, is one of the most popular. This white grape is known for its flowery and citrusy flavors. Tselepos Winery, located in Mantinia, makes some of the best Moschofilero wines.

Mantinia also produces tasty red wines, like those made from the Agiorgitiko grape, which has rich, fruity flavors. Domaine Spiropoulos is a well-known winery here that’s been producing excellent wines since 1860.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of vineyards, and delicious food paired with the region's amazing wines.

Takeaway

Europe’s lesser-known wine regions offer a unique experience for wine lovers looking to explore beyond the popular spots. From Eger’s historic wines in Hungary to the picturesque vineyards of Kamptal, each region brings its own charm and flavor.

Thracian Valley, El Bierzo, and Mantinia are hidden spots waiting to be discovered. They offer a mix of rich wine traditions, stunning landscapes, and delicious wines. If you’re seeking new wine adventures, these regions are definitely worth a visit!

Wanderlust App was created to make it easy to discover the most beautiful places across the world. From an AI travel assistant to planning the perfect trip and tracking all the places you want to visit around the world, Wanderlust App will help you do it all.