bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Tim Pile

Italy is the planet’s largest wine-producing country (7.5 billion bottles annually), but only dedicated oenologists will be aware that Ethiopia has won gold medals at international wine competitions.
France churns out bottles by the billion as well, but who knew that wine is made in Tahiti, French Polynesia, with grapes grown in what is probably the world’s most remote vineyard.
Spain and Portugal are well-established vino (or vinho) producers, but Morocco and Tunisia have also crafted award-winning vintages.
Here are seven more unsung wine producing countries, each paired with a sightseeing suggestion or two.

1. Georgia
The 2017 discovery of grape residue in pottery jars unearthed in modern-day Georgia provides evidence of winemaking skills dating back at least 8,000 years.
Why wine city Porto’s vast drinking vessel collection will make you go ‘wow’
In most parts of the world, the process involves removing the skin from grapes and fermenting the fruit in wooden barrels. In the “cradle of wine”, the grapes go into clay vessels, known as qvevri – a prehistoric process that has been recognised by Unesco as part of the Caucasus country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Kakheti is Georgia’s main wine-producing region – to get a feel for the place, stay overnight in the gorgeous medieval hilltop town of Sighnaghi rather than trying to see everything on a day trip from the capital, Tbilisi.
The scenic Kakheti wine route features vineyard tours, tastings and hearty Georgian meals. Take a tour, not a hire car.

2. Slovenia
Slovenia is home to the world’s oldest grapevine still producing fruit, although winemaking in this part of central Europe began much earlier than 1570. Celtic tribesmen were growing grapes here centuries before the Romans introduced viticulture to France and Germany.
Part of Yugoslavia for 46 years until its independence in 1991, Slovenia was recently described as “the most underrated wine destination in Europe” by Food and Wine magazine.
Vespa tour of Croatia and Slovenia offers taste of Hollywood glamour
The region of Podravska has the largest concentration of vineyards and is renowned for its sparkling wines and world-class dessert wines. Further west, nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps and the sun-drenched Adriatic coast, is the wine-producing region of Kras, or Karst in English.
Proximity to Italy means wine buffs can pair a Slovenian tasting tour with a road trip to Venice, two hours away. Alternatively, combine the Kras Wine Road (160 vintners) with a circuit of Slovenian coastal towns. Koper, Izola, Portoroz and Piran are all 30 to 40 minutes from the vineyards.
Good luck deciding which is the loveliest.

3. India
India has a winemaking history dating back 4,000 years, although the country’s first commercial operation was only established in 1982.
A four-hour drive from Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra, the city of Nashik is gaining global recognition for its wines, a number of which have won awards and praise from critics and connoisseurs.
The hot and humid climate of the subcontinent presents a challenge, but experimentation with grape varieties and growing methods has yielded positive results.
‘There are cow horns with poo’: a vineyard tour of McLaren Vale
Vineyards in the “wine capital of India” can mostly be found in the cool foothills of the Western Ghats, a mountain range that is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Besides tasting tours, visitors can join guided hikes and wildlife safaris – the region is home to tigers, leopards, elephants and many species of birds.
It’s also possible to sign up for cookery classes, unwind at a yoga retreat or practise meditation in a forest sanctuary.

4. Vietnam
Wine production in Vietnam began during the French colonial era (1877-1954) but was put on hold during the war with the US (1955-75). Vineyards are up and running again, although planting was initially problematic because former battlefields were littered with landmines.
At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the former French hill station of Dalat is Vietnam’s premier honeymoon hotspot – a delightful place to escape the heat of the plains.
Five cheap Vietnam destinations far from the Instagram crowd
Besides grapes, the cool climate and fertile soil in this part of the Central Highlands are perfect for growing fruit and vegetables.
In addition to vineyard tours, lovers and others can visit flower gardens, tea and coffee plantations and pick-your-own farms.
5. England
Despite a heritage of viticulture stretching back to Roman times, wines produced in England were once the butt of (vinegar-related) jokes. Attitudes are changing, however, and some experts now consider English sparkling wines to be among the world’s best.
In 2016, the Royal Agricultural University acquired the Cotswold Hills vineyard, near Cirencester, in western England. The resulting social-enterprise project helps students gain an understanding of the wine-production process.

