When we hear the word wine, we always associate it with Napa Valley. But can you believe that thirty years ago, the world’s top wine experts and wine lovers alike dismiss the Napa Valley wines as so-so? But today, the Napa Valley Wine Country has become a famous tourist spot not only for Americans but for wine connoisseurs around the globe.
Of course, this means that Napa Valley is becoming more and more congested. The good news is that a handful of advanced wine-making techniques have started in uncommon wine countries like India and even in Tasmania. This is definitely good news to all wine experts and wine lovers out there because it means that there are now new flavors that are distinct to these wine regions; another reason is that as the wineries in California and France become crowded, we can opt to visit these other wine regions that offer more than just new flavors but also a spectacular scenery and natural charms.
Villány and Szekszárd Regions in Hungary
These two areas are famous for being the two leading makers of red wine in Hungary. They have almost similar soil composition that’s just perfect for growing red grapes during summer and winter seasons. Both Villány and Szekszárd take pride in the creation of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It is believed that the tradition of making wines in Hungary was born in the Villány region and one article regarded its wine to worth its weight in gold. On the other hand, the Szekszárd region is famous for its historical references and personalities such as Franz Schubert who composed the Trout-quintet, Franz Liszt, Pope Pius IX, Zoltán Kodály, and János Háry who all tasted the fantastic wines of this region and were inspired by it.
Nashik Wine Region in India
The Nashik Wine Region is India’s major winemaking region. It is located 120 miles from Mumbai and can be reached via the train in just three hours. Apart from being famous for its wines, Nashik is also the home of holy water coming from its rivers and thus considered a holy city. The town features a vast marketplace where you can enjoy leisurely walks while immersing yourself in the town’s activities and people. If you’re looking for adventure, you can also visit the caves that are about 2,000 years old that were built especially for Jain saints. There are presently 40 wineries spread all over Nashik, too many to cover in just one visit. Thankfully, the Nashik Wine Park, which is located in the Maharashtra State, offers you a compact tour of the wineries and their activities in the Nashik region. There are 97 plots that measures 2000 square meters each.
Long Island Wine Country in New York
Yes, the famous concrete jungle is also home to a lush vineyard. Smart wine lovers in New York have long known that the Long Island Wine Country, where wine-making traditions are enhanced by new technology, is the home to the world best-tasting and most sought after wines by experts and elite restaurants all over the world. Over thirty years ago, Long Island Wine Country was founded by wine expert Louisa Hargrave together with Alex, her husband. The regions surrounding waters make the temperature just perfect for growing premium grapes. It has been said that the climate is similar to the famous wine region of Bordeaux in France. Today, the wineries in Long Island Wine Country are family-owned and most of them take part in the wine industry by having their own wine-tasting rooms.
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley of the British Columbia Wine Country sits between the Monashee and Cascade mountains and stretches for about 155 miles. One of its main attractions are the picturesque lakes namely the Okanagan, Vaseux, Skaha, and Osoyos Lakes that complement the heat of the summer sun while its volcanic soil proves to be perfect for making wines. Okanagan Valley’s ice wine is very famous during the winter season but the grapes that are grown in this wine country are made into Canada’s most famous wines. Wineries located in the south make Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. While the northern and mid regions are famous for their Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Guadalupe Valley Wine Region in Mexico
Mexico’s tequila is already world-famous but it seems that even Napa Valley’s successful wine-making venture owe its roots to its rustic and less pretentious wine region, the Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico. Even today, it remains to be one of the few places in the world where premium grapes intended for wine-making are grown and it still preserves its old world feel and natural charm. If you want to escape the busload of tourist in other wine regions, go to Guadalupe Valley for a taste back in time.
Guadalupe Valley wine region has about 11 separate wineries with Cetto as the largest that makes almost 90% of all the wines in the country.
Upper Galilee and Golan Heights in Israel
The grapes used to make Israel’s Reserve Wines and First Label is grown in the Galilee wine region, which is the country’s primary wine area. Upper Galilee is said to be the country’s most beautiful wine-making region and is famous for its microclimates that make the soil hoarse and heavy but drained. Majority of the Upper Galilee vineyards started in the middle of 1990’s. On the other hand, the Golan Heights Wine Region is home to the Odem Mountain Winery, which is located in the northern most part of the country and the Chateau Golan, which is the most prestigious vineyard in Israel. Most of the wineries in Golan Heights are located roughly 1,200m ASL and therefore creates a cool crisp weather for growing quality grapes with the help of fresh water coming from Mount Hermon. They have been producing quality wines that are internationally acclaimed. Golan Heights Winery won as the Best Foreign Winery in the Prague Trophy International Wine Competition in 2008.
Charlottesville Wine Region in Virginia
Wine plays a key element in the country’s economy and tourism. The scenic and idyllic drives and visits to historical places in town complement Virginia’s famous wines for locals and tourists alike. Virginia has around 130 vineyards. The Charlottesville wine region stands out for its famous Petit Verdot, Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Malvasia Passito.
Douro Valley in Portugal
Breathtakingly beautiful, Douro Valley Wine Region is famous for its vineyards located in steep plateaus and the idyllic Douro River. The wineries of this region are called Quintas, characterized by their brightly colored walls in shades of yellows. The main vineyards in Douro Valley are Peso da Régua and Pinhão.
Coal, Tamar, Huon, and Derwent River Valleys in Tasmania
The entire island is considered an official wine-making district. The grapes grown in the Tasmania enjoy weather conditions that are similar in the famous wine regions in Europe. They are famous for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy Tasmania’s elegant wines in restaurants or in cozy cottages and private tasting rooms in local houses. The quaint wine cottages offer the kind of charm, old-world heritage, and distinct character of Tasmania and its famous blend.
Colonia Wine Region in Uruguay
It is one of the main wine regions in sunny Uruguay and is located in the south west. Despite being a small country, statistics show that Uruguay has a high number of wine lovers ranging from red to semi-sweet white varieties. The Colonia wine region is famous for its picturesque sceneries, particularly in the Rio de la Plata. It is also the home of Colonia del Sacramento, which is said to date back to the 17thcentury.
No comments:
Post a Comment