20 Unique Wineries to Visit Around the World in 2024

By | Senior Writer
Last Updated: December 20, 2023
Unique wineries to visit around the world

Unique Wineries & Wine Tasting Experiences Not to Miss This Year All Over the World

Sipping wine at a châteaux in France, Tuscan vineyard resort in Italy and at chic vineyards in Napa Valley are all amazing, but there’s something to be said about a truly unique wine experience.

Here are some very special, unique wineries around the world that deviate just a little bit from your average tasting experience. For a memorable wine visit, check them out!

Visit a Gas Station at Tank Garage Winery, California, USA

Winetraveler Rating:

1020 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 942-8265

Tank Garage Winery in California
Step into the vintage vibes at Tank Garage Winery! Here, you can expect an eclectic mix of unique, limited-edition wines, a 1930s era gas-station-turned-tasting-room, and a spirited homage to the rebellious tradition of California winemaking. Come for the wine, stay for the nostalgic charm! Image courtesy Tank Garage Winery.

Buying wine from a gas station probably isn’t something you ever considered doing, but Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga (Napa Valley), California may change your mind. This gas station-turned-winery, a throwback to the 1930s, was created in hopes of making a different kind of winery. After all, the last thing Napa Valley needs is “another sprawling Chateau complete with all the traditional ways you’re supposed to make and showcase your wines,” explained James Harder, founder of Tank Garage. Instead, taste wines like Dream Police, Nothing Corporate and Post Disco in the tasting room, a former mechanic’s garage located in the vintage filling station.

Taste Ice Wine at Ice House Winery, Canada

Winetraveler Rating:

+1 905-262-6161

Known as ‘Canadian liquid gold,’ Ice House Winery makes ice wine, a dessert wine that’s made from grapes frozen while still on the vine. The rules for ice wine are strict too — it can only be ice wine if the grapes were picked off the vine at 18 degrees or below. Quite possibly the only winery in the world that encourages ‘getting slushed,’ you can’t leave without sampling one of their famous wine slushies, made from equal parts wine and ice.

Witness a Camel in the Vineyard at Le Domaine du Val d’Argan, Morocco

Winetraveler Rating:

Ounagha, Morocco

+212 5247-83467

Le Domaine du Val d’Argan, Morocco
Nestled in Morocco’s breathtaking landscape, expect a fusion of traditional Moroccan hospitality and French winemaking expertise, producing exceptional wines. The cherry on top? An enchanting vineyard view from a poolside perch. A Moroccan wine adventure awaits.

It’s not often you see a camel in a vineyard, but organic winery Val d’Argan prefers a more ecological method than tractors: dromedaries, which are one-hump camels. In fact, Goliath, the resident camel ‘plower’ can often be spotted among the vines during tours and tastings — he plows as close as possible to the foot of the vine! After sampling varieties made from grapes from the southern Rhône valley of France, explore the rest of Essaouira, a sleepy seaside village famous for its blue, winding historic town center.

See a Castle and Sip at Chillon Castle Winery, Switzerland

Winetraveler Rating:

Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland

+41 21 966 89 10

Chillon castle winery
Expect to explore ancient cellars, taste exceptional wines nurtured by the unique alpine terroir, and be captivated by the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva at Chillon Castle. A royal wine experience, indeed. Image courtesy Chillon Castle / Viator.

Chillon Castle Winery is a glorious embodiment of Swiss winemaking heritage tucked into a breathtaking corner of the world. With the shimmering Lake Geneva as its backdrop and the majestic Swiss Alps watching over like ancient guardians, this winery exudes an almost ethereal charm that’s guaranteed to steal your heart at first glance.

RELATED: 10 Most Beautiful Swiss Mountain Villages to Visit

Step inside, and you’ll be transported into a world where tradition meets innovation, where the past and present coexist in harmony. At Chillon Castle Winery, they nurture their vines like cherished old tales, each grape soaking in the stories whispered by the centuries-old castle walls. The wines here are a mirror reflecting the winery’s exceptional terroir – the delicate interplay of the cool lake breezes, the crisp mountain air, and the unique mineral-rich soil derived from the nearby Alps. Entrance tickets are available ahead of time, as are day trips to Chillon Castle from Montreux.