Besides learning about vineyard management, grape varieties, marketing and selling, students also tend the vines and help with the harvest.
The Cotswolds is a quintessentially English region of rolling hills, picturesque villages and tranquil countryside. Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, is open to the public and the 164km (100-mile) Cotswold Way follows ancient footpaths to the world heritage city of Bath.
The Plough pub, in nearby Cadsden, is a great spot to enjoy a pint; this is where then British prime minister David Cameron invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for a beer in 2015.

6. China
Archaeological finds indicate villagers in China were brewing alcoholic wild grape, rice and honey drinks (and presumably enduring Neolithic hangovers) around 7000 BC.
Fast forward to the end of the 19th century, and China’s first vineyard opened in Yantai, Shandong province. Today, the region produces 40 per cent of Chinese wine. But as we’re interested in the unsung and obscure, let’s head to Inner Mongolia.
Inner Mongolia captured in photos by native who finally realised its beauty
Situated on the edge of the Gobi Desert, the city of Wuhai endures harsh winters with frequent frosts and very little rain – not ideal conditions for producing a great vintage. To limit damage, vines are buried underground for the winter and dug up again in the spring.
Inner Mongolian winemaking is still in its infancy, but to raise brand awareness and attract potential customers, Wuhai is developing a tourism strategy centred on vineyard visits and an annual World Dessert Wine festival.
7. Uruguay
Like its national football team, Uruguay punches above its weight when it comes to winemaking. There are bigger producers in South America – Argentina, Chile and Brazil, for example – but Uruguay’s predominantly family-owned wineries have built a reputation based on quality over quantity.

Regarded as the national grape variety, tannat was introduced in the 19th century by Basque immigrants, and thrives thanks to the favourable climate and soil conditions.
Full-bodied tannat wines have garnered numerous awards and accolades, further enhancing Uruguay’s credentials as an influential global player.
Colonia del Sacramento, a Unesco-designated city with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and a picturesque waterfront, is a convenient wine taster’s base.


Harbin aims to attract more foreign tourists to China’s winter wonderland

US state park ravaged by fire now offers unique hikes among jet-black charred trees

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world

American Airlines resumes US flights after Christmas Eve technical issue strands thousands

Tourism

7 wine tours off the beaten track, from Georgia to China and India, and other cool attractions to visit while you are there

Smartno village in Goriska Brda, a famous wine region of Slovenia located near Italy. Photo:  Shutterstock

We look at 7 unlikely wine destinations, some with thousands of years of wine making, others with a more recent history. Above: a vineyard in the Cotswolds in the southwest of the UK. Photo: Shutterstock

Qvevri are clay vessels used in wine production that are unique to Georgia.

Goriska Brda is a famous wine region of Slovenia near Italy. Above: Smartno village. Photo: Shutterstock

A vineyard in Nashik, Maharashtra state, India. Photo: Shutterstock

A giant bottle in the Park of Flowers in Dalat city, Vietnam. Photo: Shutterstock

In 2015, then British prime minister David Cameron drank a beer (above) with Chinese President Xi Jinping at The Plough pub, in Cadsden, in the UK’s Cotswolds. Wine is produced in the region of western England these days. Photo: AFP

The castle and vineyards in of the Chinese wine brand Changyu, the largest producer in China, in Yantai, Shandong province. Photo: Shutterstock

A wine cask with a sign (“home-made sweets, jellies, regional products, Uruguayan wines, handmade cheeses”) in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Photo: Shutterstock

What makes whisky from Tasmania among the best in the world? ‘We have all the elements required,’ says insider, including ‘clean and pure water’

A bottle of Sullivans Cove Single Cask malt whisky. Photo: Sullivans Cove

Tasmania in Australia may not be the first place you think of when it comes to whisky, but distilleries there are snapping up accolades at international awards. Above: Sullivans Cove makes some of Australia’s most sought after whisky.  Photo: Lisa Cam

Mary Mary bar, inside The Tasman hotel is a good place to try a Tasmanian whisky. Photo: The Tasman

Sullivan’ Cove Single Cask malt whisky is one of the most sought after whiskies in Australia.

