Obscure Wine: Regions You Probably Didn’t Know Produce Wine

Obscure and unexpected wine producing countries and regions

Share via

Last Updated on July 29, 2023.

As a wine connoisseur, you have probably visited some of the world’s most popular wine regions. Perhaps, you’ve spent some time in Tuscany, discovering the region’s world-renowned Chianti wines. Or maybe you’ve been to Bordeaux, which has a reputation for producing sumptuous reds. This might come as a surprise, but places like Madagascar, Hawaii, India, Japan, and Scotland also produce wines worth discovering.

If you’re interested in learning more about these places and the wines they make, we take a look at these obscure wine regions below.

Table Of Contents

Obscure Wine: Unique Regions & Countries Experimenting with Wine Production
Frequently Asked Questions about Obscure Wine
Dive Deeper into the World of Gastronomic Travel

Obscure Wine: Unique Regions & Countries Experimenting with Wine Production

Madagascar

Madagascar is a massive island on the southeast coast of Africa. Given its location, you would not expect that the island is a wine-producing country. However, the French, who colonized the country during the 1800s, have left a strong winemaking legacy.

You’ll find hundreds of small vineyards around the island, each home to a few hectares of vines. These vineyards are slowly consolidating into bigger vineyards. However, very little wine is being exported from Madagascar to the US or Europe. Nowadays, Dzama rum is the island’s main alcoholic export and accounts for around 60% of the island’s alcohol market. These rums are being exported worldwide and have received numerous accolades and high praise from rum critics.

The Soavita Vineyards is one of those places to go on a wine tour in Madagascar. It’s located in a large town called Ambalavao. In addition to tasting fine wine, you can visit a small shop in Ambalavao where local women make artistic and decorative paper using raw wood pulp.

Hawaii

While Hawaii may be famous for its refreshing cocktails, especially the Mai Tai, wine also has its place. Five of the first American sommeliers who passed the Master Sommelier examination have lived in Hawaii and have established an enduring wine culture across the islands since the seventies.

While Hawaii is far from what many consider a wine country, the Hawaiian Islands boast a handful of homegrown wineries. From The Big Island to Oahu, Maui and Kauai, Hawaii is unique for its production of both traditional and fruit wines. Take for example Volcano Winery, which is situated at 4,000 feet in a purely volcanic terroir. They produce Pinot Noir and a variety of local fruit wines.

In Kauai, you’ll find excellent bars and wineries that cater to a growing demand for wine. Head to the town of Koloa, and you’ll find The Wine Shop, a family-owned shop selling an excellent assortment of wines to locals and visitors to the island.

When enjoying wine on Kauai, consider staying in a villa on the North Shore, close to the wine markets. The North Shore is also home to good wine bars, such as the Palate Wine Bar and Restaurant in Kilauea. It boasts an impressive collection of wine derived from esoteric wineries around the world.

India

India is famous for many things but not wine. However, many didn’t know that the country has an age-old history with wines. Winemaking in the country started during the Mughal rule some 5,000 years ago. Nowadays, the country is home to some of the world’s finest vineyards, with some offering visitors the opportunity to go on a wine tour.

Sula Vineyards, a winery and vineyard located in the Nashik region of Maharashtra, is one of the pioneers in winemaking in India. Every year, Sula Vineyards offer wine connoisseurs the opportunity to savor the taste of an eclectic variety of local wines. Sulafest has become one of India’s most sought-after wine festivals, with wine lovers calling it the “Mecca of Wines.” At this event, thousands of party people will be treated to a mix of groovy music and wine. It’s the perfect event to satisfy the cravings of every wine lover.

Sula Vineyards is a world-class winery and a popular destination for wine connoisseurs in India. Aside from the exquisite wine parties and the various wine offerings, Sula Vineyards offers much more. It’s also home to an Italian restaurant run by award-winning chefs. There’s also a luxury three-bedroom bungalow where guests can spend the night.