RELATED: The Most Beautiful Castles in Europe to Explore

Drink Wine in a Butterfly at Bodega SOMMOS, Spain

Winetraveler Rating:

N-240, Km 155, 22300 Barbastro, Huesca, Spain

+34 974 26 99 00

Want to sip wine in a butterfly? We mean in a winery shaped like a butterfly. Bodega SOMMOS, miles away from the more popular tasting regions of Rioja and Ribera in Spain, is not only shaped like a butterfly, but does everything possible to connect with their environment and surroundings. Their grapes are harvested under moonlight, and their experimental vineyards feature over 70 different grape varieties! The massive steel cubes designed by architect Jesús Marino Pascual hover around a central artificial lake and you can also tour the vineyards via horseback.

Float Amongst the Vines at Siam Winery, Thailand

Winetraveler Rating:

9/2 Moo 3 Tumbon Bangtorud Mueang District Samut Sakhon 74000, Thailand

+66 (0) 3484-5334

Known as a ‘floating vineyard,’ Siam Winery doesn’t actually float, but just appears to be floating, thanks to the small canals set next to the planted vines. The wines, such as Colombard, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc, were created specifically to pair with spicy Thai cuisine, and we recommend sipping local varieties alongside lemongrass soup or pad Thai. You can also visit their sister vineyard in the stunning Thai countryside — Monsoon Valley Vineyard.

Dive for Your Wine, Literally, at Edivo Winery, Croatia

Winetraveler Rating:

Drače 18 A Drače, Pelješac, 20246, Croatia

+385 91 612 7229

Scuba diving for wine at Edivo winery
Edivo Winery ages their wines underwater at cool temperatures. They also offer the unique experience of diving for these special vessels as part of a tasting experience. Image courtesy Edivo Winery and Paul Cater Deaton.

If you love diving and wine, book a scuba diving tour at Croatia’s first underwater winery, Edivo. Their wines are first aged above ground in amphorae (clay jugs) and then below the water for up to two years. The amphorae are locked into the cages to discourage scuba diving alcohol robbers. It seems like the underwater silence gives a special quality to the wines. Those not wanting to go underwater for their wine can visit the above-ground tasting room.

Get a Panoramic Experience at Cantine Marisa Cuomo, Italy

Winetraveler Rating:

Via Giambattista Lama, 16/18, 84010 Furore SA, Italy

+39 089 830348

Cantine Marisa Cuomo, Italy
The views are pretty much unmatched at Cantine Marisa Cuomo, Italy. Image courtesy Cantine Marisa Cuomo.

Situated on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, a visit to Cantine Marisa Cuomo promises an immersive journey into the heart of Italian winemaking tradition. Renowned for producing wines of exceptional character, the winery lies dramatically nestled in steep cliff faces, overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Winetravelers can expect panoramic vistas that will leave them spellbound, as they traverse the vineyards’ terraced slopes and explore the ancient cellars carved directly into the rock.

At Marisa Cuomo, you’ll be treated to a comprehensive guided tour detailing the fascinating process of how grapes cultivated on these craggy terrains are transformed into world-class wines. These tours often culminate in a curated tasting session where visitors can savor the distinct notes of the winery’s award-winning offerings, including the complex and minerally Furore Bianco or the intensely aromatic and structured Costa d’Amalfi Rosso. Add to this the warm Italian hospitality, and it’s no wonder that a visit to Marisa Cuomo is considered an essential stop on any Italian wine travel itinerary.

Taste Inside a Submarine (Above Water) at Sottomarino Winery, California, USA

Winetraveler Rating:

485 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 967-4200

Located on San Francisco’s historical Treasure Island, Sottomarino’s tasting room is built inside a very special vessel — a submarine! You can taste (above water) Italian wines like Pinot Grigio, Primitivo and Muscat Canelli in a decommissioned Naval training facility (once known as the USS Buttercup) all while savoring the gorgeous views of the waterfront and Bay Bridge.

Go Volcanic at El Grifo, Canary Islands, Spain

Winetraveler Rating:

Carretera, LZ-30, Km 11, 35559 San Bartolomé, Las Palmas, Spain

+34 928 52 40 36

El Grifo Winery, Vines Grow in Volcanic Soil on the Canary Islands in Spain | Winetraveler.com
In the Canary Islands, vintners ingeniously cultivate their vineyards in unique, bowl-shaped hollows dug into the volcanic ash. They line these plantings with porous lava rocks that capture morning dew and nocturnal humidity, providing vital hydration for the vines in this arid terrain. It’s a testament to human creativity, adapting to the forces of nature to produce sublime wines with a distinct, volcanic character.

It’s true —  you can grow grapes on a volcano. El Grifo Winery, located on the island of Lanzarote in Spain is proof of that. The oldest winery in the Canary islands, three types of wine are produced there from the Malvasía grape. The grape vines literally grow out of the coarse volcanic ash soil, surrounded by low volcanic stone walls to protect them from wind and dryness.