McHenry distillery’s tasting room. Photo: Lisa Cam

‘Most dangerous wonder of the world’ and more things tourists don’t get told by the travel industry

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been dubbed the most dangerous wonder of the world thanks to the spate of muggings - some at gunpoint - of hikers making their way up to the statue. Photo: AFP

Camps Bay in Cape Town. Photo: Shutterstock

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock

Machu Picchu in misty weather. Photo: Shutterstock

Rooms need to be booked months in advance for the Rio Carnival, in Brazil. Photo: Shutterstock

Hollywood Boulevard in 2015. Photo: Shutterstock

Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon National Park. Photo: Shutterstock

Big Ben under scaffolding in July 2019. Photo: Shutterstock

Where to eat and drink in Barcelona? 4 top Spanish chefs reveal the places they go for tapas, Catalan cuisine and Michelin-star fine dining, and the world’s best bar

A guacamole-based dish at Barcelona fine-dining Mexican restaurant Come by Paco Mendez. Photo: Come by Paco Mendez

Sergio Torres (right) of Barcelona’s Cocina Hermanos Torres with his brother and co-owner Javier. Torres and other top Spanish chefs give their tips on where to eat and drink in the Catalan capital. Photo: Cocina Hermanos Torres

Albert Adria is the chef behind one-Michelin-star restaurant Enigma, in Barcelona. Photo: Fabian Wester

Eduard Xatruch is one of three chefs behind two-Michelin-star restaurant Disfrutar, in Barcelona. Photo: Joan Valera

Sergio Torres of Cocina Hermanos Torres. Photo: Cocina Hermanos Torres

Giacomo Giannotti, the owner and head bartender of Paradiso, in Barcelona. Photo: Paradiso

Pastry chef Jordi Roca of El Celler de Can Roca. Photo: El Celler de Can Roca

Why Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar is worth a visit: an increasingly modern and trendy city that maintains a healthy respect for its roots

Juulchin Street in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar is a popular thoroughfare lined with cafes and restaurants that is car-free between 6am and 9am. Photo: Mavis Teo

Most people in Mongolia do not live in these traditional gers any more. Photo: Mavis Teo

The opening ceremony for the festival of Naadam is held mostly in Ulaanbaatar’s National Stadium. Photo: Mavis Teo

Bitsy & Co was opened because of its owners’ desire to raise the standard of cocktail bars in Mongolia. Photo: Bitsy & Co

Many current and former Mongolian military people, including this man on Juulchin Street, proudly don their old uniforms to attend Naadam festivities. Photo: Mavis Teo

Books at Anjuna Book & Art. Photo: Mavis Teo

Khorhog at Tegri. Photo: Mavis Teo

A dessert from Five Up. Photo: Five Up

The Gallery Lounge at the Edelweiss Art Hotel. Photo: Edelweiss

Magazines

PostMag

Travel

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Food & Drink

Lists

When thinking of wine destinations, you may not consider places like Uruguay, Slovenia or Vietnam, but they all have vineyards and a wine industry
We visit 7 below-the-radar wine-producing countries, some with thousands of years of viticulture behind them, and find out what else there is to see while there


From Georgia to China and Uruguay, we visit 7 below-the-radar destinations for wine lovers, find out what there is to see on a wine tour, and some of their other attractions for tourists.


Food and Drinks

Wine and Spirits

Croatia

French Polynesia