Japan

While Japan is not known for its wine production to many westerners, centuries of European influence have created wine regions around the country since the late 1800s. Vineyards all over the country have been cultivating wine for over a century with a hint of French influence.

Many wineries and vineyards in Japan are in the north near Hokkaido and in the south around Miyazaki. However, the main wine industry of Japan originated in Yamanashi, just north of Mount Fuji, where the region produces its own local Koshu grapes and some traditional wine varieties. Nowadays, the Yamanashi region accounts for 40% of the country’s wine production, with over eighty wineries in the area. The country as a whole produces delectable wines from grapes like Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Cabernet. Its own Koshu wine has also gained popularity all over Asia and is an ideal pairing for many variations of Japanese cuisine.

Going on wine tours and tastings is the best way to learn more about Japanese wines. Most wineries in Japan offer tours in both Japanese and English, where you’ll be walking through the vineyards and wine facilities to see for yourself how the wines in these regions differ from the rest of the world.

Scotland

Scottish castle ruins Dunnottar Castle — Behold the breathtaking beauty of Dunnottar Castle – its ancient ruins perched majestically on the rugged cliffs overlooking the North Sea. With a view that spans both time and distance, it’s easy to understand why this enchanting Scottish landmark has captured the imaginations of travelers and storytellers for centuries.

Wine is probably the last thing on your mind when going to Scotland. The country is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, ruined castles, and cozy pubs where you can sample the tastiest scotch whisky, but not much is known about its wine. But some brave entrepreneurs and forward-thinking locals have taken it upon themselves to establish what may eventually become a blossoming wine country.

Both wine novices and professionals alike have typically figured that Scotland’s weather is too fickle and cold to successfully yield wine. However, at the time of this writing, there are several wineries experimenting with vitis vinifera grapes as well as fruit-based wines. While the climate in Scotland may not currently be suitable for a full 100 days of grape ripening, winemakers are forecasting that global warming will eventually and literally, bear more fruit. If you decide to visit Scotland and want to see how things are progressing, look into Cairn O’ Mohr, Moniack Castle Winery, Orkney Wine Company, whose current focus is fruit wines.

Located in Fife, just north of Edinburgh, Chateau Largo is probably the most famous winery in Scotland. It’s the brainchild of a local chef and food writer who dreams of bringing wine to Scotland. Château Hebrides is another winery that’s worth checking out in Scotland. Specializing in Black Muscat wine, the winery is located in the Outer Hebrides. Although sold only at local farmer’s markets, the wine from Chateau Hebrides has a reputation for being quite tasty.

To make the most of your wine tour in Scotland, consider booking into some of the unique hotels Scotland has to offer, for a few nights. In between tasting wines, explore Scotland’s attractions, such as the Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

More Things to Do in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions about Obscure Wine

What are some obscure wine regions that are worth exploring?

There are several obscure wine regions around the world that are worth exploring, including Madagascar, Hawaii, India, Japan, and Scotland.

Madagascar is one such region that has only recently started producing wine. The country’s hot and humid climate makes it a challenging location for viticulture, but it’s also what makes the wines unique.

Hawaii, on the other hand, has a long history of winemaking, but it remains largely unknown. The volcanic soils and tropical climate of Hawaii’s Big Island make it an exciting place for wine production.

In India, wine production is relatively new, but the country has a long history of winemaking dating back to the time of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. India’s vineyards are located mainly in the south of the country, where the climate is warm and humid.

Japanese wines are also gaining popularity, especially those made with Koshu, the country’s indigenous grape variety. The grapes are grown in the Yamanashi region, which is surrounded by mountains and enjoys a unique climate.

Finally, Scotland may seem like an unlikely place to produce wine, but there are a few vineyards in the country that are worth exploring. The wines produced here are often made with hybrid grape varieties that can withstand Scotland’s cold and wet climate. These regions may not be as well-known as some of the more established wine regions, but they offer a unique taste of the local terroir and are definitely worth exploring for Winetravelers.