Tour a Nuclear Bunker at Chateau Siran, Bordeaux

Winetraveler Rating:

13 Avenue du Comte JB de, Av. du Comté Lynch, 33460 Labarde, France

+33 5 57 88 34 04

The wine at Chateau Siran is classic, but the tourism experience is quite unusual. You’ll start with a walk-around of historic artifacts. These range from 2,500-year-old amphoras to an eclectic range of Toby Jugs and tonnelets (small pottery barrels) historically used to serve wine.

Unique Wineries to visit around the world: Chateau Siran in Bordeaux
Inside the bunker at Chateau Siran. Image courtesy Sarah Phillips.

Next up is the nuclear bunker, which was installed to protect the wine library – and family – during the cold war, opening (and shutting) its door for the first time in 1980. Visitors enter the bunker through a nuke-proof door made in Switzerland before descending into the 30,000-strong wine cellar. Bottles date back to 1912, so if disaster strikes while you’re in the area, you might have quite a party.

On sunny days, you can enjoy a light lunch and bottle of wine on the winery roof, surrounded by vineyards.

RELATED: 30 Top Wineries To Visit For Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: From Famous to Boutique

Go Llama Trekking at Divine Llama Winery, North Carolina

Winetraveler Rating:

4126 Divine Llama Ln, East Bend, NC 27018

(336) 699-2525

A two-mile trek with llamas, followed by a wine tasting, might not be the most obvious way to spend a day off, but it is memorable.

10 Unique Wineries & Experiences You Must Try Around The World
Aerial perspective of vineyards in North Carolina. Image courtesy Greig Santos-Buch.

“It was an unexpected day of fun”, says Zippy Sandler of Champagne Living Media.

Divine Llama winery is home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast United States. It also has a winery.

“It’s nice having a furry companion to keep you company as you walk the beautiful property. Be sure to head to the tasting room for some of the area’s best wines. We were lucky enough to see some baby llamas in the barn. The wide-eyed faces are indelible in my memory,” Zippy says.

Roam Among Giant Sculptures at Donum Winery, Sonoma

Winetraveler Rating:

24500 Ramal Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 732-2200

Are you a big fan of art? Or a fan of big art? In either case, you might enjoy a trip to Donum Winery in Sonoma, California.

“There are over 40 giant sculptures placed around the estate by artists including Keith Haring, Tracey Emin and Louise Bourgeois,” says Wine Communicator Charlotte Kristensen, who describes the estate’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as “top-class.”

Kristensen recommends booking in advance and checking the website to plan which sculptures you’d like to see. “Make sure you get a selfie with Richard Hudson’s ‘Love Me’ 2016, a sculpture of a giant polished steel heart,” she adds.

RELATED: Scenic Sonoma Itinerary: Everything You Need To Know For a 3 Day Trip

Dine-in a Crater at Domaine du Meteore, South of France

Winetraveler Rating:

9 Route d’Aigues Vives, 34480 Cabrerolles, France

+33 4 67 90 21 12

10,000 years ago, a meteor landed in Faugères in the South of France. It left a large crater. Today, that crater is filled with vines.

Unique Wineries Around The World: Domaine du Meteore South of France
Guests who visit Domaine du Meteore in the South of France will have the opportunity to dine in a 10,000-year-old meteor crater.

Domaine du Meteore now offers dinners (Wednesday – Saturday evenings) under the stars, deep inside the crater. At lunch, you can collect a picnic and make your way down. Produce is local and fresh, and portion sizes are large. The estate’s refreshing white wines are an ideal accompaniment on a warm day.

Sleep in Wine Barrels at Quinta da Pacheca, Portugal

Winetraveler Rating:

Rua do Relógio do Sol 261, 5100-424 Lamego, Portugal

+351 254 331 229

If you really want to live, eat, and even sleep wine for a couple of days, consider Quinta da Pacheca in the Douro Valley. Ten converted wine barrels are available as hotel rooms. Each sleeps two.

“Sleeping in the barrel was quite special, especially when you realize that the bung hole is a skylight over the bed, allowing you to look up at the stars as you fall asleep,” says wine enthusiast John Masserini who visited from Miami.

But the wine cellar is even better: “It has an amazing vintage cellar, with a stunning library of single harvest tawny colheitas going back to the ‘60s. The table wines are also fantastic, so join the tasting that includes those,” he suggests.

Guests who arrive around harvest can participate – including grape-trodding.

“Plan your trip WAY in advance,” Masserini suggests. “There are only 10 barrel rooms and they book up quickly – especially around harvest.”

