“There’s so much more out there to taste and discover.”

Napa, Bordeaux, Burgundy. Some of the finest wine in the world comes out of these renowned regions, making them classic getaways for wine country retreats. But they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Winemaking is a global industry, spanning nearly 70 countries, millions of acres of vineyards, hundreds of regions, and thousands of wineries.

There’s so much more out there to taste and discover, like these five on-the-rise wine regions that are stepping into the spotlight.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaking in Oregon’s premier wine region goes as far back as the mid-1800s, so it’s far from a fresh-faced newcomer. But in recent years, the Willamette Valley has been reinventing itself beyond its Pinot Noir fame and giving wine lovers a number of new reasons to visit. It has debuted luxurious new hotels. It’s made a rumble with its Chardonnay and sparkling vintages. Fresh farm-to-table restaurants like Hayward have caught the attention of the James Beard Awards and the New York Times. Suffice it to say, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Here, options run the gamut from legacy wineries to innovative upstarts. To go back to the roots, start at establishments like Adelsheim, The Eyrie Vineyards, and Brooks Wine. Then, see what newer wineries like CHO Wines, Ambar Estate, and Evening Lands are bringing to the table. Many wineries, like Soter and Antica Terra, also have lauded culinary programs featuring ingredients from local farms or the estate itself. At over 100 miles long and some 60 miles wide, the Willamette has a lot of ground to cover. But collectives like the Carlton Winemakers Studio and Winery Lane Collective make it possible to sample multiple producers in one place.

Walla Walla, Washington

Tucked into the far southwestern corner of Washington state, Walla Walla is a world-class wine destination. Yet, due to its isolation, it sees far fewer visitors than famous West Coast counterparts like Napa and Sonoma. Napa sees around 3.75 million visitors a year. By comparison, Walla Walla hosts around 750,000 visitors a year. 500,000 of those come specifically for wine.

Many things make Walla Walla special, from its charming downtown full of fun shops and fantastic restaurants to historic hotels and dreamy landscapes. But wine is Walla Walla’s crown jewel. With an abundance of in-town tasting rooms, it’s easy to try many different wineries within a short distance of each other. The Walls Vineyards is a standout, with a design-driven tasting room and a portfolio of classic and eclectic varieties. Set in an old aircraft hangar, Dunham Cellars is also worth a gander with its historic setting and lively atmosphere. Then, drive just a few minutes into the countryside. Mere minutes out of town, there are any number of wineries to visit, from Echolands with its sweeping Blue Mountain views to the elegant Valdemar Estates. Another part of Walla Walla’s appeal? The community. While visiting a winery, the odds are quite good you’ll get to meet the winemaker themselves and have the opportunity to talk shop.

Sonita, Tucson

Wine tasting? In Arizona? Yes, indeed. About an hour south of Tucson, the Sonoita Highlands form Arizona’s first federally recognized wine region, one of three in the Grand Canyon State. With about 20 wineries in the area, it’s an unexpected but enchanting place to dip into the world of Arizona winemaking.

Set on 70 acres in Elgin, Los Milics Vineyards is worth a stop not only for the estate-grown wines but the architecture as well. Tastings take place in a striking, modern building that rises up from the middle of a field of vines like a spaceship. Inside, large windows allow guests to look out across the desert landscape while enjoying a flight or snacking on locally sourced tapas. If a tasting isn’t enough time to admire the views, stay the night in one of the guest casitas. 

A few miles away, Rune Wines operates completely off-grid, its solar-powered, open-air pavilion serving flights of stellar Viognier and Syrah. Established in 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks is another local heavy-hitter, known for its regenerative vineyard practices and long-standing commitment to sustainability. Sip on a Syrah while soaking up the views of the high desert grasslands, paired with one of the winery’s excellent pizzas.

Lewis-Clark Valley, Idaho

There are many reasons to venture to the towns and landscapes of north-central Idaho. There’s rafting along the Snake River or exploring Hells Canyon, a gorge that cuts even deeper than the Grand Canyon. There’s discovering the culture and heritage of the Nez Perce or learning about Lewis and Clark’s legendary voyage. And for wine drinkers, there’s sampling the wines coming out of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.

Established in 2016, this young wine region is on the rise. Here, a handful of gritty, ambitious wineries use the long growing season and ancient soils to produce robust Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. For a tasting with a view, head to Rivaura Winery. The tasting room and terrace overlook a dreamy tableau of patterned vineyards, rolling hills, and the sparkling Clearwater River, providing the perfect backdrop for a tasting of the winery’s Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Sauvignon Blanc. To try award-winning wines that blend passion and science, stop at Clearwater Canyon Cellars; winemaker Coco Umiker holds a doctorate in wine microbiology, while her husband Karl has a master’s in soil science.  There’s also Basalt Cellars, a more low-key spot with a cellar tasting room that’s nice for a relaxed afternoon outing.

Slovenia

Sitting at the intersection of Central and Southern Europe, Slovenia is bordered by some of the oldest and most renowned winemaking countries in the world. Winemaking here similarly has a very deep history, but it’s only recently that the world has fully started to catch wind of it. Producing up to nine million liters of wine annually across its three main winegrowing regions and roughly 2,500 wineries, Slovenia’s wine scene is thriving. 

A good place to start exploring Slovenian wine is in Podravje, home to the heart of the country’s wine industry, Štajerska. Here, terraced vineyards yield fresh, aromatic whites like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. While in the area, seek out the wines of Gönc Winery. Even though it dates back to 1936, this family-run winery is forging a fresh reputation for innovation. Primorska and Posavje are the two other big wine regions. Head to Posavje for sparkling wine and unique styles, and Primorska for lesser-known whites like Rebula. Throughout the journey, stop at as many restaurants as possible. Slovenia’s food scene is also receiving more attention, fueled in part by a foraging revival and a strong locally sourced ethos.