What grape varieties are commonly grown in these lesser-known regions?

The grape varieties commonly grown in these lesser-known wine regions vary depending on the region’s climate, soil, and winemaking traditions.

In Madagascar, for example, the grape varieties grown are often hybrids that are more suited to the hot and humid climate. Some of the common grape varieties grown here include Chambourcin, Muscat, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In Hawaii, the grape varieties grown are also hybrids, which can withstand the volcanic soils and tropical climate. Some of the common grape varieties grown here include Symphony, Cayuga, and Chambourcin.

In India, the grape varieties grown are mostly international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. However, there are also some local varieties like Bangalore Blue, Arkavathi, and Krishna Valley that are gaining popularity.

In Japan, the grape variety that is most commonly grown is Koshu, which is a white grape variety that is indigenous to the Yamanashi region. The grape is well-suited to the region’s unique climate and produces wines that are light and refreshing.

In Scotland, the grape varieties grown are often hybrids that can withstand the country’s cold and wet climate. Some of the common grape varieties grown here include Rondo, Regent, and Solaris. These grape varieties produce wines that are unique to the region and offer a taste of Scotland’s terroir.

What are some challenges faced by winemakers in these regions?

One of the most significant challenges faced by winemakers in these regions is the climate. For example, in Madagascar, the hot and humid climate can make it challenging to grow grapes that produce high-quality wine. Similarly, Hawaii’s tropical climate can be challenging for winemakers, and they must work hard to keep the vines healthy and free from pests and diseases.

Another challenge faced by winemakers in these regions is the lack of infrastructure and resources. For example, in India, the wine industry is still in its early stages, and many winemakers face challenges such as a lack of skilled labor, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to quality equipment.

In Japan, winemakers face challenges such as limited land availability, which makes it challenging to expand production. Additionally, Japan’s unique climate can make it difficult to grow grape varieties that produce high-quality wine.

In Scotland, the cold and wet climate can be a significant challenge for winemakers. The grapes grown in Scotland are often hybrids that can withstand the climate, but even so, winemakers must work hard to produce high-quality wines.

Where can I find these wines and are they affordable compared to more well-known wine regions?

Finding wines from these lesser-known regions can be challenging, as they are often produced in small quantities and are not widely distributed. However, there are some specialty wine shops and online retailers that carry wines from these regions. You may also be able to find these wines by visiting local wineries or contacting the winemakers directly.

As for affordability, wines from these regions can vary in price, but they are generally more affordable compared to wines from more well-known regions. This is partly due to the fact that the production costs are often lower in these regions, and the wines are not as in demand as those from more established regions.

However, it’s worth noting that the quality of the wine is not necessarily correlated with its price. Many wines from these lesser-known regions are of high quality and offer excellent value for money. Additionally, by exploring these lesser-known regions, you may discover unique and exciting wines that you would not have otherwise encountered. This is why we’re talking about this subject on Winetraveler.com. :).

Dive Deeper into the World of Gastronomic Travel

Here’s Why You Should Visit Tarragona: Spain’s Ancient Port on the Mediterranean

Chianti Itinerary: How To Spend 5 Days in Italy’s Chianti Region

10 Charming Italian Towns To Visit if You Love Food and Wine

8 Immersive Things to Do on the Island of Madeira in Portugal

Cinque Terre Italy Itinerary: Travel Guide For Wine Lovers

You are reading “5 Unexpected Places You Didn’t Know Produce Wine” Back To Top

obscure wine regions, unexpected wine-producing countries: fun weird facts about wine

If you enjoyed this guide, consider joining the Facebook Group to interact with other Winetravelers and for travel inspiration around the world, and be sure to follow along with us on Instagram.

Obscure Wine: Regions You Probably Didn’t Know Produce Wine