Wine Tours & Vineyard Holidays: Alternative Winery Destinations Around the World

While the world’s famous wine regions have their undeniable charm, we’re here to uncover hidden gems that offer a fresh take on local discovery. Step off the beaten path and explore wineries where both white and red grapes thrive, and extraordinary wine production takes place.

From Moldova to Montenegro, venture into rustic cellars tucked away in unexpected corners of the world, where each bottle tells a unique story of the land. As some of the world's best wine destinations, they aren’t just about exquisite wine - they’re an invitation to experience wine tasting holidays and vineyard holidays like no other. Whether you’re strolling through historic vineyards, indulging in authentic local flavours, or taking part in harvest activities, these wine holidays offer a rich, immersive experience that brings you closer to the heart of winemaking.

Best alternative wine countries

Looking for the best alternative wine countries to visit? Explore hidden wine gems like Montenegro, the Azores, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes.

• Moldova
• The Azores
• Georgia
• Uzbekistan
• Montenegro

1. Moldova: Home to the world’s largest underground wine cellar

Tucked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a small country with a big secret - its exquisite bottles. Often overlooked in favour of Europe’s more famous harvest regions, Moldova boasts one of the oldest wine producing traditions in the world, dating back over 5,000 years.

Moldova is beautiful year-round, but if wine is your focus, plan your trip for late summer to early autumn (August to October). This is when vineyards are at their most vibrant, the harvest is in full swing, and wine festivals fill the streets.

Signature Wines in Moldova

Moldova’s rolling vineyards produce exceptional wines, blending international favourites like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with unique native varietals. Among them, Fetească Albă stands out as a fragrant white flavour, offering delicate floral and citrus notes - perfect for a crisp summer evening.

Fetească Neagră, a bold red, boasts deep berry flavours and hints of spice, often likened to a fine Syrah. Meanwhile, Rara Neagră is a lighter red with smooth tannins, delivering subtle cherry and raspberry undertones.

Top Wineries in Moldova

Moldova isn’t just about great wine - it’s about the experience of discovering it. Whether you prefer historical grandeur, modern innovation, or family-run charm, Moldova has the perfect place for you:

Cricova

Picture an underground city of wine, with 75 miles of tunnels lined with bottles ageing to perfection. Even world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel have personal collections stored here. A guided tour takes you deep into the cellars, ending in a candlelit tasting room.

Château Purcari

Founded in 1827, this legendary estate has produced wines so fine they were once served to the British royal family. Today, you can stay overnight in a vineyard-side boutique hotel and sip award-winning reds with a view.

Milestii Mici

Milestii Mici is a labyrinth of underground cellars so vast it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection — a hidden city of over two million bottles, ageing to perfection in cool, dark silence. 

Unique Wine Experiences in Moldova

Moldova offers more than just wine tasting. It provides immersive experiences that bring its rich vinification heritage to life. Every October, National Wine Day transforms Chișinău into a vibrant festival with open-air tastings, traditional music, and local cuisine.

During harvest season (September–October), you can join winemakers in the fields, hand-picking grapes and even stomping them barefoot, reviving age-old traditions. For a true taste of Moldova, wine and food pairings showcase local flavours, with dishes like mămăligă, sarmale, and hearty lamb stews complementing their exceptional wines.

Explore the highlights of Moldova with Regent

Our Highlights of Moldova Group Tour presents plenty of opportunities to taste the region's fine wines. In Chisinau, you'll see the Milestii Mici Winery, which holds the title of the world's largest wine cellar. You'll find many impressive labels here. After exploring, head back to Chișinău for a special dinner in a wine shop, where you can taste five different Moldovan wines with a local sommelier. Crama Mircesti, a renowned winery, and Castle Mimi also host some exciting wine tastings, too.

2. The Azores: A land of volcanic vineyards

Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is a captivating destination known for its volcanic landscapes, lush vineyards, and a unique culture that thrives on its fertile volcanic soil. These islands, with their dramatic cliffs, steaming hot springs, and serene lakes, are also home to vineyards that produce some of the most distinctive and sought-after wines in Europe.

The Azores’ temperate climate makes it an excellent destination year-round, but for the best wine-related experiences, the ideal time to visit is from May to October. During these months, the weather is warmer, making it perfect for vineyard tours and outdoor wine festivals. Here’s why the Azores should be at the top of your list for a wine-fuelled adventure.

Signature Wines in The Azores

The Azores may not be as widely known for wine production as other regions, but it’s home to some exceptional, unique varietals that reflect the volcanic terroir. The region’s most celebrated wine is the white Verdejo, a crisp, citrusy wine that thrives in the island’s coastal climate. But it's not just whites that shine here — reds such as Aragonês, a local variation of Tempranillo, produce smooth, earthy notes with hints of dark berries and spice. These volcanic flavours stand out for their mineral-driven flavour profiles, thanks to their rich, fertile volcanic soils and temperate maritime climate.

