Sardinia is an beautiful Italian Island located in the Mediterranean Sea. The majority of vineyards on Sardinia lie on the western side of the Island, however wines can be found all over due the mixed soil types throughout. The white grape variety, Vermentino, takes a home in Sardinia as this grape benefits from the sun reflections from the sea. You’ll also find these hidden gem white grapes: Torbato, a speciality wine in the sub-region of Alghero; Nuragus, cherished by those who love light whites with citrus and green apple fruit; Semidano, an elegant white with floral hints; and Moscato. For red grape varieties, keep your eye on these: Cagnulari (AKA Graciano), Malvasia, Vernaccia, Carignano (AKA Carignan), and Cannonau (AKA French Grenache or Spanish Garnacha).

Tuscany, within Central Italy, lies on the western side of the country. Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, the popular region of Chianti and the black grape variety, Sangiovese. Sangiovese wines here usually produce high levels of acidity and tannin with aromas of red cherry, plum, and died herbs. Sangiovese does so well throughout Tuscany as it needs a warm climate to ripen fully. Designated regions to keep an eye out for are Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Additionally, Bolgheri DOC, for bold reds from the coast of Central Italy.

You’ll often hear Barolo associated with some of Italy’s greatest wines. This is because the wine here is grown at altitudes with south-facing slopes (towards the sunlight) allowing the grapes to ripen slowly developing perfumed aromas, sour cherries, herbs, and floral characteristics. Barolo’s are infamous for being the biggest and boldest of the black variety Nebbiolo. In the best years, Barolo will develop high acidity and high tannin with a full body and the potential to continue to develop its characteristics within the bottle. Many Barolo’s will actually benefit in complexity and structure from further bottle aging. These wines can be sourced from different villages or purely from one village, which would then be stated on the label. The best wines here will come from a single-named vineyard or “cru.” In Barolo DOCG, the primary designated area, the wine must be made entirely from the Nebbiolo grape, spend 18 months in oak, and aged for three years before release. 

Barbaresco is the smaller region within Piemonte with the black grape Nebbiolo as king. These bold beauties can age for decades due to high acid and tannins. With influence from the river, Nebbiolo here can often be fruitier and less perfumed than in Barolo. Barbaresco has a primary designated area, Barbaresco DOCG, where the wines must spend nine months in oak and be aged for two years before release. For higher quality wines you will find a single named vineyard or the word “cru” on the label. 

Traveling to the northwest corner of Italy you’ll find the region of Piemonte. Here the climate ranges between moderate to continental and the area is noted for its foothills. These foothills provide different aspects and altitudes allowing for a variety of elegant, aromatic, and earthy wines to be grown. However, the primary grapes of Piemonte are the black varieties of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto and the white varieties of Cortese and Moscato (Muscat). Within Piemonte are many other designated smaller wine regions famous for their specific varietals including Barbaresco, Barolo, Asti, and Alba. 

Veneto, another region within the Northeast, is one of the largest white wine producing areas in Italy. The entire Veneto region extends from Lake Garda in the west to Venice in the east and from the foothills of the Alps in the north to the flat plains of the Po in the south. The flat plains, of general Veneto region, are usually a source inexpensive, high volume wines. These can be labelled as Veneto IGT. Veneto region encompasses towns of Verona, Soave, and Valpolicella making this area home to many popular Italian wines. 

In Soave, east of Verona, the main grape is the white variety, Garganega. These wines can either be fruitier with less acidity and made to be drunk young (typically from the flat plains) or the best examples (from the foothills) can age and develop aromas of almonds and honey. Look for wines from here to be labelled Soave DOC or Soave Classico DOC (if from the foothills). 

Valpolicella, to the northwest of Verona, also has a foothills designation versus the flatter south. The wines will be labelled as either Valpolicella DOC or Valpolicella Classico DOC (foothills). The main grape is the black variety, Corvina. Corvina has a thin skin, moderate color, high acidity, but low-medium tannins. Ever hear of Amarone della Valpolicella? This is a certain style used in winemaking within Valpolicella, made from the Corvina grape, that increases structure and flavor concentration. The Amarone style will be fuller-bodied, high alcohol, increased tannins, and strong concentration of berry and spice flavors. 

