5 wine trips to take when you’re not a wine pro

For wine lovers, a visit to vineyards is an obvious vacation choice. But if you’re looking to sip some vino and don’t know a ton about grape fermentation, you’ll want a destination that offers more than tasting rooms and cellar tours.

As a wine journalist, I've spent years traveling to destinations that perfectly mix culture and wine. While there’s value in visiting the classics—Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Napa, among them—there are plenty of destinations that offer more to do off the vineyards (and more affordable things to do, at that). Full of innovation and a free-spirited energy, here are five underrated wine regions that go beyond grapes.

Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, is a great base for visiting several of the country’s wine regions, including Canelones, about an hour outside of the city. December and January are busy as it is a summer holiday for much of South America, but spring and fall tend to be quieter.

Where to get a taste: Tannat is Uruguay’s signature red and the family-owned Pisano winery in Canelones crafts some of the best. (Ask to try the more experimental Viña Progreso wines.) If you prefer a white, Bouza is best known for introducing albariño to Uruguay—the glass-walled tasting room and on-site restaurant are fab. And while Uruguay is considered a newer wine region, the cellar at Familia Deicas, named “Cava de Preludio,” is the site of the country’s first winemaking efforts, carried out three centuries ago by Jesuits. Taste the cave’s namesake wine on your visit.

Restaurant report: Catch a dinner tango show at Primuseum—the pre-fixe menu highlights Uruguayan steaks. Seafood- and pizza-centric Rio Café has a wine list filled with intriguing options, such as Castel Pujol's “Folklore” skin-contact orange wine.

Off the vineyards: Spend an afternoon strolling Plaza Independencia, Montevideo’s famed public square, to catch some must-see sites in one go. It divides the Old City from the rest of downtown and is home to the Teatro Solis and Salvo Palace. Sports fans should check out the Museo de Futbol at Centenario Stadium, home of the first FIFA World Cup. (Bonus, you can usually pop out on the field itself.)

Where to stay: Built in the 1920s, the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa’s public areas are filled with Belle Epoque glamor—but the rooms have a decidedly modern design. (Be sure to book a massage in the luxe spa.) Or, book into the Alma Historica Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. The room decor pays homage to famous Uruguayan cultural icons–the Doña Trinidad room is dotted with red accents, celebrating Trinidad Guevara, a 19th-century actress and women’s rights activist.

In medieval times, popes claimed Avignon as their home. Today, the walled city is also the epicenter of the Rhône Valley and its many vineyards. Each season offers its own charms but keep in mind that summers tend to get crowded.

Where to get a taste: Book a cooking class at the family-run Domaine de l’Amandine winery in Seguret. Co-proprietor Sabine Suter will guide you through regional dishes—think tapenade made from local olives and chicken with wine and herbs de Provence—paired with Grenache- and Syrah-based blends made by Mathilde, Suter’s daughter and a fourth-gen winemaker. At Domaine des Garriguettes, ask for a tour of the vineyards, which are covered with the region’s famous stones called gallets, before relaxing on the porch of the winery-slash-family-home.

Restaurant report: Grand Café Barretta has a large wine list of local producers and most bottles cost €55 or less. In warmer months, snag an outdoor table in the bustling square. La Fourchette—with its Mediterranean-bistro cuisine (including a standout tarte tartin) and region-focused wine list—is also a must-visit.

Off the vineyard: The Palais des Papes (a historical papal palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers guided and self-guided tours, but travelers with limited mobility should note there are many steps in and around the palace. Nearby, Le Jardin du Rocher des Doms takes inspo from English gardens—cool off with an ice cream at the pavilion after walking the paved, sloped paths. Gabriel Meffre is a great reminder that a winery visit doesn’t have to involve a tasting. Here, learn about biodiversity through educational trail signs on a hike or bike through the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Where to stay: Nothing beats the location of Hotel de l’Horloge. With Palais des Papes, the Carrousel Belle Epoque, and plenty of cafes right outside, you won’t mind that rooms are on the petite side. If budget isn’t a concern, check into the glamorous Hotel d’Europe, which was built in 1799. Be sure to grab a res at its Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine.

A 50-minute flight from New York City, the Finger Lakes are known for high-quality riesling and other cool-climate grapes. Visit during the summer and early fall before the cold weather sets in. As a college town (home to Hobart and William Smith Colleges) Geneva makes for the perfect lakeside home base.

Where to get a taste: At Ravines, Morten Hallgren’s European wine training translates into some of the region's most sophisticated rieslings—sip them in the Geneva tasting room outside of downtown. Let the tasting room staff at pioneering Hermann J. Wiemer Winery guide you through some of the renowned white, sparkling, and red wines, and explain what makes the Finger Lakes different than any other U.S. wine region. Ryan William is another must-stop—time your visit around brunch at the airy tasting room.