RELATED: 11 Delicious Facts About Port and Fortified Wine

Reach New Heights at Bodega Colome, Argentina

Winetraveler Rating:

Ruta Provincial 52, Km. 20-Molinos, A4419 Salta, Argentina

+54 3868 49-4200

With vines planted at up to 3,111 meters above sea level, Bodega Colome in Salta, Argentina, boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world.

Unique Wineries in Argentina: Bodega Colome
The road to Bodega Colome. Image courtesy Jacqueline Coleman.

Wine writer Jacqueline Coleman calls it a “must-see” for adventurous Winetravelers, but notes that getting there isn’t easy: “To get to the property, you have to drive miles up the mountain on a dirt road after you leave the tiny town of Molinos. You’ll need a good car, lots of water, and perhaps a satellite phone if you want to communicate with the outside world.”

But it’s worth the journey. “Driving through Salta is one of the most incredible road trips you can take,” she says.

Plus, as well as tasting wine and seeing those high-altitude vineyards, you can visit the James Turrell Museum – the only museum in the world dedicated to the American artist.

RELATED: Special Wineries in Argentina You Must Visit

Taste in a Persian Palace at Darioush, Napa

Winetraveler Rating:

4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

(707) 257-2345

Unique Wineries To Visit: Darioush in Napa
A taste of the exterior at Darioush Winery in Napa. Image courtesy Darioush.

One minute you’re driving down the Silverado trail, surrounded by famous vineyards. The next, you’re stepping into a large Persian palace; cavernous inside, with pillars inside and out. The wines are impressive, too. They will please fans of serious Napa wine.

Visit Darioush at sunset and you’ll be rewarded with a silhouette of pillars against a magnificent color palette.

RELATED: The Best Wineries in Napa Valley to Visit This Year

Go Truffle Hunting at Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde, Valpolicella

Winetraveler Rating:

Località Gazzo, 4, via gazzo, 4, 37020 Marano di Valpolicella VR, Italy

This experience in Valpolicella, Italy, combines food, wine, and adventure. You’ll start by following a truffle dog through the forests in search of the region’s famous black truffles.

“The hosts are very knowledgeable and welcoming, and the scenery is breathtaking. In early autumn, the colors of nature are amazing”, says Chiara Gomiero of handywineguide.com.

After hunting for truffles, you won’t have to hunt for your lunch, which will be served alongside Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde’s Amarone wine.

Inside the cellars at Lopez de Heredia
Inside the cellars at Lopez de Heredia. Image courtesy Jo Lory.

Experience History at Lopez de Heredia in Rioja, Spain

Winetraveler Rating:

Av. Vizcaya, 3, 26200 Haro, La Rioja, Spain

+34 941 31 02 44

Lopez de Heredia, one of Rioja’s oldest wineries, is responsible for making some of the region’s most traditional (and delicious) wines.

A visit to the estate is worthwhile, too, according to Master of Wine student Jo Lory. “The guides are brilliant, and the whole experience, from the founding story to the cobweb and penicillin mold festooned cellars is fascinating and unique.”

She says that the El Calado Cellar was a highlight: “It was excavated by hand out of the ground rock in the 1890s. The longest tunnel stretches over 200m out to the Ebro river, where you pop out of the dark to a view of their Gravonia vineyard.”

RELATED: 22 Top Rioja Wineries To Visit on Your Next Trip To Spain

Taste the ‘Real American Grape’ at Chrysalis Vineyards, Virginia

Winetraveler Rating:

39025 John Mosby Hwy, Middleburg, VA 20117

(540) 687-8222

Norton is among a minority of grape varieties used to make wine that is indigenous to North America. This is why Jennifer McCloud, owner of Chrysalis Vineyards in Virginia and the world’s largest plantings of Norton, calls it “the real American grape.”

At Chrysalis, you can taste it in its many guises: carbonic, off-dry, light, full-bodied and age-worthy – and even a pet-nat (don’t miss that one).

The property also makes its own cheese and has a large pizza oven. So you won’t go hungry during your visit, either.

RELATED: Visit Virginia’s Wine Country: 10 Top Wineries Near Washington DC

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Comments ( 4 )

  1. I recently responded to a friend who asked hat one thing is on my bucket list. My answer was to taste wine in every major wine region on the world. You’ve given me a list of places to start with!

  2. At first I was so disappointed that you didn’t have photos of these amazing sounding wineries, then I found the joy of clicking through…it’s like digging for treasure (or diving like at Edivo!). What unique and exotic experiences!

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