In Italy’s Northeast corner is the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Depending if the vineyards are located more north near the Alps versus south near the Adriatic Sea, the climate can vary from moderate-continental (within the Alps) to warm (near the sea). Here, Pinot Grigio takes precedence, although many other grape varieties are planted as well. Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia tends to be more rich, with a medium-full body and juicy tropical flavors. Other grapes to note are Merlot, the most widely-planted black variety, and the native white grape, Friulano. Wines from this region can be labelled Friuli Grave DOC (within the plain) and Collio DOC or Colli Orientali DOC (within the hills).

Alto Adige is Italy’s most northerly wine region situated in the foothills of the Alps. It boasts its own DOC (regulated geographical region under Italian Wine Law) labelled Alto Adige DOC. The vineyards here are planted on terraces, most with high altitudes and a large diurnal range making this region prime for aromatic whites and light-bodied red wines. The most notable grape you’ll find here is Pinot Grigio. Traditionally, Pinot Grigio is made in a dry style with a light to medium body, high acid, and citrus flavors. Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Schiava are also grown with this region. 

When we speak of Central Coast, CA were including numerous diverse regions from Santa Cruz down through Santa Barbara counties. This encompasses smaller areas such as Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Monterey AVA, Paso Robles AVA, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, and Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The Central Coast is responsible for many great value wines from a multitude of grape varietals depending on the climate within the specific designated areas. From the coastal AVA’s with influence from the fog and cooling effects, you will find Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The inland AVA’s are much warmer, like Paso Robles, so look here for outstanding Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Rhône-style blends.

Israel is located in the Middle East on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and considered to be the historic birthplace of wine as referenced in the Torah and Old Testament. Although much of their traction in winemaking was lost during the years of Islamic rule, there are many young winemakers with their eye toward the future and making pristine wine. Israel has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot sunny days and cool nights combined with a variety of soils making this a thriving wine region. You may have heard of Kosher wine, so It is important to note that Kosher wine is made in the same method as traditional winemaking, and can be just as delicious! The country is producing wine from all of the major grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Keep an eye out for these five main wine regions: Galilee, Shomron, Samson, Judean Hills, and Negev.

Germany, home of the Riesling grape. With plantings dating back to the 1700’s, Germany has become the world’s top producer of highly concentrated, premier Riesling. This white wine here can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet. Outside of Riesling, Germany is also ideal for cool climate light red wines including Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Dornfelder, and Blaufränkisch. Germany has a total of 13 wine regions with the majority of wines coming from the southwestern portion of the country. Some of the most important wine growing regions being the Mosel, Nahe, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden, and Franken. In nearly all regions, the best vineyard sites can be found on steep and stony slopes maximizing optimal conditions for grape growing. 

The Willamette Valley AVA lies to the west of the Cascade Mountains south of the city, Portland in Oregon. Stretching into Southern Oregon, this region has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards. With cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean, dry, long sunny days, and cool nights, Willamette Valley is prime territory for growing Burgundian grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With the first planting’s back in the 1960’s, this region has grown slowly, but significantly, producing top quality and world-renown wines from mostly small wineries. 

Located in The Upper Ebro within North Central Spain, Rioja is split into three distinct sub-regions centered around the region’s principal city, Logroño. Grape plantings here are dominated by Tempranillo. However, you’ll also find delicious Garnacha, Viura, and Verdejo. Oak maturation plays a large role in winemaking style. Although, Rioja wines can be made in a range of styles depending on what the winemaking is seeking to achieve. Traditionally, wines were aged in American Oak giving pronounced flavors for vanilla, coconut, or dill. Now, you may find many producers are using oak from France or other European countries to give some of their wines more subtle spicy aromatics. 

Part of what can be referred to as “Green” Spain, Galicia is located in the upper north west corner of the country. Wine production here dates back to the time of the Romans. It is one of the coolest areas producing refreshingly crisp Albariño with strong mineral characteristics as well as elegant red wine from the Mencía grape. Galicia boasts five denominated wine regions (DOs) including the infamous Rías Baixas, the closest DO to the Atlantic ocean.

