Explore new wine regions

Look beyond the world’s well-known wine regions to find ancient traditions and new favourites

Italy? Check. France? Check. Chile, Germany, Spain? Check. Check. Check.

You get the picture. Most North American wine drinkers choose from a small selection of countries and, in the grand scheme of global wine, our markets get only a small taste of what’s available.

Step beyond the familiar, however, and you’ll find a fresh new list of wine-producing countries and regions to explore. Some countries, such as Uruguay and Israel, have been making wine for generations; others, such as Brazil and Mexico, are expanding their regions, a result of climate change, cash, science and simply the desire for experimentation.

Even in the U.S., many states beyond Oregon, Washington and California are trying their hand at wine production; watch for wines from New York, Virginia, Michigan, the Carolinas, Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota and Arizona, to name just a few. They may not be making enough for major exports yet, but they’re certainly worth watching.

And we can’t forget about Great Britain, where English sparkling wines have been getting great attention.

You likely won’t find a Virginian or Mexican wine section at your nearest wine shop, but ask anyway; certainly, in many parts of Canada, you’ll find wines from many unusual regions and countries.

With that in mind, here are two stories about two very different wine-producing countries. China is quickly emerging as a force to be reckoned with, whether you’re an investor, a traveller or simply a drinker looking for a new challenge. And many call Georgia the “cradle of wine” for its ancient wine-making traditions.

Do you have a favourite, an unfamiliar but wonderful wine region you’d love to share? Let us know. (Shelley Boettcher)