Restaurant report: Master sommelier Christopher Bates runs a small restaurant empire in the Finger Lakes, from the five-course pre-fixe FLX Table to the seasonal roadside hot dog joint FLX Wienery—and each spot has a comprehensive wine list of local producers. When local hangout Microclimate Wine Bar reopened under new ownership, the wine community rejoiced. Expect local producers, a rotating selection of international wines, and small plates.

Off the vineyard: Learn the history of glassmaking—or try it yourself—at the family-friendly Corning Museum of Glass where kids under 17 can visit for free. Car racing fanatics should keep their eyes on the calendar at Watkins Glen International, a track that hosts NASCAR races throughout the year. And the Finger Lakes being home to, well, lakes, means that kayaking, canoeing, boating, and other water activities top many travelers’ must-do lists.

Where to stay: The historic Belhurst Castle has a winery, brewery, and spa all on-site, so there are plenty of ways to unwind. If morning strolls are a must, the 41 Lakefront Hotel has direct access to the paved trail around Lake Seneca.

The city of Mendoza—a 1.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires—is the gateway to Argentina’s most prominent wine region of the same name. With a favorable exchange rate to the U.S. dollar and opposite seasons to the northern hemisphere, it’s an especially great escape in December and January.

Where to get a taste: A visit to the Catena family, who are credited with introducing the world to high-quality malbec, and their expansive Catena Zapata winery should be first on your agenda. About 10 minutes away, Viña Cobos is another must visit—its owner, winemaker Paul Hobbs, owns wineries all over the world but this was one of his earliest projects. If you’re majorly hungry, book in for a lunchtime asado (barbecue) at Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco.

Restaurant report: For a sit-down dinner, make a res at the boisterous Cantina Cool. If casual is more your vibe, nosh on Mediterranean-inspired small plates at El Mercardo de la Gloria—a deli, shop, and wine bar located across the street. Outside of the city limits, many wineries have on-site restaurants, including Casa del Visitante. Tip: Don’t skip the empanadas, which have been voted the best in Argentina at La Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada.

Off the vineyards: Explore Mendoza’s terrain on horseback with Reserva Manzano Historico, which leads guided tours for riders of all levels. Wander the city’s largest green space, Plaza Independencia, and shop the artisan markets that frequently pop up. And if you have kids in tow, the Museo Fundacional explores the ruins of the original Mendoza city, which was largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 1800s.

Where to stay: Two stellar hotels—the Park Hyatt Mendoza and the Sheraton Mendoza—are within walking distance of many of Mendoza’s sites. The Park Hyatt sits right on the Plaza Independencia, while the Sheraton has a standout breakfast, served with incredible skyline views.

Located an hour’s drive from Portland, OR, McMinnville sits among the Willamette Valley’s 220-plus wineries. Late spring through fall are ideal times to explore this portion of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to get a taste: McMinnville native Remy Drabkin is not only McMinnville’s mayor but she’s also the winemaker-owner of Remy Wines and the founder of the annual Queer Wine Fest, which celebrates LGBTQIA+ winemakers. Take an afternoon and taste through her portfolio at her farmhouse tasting room. Willamette’s similarities to Burgundy have caught the attention of many French winemakers, including Jean-Nicolas Méo of Burgundy’s Méo-Camuzet—and now Oregon's Nicolas-Jay. Rock out to a great playlist as you sample pinot noir in the tasting room.

Restaurant report: Calling itself “a farm with a restaurant,” Humble Spirit in downtown McMinnville stocks its menu with farm-sourced dishes, such as a braised vegetable ragout and the daily beef cut from their farm’s cattle. If you’re feeling snacky, check the chalkboard at HiFi Wine Bar to see what interesting bottles are open. Pair your selection with the bar’s small plates, such as salmon crudo or deviled eggs. Or, book a table at Ōkta, which has an ever-changing tasting menu and one of the most comprehensive Oregon wine lists.

Off the vineyards: Cyclists looking for a challenge can rent a bike (check out Mac Bike Rentals) and ride through the numerous paths that wind throughout the region, such as the 134-mile-long Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. And if souvenirs are what you’re after, shop at the boutiques that line McMinnville’s main street. Don’t miss the homemade jams at Alchemist’s Jam and jewelry at Accessory Appeal.

Where to stay: Settle into one of the luxurious robes at The Atticus, a boutique hotel in the heart of McMinnville. For a stay just outside of town, book one of the Airstreams at The Vintages Trailers. The glamping experience has the hotel amenities you'd expect, like toiletries and coffeemakers—plus earplugs to block out early-rising birds.