Top Wineries to Visit

Exploring the Azores’ vineyards offers a truly authentic experience. Many of these wineries offer intimate tastings paired with local cheeses and meats, ensuring an unforgettable sensory experience.

Adega do Vulcão on Pico Island

Stroll through the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico Island and learn about the ancient techniques used in the production of island wines. The unique sight of these vineyards growing in volcanic craters, surrounded by dry-stone walls, makes for a memorable exploration.

Adega Cooperativa de São João on Terceira Island

Experience a guided tour of Adega Cooperativa de São João on Terceira Island followed by a tasting of the best wines while enjoying views over lush green hills, where the volcanic soil imparts a unique minerality to every glass, making each sip a true taste of the island's terroir.

Unique Experiences in the Azores

Time your visit for Terceira’s Festa de Nossa Senhora da Guia to experience the island’s vibrant wine culture. Participate in the vindimas (grape harvest) and enjoy vineyard explorations, traditional harvesting methods and local tastings. Afterward, indulge in wine and food pairings featuring fresh, local seafood, cheeses, and cured meats.

Explore the Azores on a group tour with Regent

Our diverse 'Explore the Azores Group Tour' takes you to the island of Pico, home to an eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal. It's also a land of fine wine, with a scatter of UNESCO-recognised vineyards in its centre.

3. Georgia: The 'cradle of winemaking'

Georgia, often considered the birthplace of winemaking, offers a fascinating journey. Their traditions dates back over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

As you travel through the scenic landscapes, from the vineyards nestled along the Caucasus Mountains to Kakheti, you’ll discover not only delicious wines but also a culture deeply rooted in the art of its production.

Signature Wines in Georgia

Georgia is a hidden treasure that's home to a wealth of indigenous grape varieties and vineyards, each adding to its rich wine crafting history. Saperavi, a bold red wine, is known for its deep colour and complex flavours of dark fruit, spice, and earthiness. Rkatsiteli, one of the oldest white grape varieties, offers crisp acidity with citrus and green apple notes.

Mtsvane is a delicate white wine with refreshing aromas, perfect with seafood. Tsinandali, a blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, is light and aromatic. Chacha, Georgian pomace brandy, completes the experience with its fiery taste, embodying Georgia's hospitality and rich wine culture.

Top wineries in Georgia

Georgia boasts a wealth of indigenous grape varieties that are practically unknown outside the country. These wines are an essential part of the Georgian identity, and each region offers something unique.

Tsinandali Estate

Nestled in the heart of Kakheti, Tsinandali Estate weaves history and flavour into every bottle it produces. Once the residence of the renowned Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze, the estate offers a glimpse into 19th century aristocratic life, and a chance to savour the region's most refined expressions of its ancient craft.

Sarajishvili

Founded in 1884, Sarajishvili is a place where time itself seems distilled into something golden and smooth. Known for their masterful brandy production, they capture the essence of Georgia’s sun-soaked vineyards and age it to perfection, offering a taste that feels like stepping back into a more elegant, bygone era.

Pheasant's Tears

In the charming hilltop town of Sighnaghi, Pheasant’s Tears is a celebration of Georgia’s ancient winemaking heritage. Using massive clay qvevri buried underground, they craft bold, unfiltered expressions of native grapes - earthy, untamed, and rich with the whispers of centuries-old tradition.

Unique experiences in Georgia

Georgia offers unique experiences, from qvevri winemaking tours and festivals to picking during harvest season. You can also enjoy culinary pairings with traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.

See glorious Georgia first-hand with Regent

On our Glorious Georgia Tour, you'll get the chance to meet the creator of the Georgian Qvevri, earthenware vessels that have had a crucial part to play in Georgia's winemaking tradition. You'll also discover Tsinandali Palace, which was formerly the illustrious estate and winery of the 19th century aristocratic poet, Alexander Chavchavadze.

4. Uzbekistan: A seamless blend of wine and culture

Uzbekistan beckons wine enthusiasts with a burgeoning wine culture amidst its arid landscapes. Its diverse terroir, from the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains to the fertile Fergana Valley, offers a rich canvas for winemaking. Try unique Uzbek grape varieties like Rkatsiteli and Saperavi, explore modern wineries, and immerse yourself in Uzbek hospitality while learning about its evolving winemaking traditions.

The best time to explore Uzbekistan is during the autumn months, particularly in September when the grape harvest takes place. This season not only offers an opportunity to witness the harvest but also the perfect climate for touring Uzbekistan’s vineyards and wineries, with warm temperatures and clear skies. The spring months, from April to June, also offer ideal conditions for exploring Uzbekistan, with blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Signature Wines in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to distinctive wines made from both international and local grape varieties. Two notable wines stand out: Rkatsiteli, a crisp white wine with bright citrus and herbal notes, and Saperavi, a full-bodied red offering deep flavours of dark fruit and spice. Often grown in the Fergana Valley, the fruits thrive in the region’s varied climate, contributing to wines that reflect Uzbekistan’s unique winemaking potential.