Your ideal Segway into wines of the old world. Spain has a long history of wine production, but its wines have recently come into distinction with international markets. With three broad climatic zones, and six geographical regions, this country boasts the highest vineyard acreage in the world. However, their yields are consistently relatively low due to vine spacing and limited water use. Spain is home for top varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell and other indigenous grapes including Albariño, Airén, and Mencía.

To the north of Cape Town is the large district of Swartland. This district was considered to be a source for inexpensive, large-yielding grapes and wine for many years. However, in recent, Swartland has undergone a considerable transformation to be a center for more premium wine production. Old-vine Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Cape blends tend to be well-recognized from this area in particular. To enhance fruit concentration and produce higher quality wines, producers can dry-farm (grow without irrigation) to lower their yields. 

Hemel-en-Aarde is a small ward within the famous Walker Bay district, an area well exposed to the ocean on the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Although tiny, this area is known for some of the best fruit and wines. With high potential for cool-climate wines, you’ll find great quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir here. Due to the small region being fairly spread out, producers here can be very individualized and unique.  

Situated to the east of Cape Town, the Stellenbosch district lies just inland from the coast surrounding the town of Stellenbosch itself. With an ideal climate giving sufficient rainfall, cool winds, mountain coverage, and a variety of altitudes and soils, Stellenbosch has built a reputation for growing top class red wines. In particular, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Red Blends. In the cooler sites, excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also grown. 

South of the Equator is one of the most interesting wine-growing regions, South Africa. Due to its location within the continent, you would think South Africa would be mostly hot. However, most of South Africa’s wine regions are found along the coastline and benefit from cooling influences including the Southern Ocean. Another defining feature for South African wine land is dramatic mountain ranges providing a landscape with different altitudes and aspects that allows winemakers to produce a wide range of wine styles. South Africa also has unique ancient granite soils (over 600 million years old), resulting in bold red and white wines with high intensity. Famously grown here in both dry and sweet styles is the white grape varietal, Chenin Blanc. 

A country best known for high-quality, dry, white wines including its very own grape variety Grüner Veltliner, and Riesling. However, Austria also has many fine red wines from local varieties including Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch and sweet dessert wine. Due to the Alps covering most of western Austria, the wine-producing areas tend to be found on the lower and eastern end of the country. With little variation in weather being in northern Europe, Austrian wine-producing regions have a cool continental climate experiencing short summers and harsh winters. 

Niederosterreich, AKA Lower Austria, has a vast diversity and expansive lands producing an abundance of ranging wine styles and variety. It is Austria’s largest wine region. Home to the famous Austrian grape varietal, Grüner Veltliner, as well as others including Zweigelt, Riesling, and Welschriesling. Within this large area, there are eight specified smaller wine-growing regions such as Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal, who are consistently producing high quality wines.

A warm and dry, large country with multiple geographical areas specializing in different varieties of wine. Australia is an extremely important wine producing country in terms of its scale, economy, and quality. It is the sixth largest wine producer in the world. The vast size and range of climatic and geographical conditions makes Australia a very versatile wine-growing country. Here is where the coined term “Shiraz” was named after their unique taste of Syrah wines.

There are six important wine growing “states”: Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. In South Australia, Barossa Valley, you’ll find a focus on Shiraz and Riesling. Particularly, Eden Valley and Clare Valley specializing in top-quality Riesling. Western Australia’s Margaret River is a prime region for Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends. Victoria, much cooler from the coastal influence, is making fruity Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In New South Wales, Hunter Valley, you’ll find age-worthy Syrah and Sémillon. Last, but certainly not least, Tasmania is pulling out graceful Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. 

The land of Malbec and the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Mendoza is the largest and most important wine region accounting for 75% of Argentina’s vineyards with a focus on red wines. Mendoza has three main wine sub-regions: Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley, and Maipu, with more than 1,500 wineries spread throughout. These three sub-regions are situated in the foothills of the Andres mountains providing ample sunshine, snowmelt for irrigation, and have the highest elevation. The high elevation generally results in wine with high acidity giving them a nice freshness and ability to age. Other Mendoza sub-regions including Santa Rosa and San Rafael are also producing terrific value wines. Common grape varieties beyond Malbec include Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Torrontes (an aromatic white varietal).