Moravia, Czech Republic

Before we moved to the Czech Republic, I assumed it was all about the beer. Bohemia, the region of the country that holds Prague, the Czech Republic’s most famous city, is certainly all about that beer, so it makes sense that many a tourist doesn’t know much about Czech wine. Or that even such a thing exists, as I mentioned above!

Well, I’m here to tell you, Czech wine certainly shouldn’t be forgotten when visiting the country. Even better, if you have the time, a visit to Mikulov, the capital of Moravia, the primary Czech wine region, is delightful. If you go in the autumn, make sure to try some burčak, Czech “young wine” that is delicious and deceivingly strong.

Eger, Hungary

Eger is a must for any wine-lover when visiting Hungary. Only about two hours away from Budapest via train, Eger has a wine valley, known in English as the “Valley of Beautiful Women.” We visited Eger a few times because the valley has over a dozen little family wineries built into the hillside. So, you walk around, hopping from wine cellar to wine cellar and tasting some of the most delicious wine I’ve ever had–at insane prices. Wine tasting in Eger is one of my favorite experiences in all of Europe!

Tokaj, Hungary

Excuse me for the bit of last-place-I-lived favoritism, but the wine in Hungary is just that amazing! While Eger wins my favorite thanks to its red bulls-blood and I am all about the reds, Tokaj produces the best dessert wine around. The Tokaj region also happens to be on Lake Balaton, the largest inland lake in Europe and a gorgeous little spot! I mostly drank Tokaj in Budapest but the region itself is worth a visit.

Santorini, Greece

The wind is so strong in Santorini that they have different ways of growing the vines, which looks weird but helps produce amazing grapes, helped along by the famously volcanic soil. Like all of the other produce we tried on the island, the grapes are slightly sweeter. Make sure to get the local moussaka with your glass of wine, as well–Santorini eggplant is the best in the world, I’m telling ya!

Central & South Dalmatia, Croatia

Croatia is full of great wine regions, or so I’ve heard, but the only one I’ve personally experienced is in the south, on the islands of Korčula and Hvar. We tried so many bottles of wine on Korčula our host asked if we were having a party! Cue shame face…

Brda Region, Slovenia

We were privileged enough to tour the Brda region in Slovenia with Slocally after a night in their Herbal Rooms Homestay. It was bliss! We visited small, family run wineries and tried the new “hipster” wine–an orange wine! We wandered among the many colorful, autumn-themed vineyards. It was a foggy day but that just added to the atmosphere. The region is also full of cute little towns, like Šmartno, and well-worth a visit. This region is on the border of Slovenia and Italy, so it feels sort of like a mini-Tuscany, but with its own Slovene flavor.

Pelagonia-Polog, Macedonia

We didn’t tour this region of Macedonia while there (partly because I was pregnant at the time) but were able to taste several wines from this region. I knew nothing about Macedonia or its wine before we went, and I was pleasantly surprised!

Do you have some favorite off-the-beaten path wine regions? Share in the comments! 

The post 7 Unique Wine Countries in Europe appeared first on Amy and the Great World.