Top Wineries in Uzbekistan

Chateau Khovrenko

Set in Tashkent, Chateau Khovrenko is a must-see. Known for its extensive vineyard and modern winemaking techniques, it offers guided discoveries that showcase the intricacies of wine crafting, followed by tastings of their finest selections.

Bachuzak

Located in the Fergana Valley, Bachuzak blends ancient techniques with modern practices, allowing guests to learn about Uzbekistan’s winemaking heritage in a hands-on environment.

Khovrenko’s Winery

Offering a beautiful setting alongside exquisite flavours, Khovrenko is the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts to experience both culture and hospitality.

Unique Experiences in Uzbekistan

For those keen to immerse themselves in Uzbekistan’s harvest season, the country’s vibrant festivals offer the perfect opportunity. In September, you can join grape picking in the sun-drenched fields, explore vast vineyards, and sample freshly pressed juice or barrel-aged vintages. The Tashkent Festival is a particular highlight, where visitors can meet local producers, taste a diverse range of regional flavours, and indulge in traditional delicacies paired with the country’s finest pours.

Experience wine-making wonders in Uzbekistan with Regent

Our Classic Uzbekistan Group Tour our lets you do all the above – and more! Discover Bagizagan Winery to trace the footsteps of five generations of winemakers and, notably, Alexander the Great, who is believed to have passed through the village and tasted the local varieties!

5. Montenegro: an unexpected destination for wine lovers

Tucked between dramatic mountains and the sparkling Adriatic, Montenegro is quietly emerging as an alluring spot for those who appreciate a good pour. With centuries-old traditions and bold local varieties, this small Balkan country offers a tasting journey as rich and captivating as its landscapes.

Montenegro's vineyards are shaped by the same diversity that defines its geography - from rolling hills to fertile lake valleys. One of its most notable grapes, Vranac, produces deep, full-bodied reds that reflect Montenegro's robust character. Explore family-run estates where the local Vranac flows as generously as the hospitality.

Top Wineries in Montenegro

Radevic Estate

Radevic Estate offers a truly memorable experience, shaped by the passion and craftsmanship of Dr. Goran Radevic. His dedication to winemaking is reflected in every bottle, from the aromatic herbal Travarica to the rich, dark-berried Vranac. Standout creations like the white port and the aged Grand Renée Cognac showcase the estate’s unique approach to creating bold and distinctive flavours.

Castel Savina

Plantaže lies at the heart of Montenegro’s wine industry, producing 95% of the country’s wine and celebrating the region’s rich viticulture. Its iconic Šipčanik Wine Cellar - a former Yugoslav-era aircraft hangar converted into a wine cellar in 2007 - is carved into limestone hills and stretches for 356 metres. Walking through the vast tunnels filled with oak barrels and millions of bottles creates an awe-inspiring setting to discover their diverse range of wines, with the bold, fruity Vranac taking centre stage.

Zenta Vucinic Winery

At Zenta Vucinic Winery, nestled in the scenic village of Rogami, you can immerse themselves in the charm of a family-run operation surrounded by the meeting point of the Zeta and Morača rivers. Enjoy a delightful experience of crisp white wines, local cheeses, cured meats, and authentic Balkan delicacies, all while connecting with the warmth of the family and their beloved pets.

• Our Head of Regent, Andrea, has recently enjoyed an exciting trip to Montenegro, where she explored the history of winemaking, as well as visiting the above wineries and more. Why not read about her exceptional journey, where she also delves into the hidden gems of Montenegro: Best Montenegro Holiday Destinations & Wineries: Wine Tasting and Hidden Gems

Unique Experiences in Montenegro

Beyond traditional tastings, Montenegro offers immersive cultural experiences. Pairing local varieties with traditional Montenegrin dishes, cruising across Lake Skadar after a day at the vineyard, or joining a harvest in autumn - each moment deepens the connection between the land, its people, and its time-honoured craft.

Experience the cultural landscapes of Montenegro first-hand with Regent

Our 'Cultural landscapes of Montenegro' itinerary offers a captivating journey through Montenegro’s cultural and natural landscapes, with a particular emphasis on its flourishing wine scene. From tasting robust Vranac at a family-run winery near Lake Skadar to discovering traditional methods in scenic Virpazar, the trip offers an intimate glimpse into the country’s rich viticultural history and culture.

Ready to explore alternative wine destinations?

The world of wine is far bigger – and richer – than you ever imagined. Let us help you plan your next wine adventure. To arrange your next off-the-beaten-track tour, with wineries as a must-have on your itinerary, speak to our Travel Specialists today. We can craft a bespoke journey, ensuring your taste buds and wanderlust are truly satisfied.