Italy: Umbria

Escape the crowds of Tuscany and head to the hills of nearby Umbria instead. This wild, mountainous region of Italy isn’t as famous as, say, Chianti, but that just makes discovering its bright, food-friendly wines that much more exciting. Umbria has long been known for Orvieto, a crisp, dry, white blend produced around the medieval village of the same name. But it is also becoming celebrated for elegant reds based on sangiovese, such as Torgiano Rosso, which pairs beautifully with the area’s hearty, game-based cuisine. Be sure to visit the village of Norcia, which is as famous for its pork salume and black truffles as it is for being St. Benedict’s birthplace.

Spain: Jerez de la Frontera

If you love your fino and oloroso and wouldn’t say no to a splash of amontillado, you’ll want to visit this graceful Moorish town with its elegant palm-tree-lined squares and fascinating history. The Arabic-derived name “Jerez” is synonymous with sherry, the fortified wine that is produced only in this region. Most of the sherry bodegas are open to the public for tours and tastings, and are conveniently located right in the city centre. Jerez, which is situated in Andalusia midway between sea and mountains, is also famous for its horse culture, flamenco music and a cuisine of shellfish, game and tapas, which just happen to pair beautifully with a chilled dry fino sherry.

Portugal: Douro Valley

One of the best ways to explore the magnificent, vine-covered slopes along the sleepy Douro River is to get out of your car and take a ride on a steam train or go for a river cruise. That way you can use the more relaxed pace to enjoy more of the region’s red, white and famous fortified Port wines, along with one of Europe’s most exciting culinary renaissances. Port, of course, is named for the prosperous coastal city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history that dates back to the days of the Romans. Drop in and check out the wild mix of architectural eras and styles in this historic city with a wine-drenched past.

Hungary: Tokaj

Tokaj (pronounced toe-KAI) is the most famous of Hungary’s 22 wine regions, and for centuries has produced Tokaji Aszú, the delicate, botrytis-affected dessert wine that has been known as “wine of kings, king of wines” since it was introduced at the court of France's King Louis XIV. This is one of the world’s most historic wine-producing regions — the world’s first controlled appellation was established here — and you’ll still find wine being made in ancient cellars once owned by Transylvanian princes, and hotels housed in their former palaces. Tokaj is also known for crisp, dry whites that pair well with the tender fish from the nearby River Tisza.

France: Southern Rhône Valley

Think sun-drenched hills, friendly locals, terrific food and lush, spicy red wines based largely on syrah and grenache. The Rhône Valley may not have the Grand Vins of Bordeaux or the allure of Burgundy’s patchwork quilt of vineyards, but for sheer, hedonistic, wineloving pleasure, it can’t be beat. Be sure to visit the hilltop village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous for its complex red blends once made for the pleasure of the Pope, then cross the Rhône to sip royal rosés in Tavel.

Read more in the April/May 2012 issue of Wine Access.