5 Underrated Wine Regions You Need to Try
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Time to read 4 min
Everyone’s heard of Bordeaux, Rioja, and Tuscany — and we love them too. But some of the most exciting bottles on our shelves come from wine regions you might not expect.
At Crushed & Cured, we pride ourselves on finding the best wines you wouldn’t usually pick from the shelf — bottles with real stories behind them, sourced from smaller wine regions and independent producers who put passion before mass production.
From coastal vineyards in Eastern Europe to high-altitude reds in South America, these wine regions are producing seriously good wines that deserve a spot in your rotation.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the classics, these five underrated wine regions are where you’ll find great quality, value, and a whole lot of personality.
Why Discovering New Wine Regions Matters
Part of the joy of wine is discovery — that moment when you try something new and it completely changes how you think about what you like. Exploring lesser-known wine regions is one of the easiest ways to do that.
While the famous names like Bordeaux or Burgundy will always have their place, the world of wine is far bigger. Emerging wine regions are creating bottles that rival the best — often at half the price. They offer a glimpse into different climates, winemaking traditions, and native grape varieties that are full of character.
At Crushed & Cured, we love championing wine regions that fly a little under the radar. These are the bottles that surprise you — the ones that make you say, “I can’t believe I’ve never tried this before.”
Here are five of our favourite underrated wine regions that prove great wine doesn’t have to come from the usual suspects.
1. Bulgaria
Big on flavour, light on price – Bulgaria is quietly making some of the most interesting wines in Europe right now. Once one of the world’s top exporters, Bulgaria’s wine regions have been reinventing themselves in the past two decades.
Expect juicy reds made from native grapes such as Rubin and Mavrud, alongside international favourites like Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The result? Rich, fruit-forward wines that feel both familiar and fresh.
Crisp whites from the Thracian Valley wine region and Black Sea coast are also worth exploring — bright, zesty, and perfect with Mediterranean-style dishes.
A great choice if you love a good-value bottle that still delivers serious character.
2. Romania
Romania is one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, with roots that stretch back over 6,000 years — but it’s only recently started getting the attention it deserves.
Think minerally whites, smooth reds, and unique local grapes that bring something truly different to the table. From the Carpathian foothills to the Transylvanian Plateau, Romanian wine regions benefit from a mix of mountain air and coastal influence, giving their wines impressive freshness.
Native varieties like Fetească Neagră and Fetească Regală are leading the charge, producing balanced, food-friendly wines that pair beautifully with everything from roast chicken to spicy stews.
Brilliant for weeknight dinners or gifting to anyone who loves exploring new wine regions off the beaten track.
3. Uruguay
When you think of South American wine regions, Argentina and Chile probably come to mind first. But Uruguay is quietly emerging as one of the most exciting producers in the southern hemisphere.
Best known for Tannat — a bold, full-bodied red with deep colour and plenty of structure — Uruguayan wines strike the perfect balance between power and elegance. The country’s coastal climate gives the grapes freshness and lift, making its wines ideal for pairing with grilled meats or rich pasta dishes.
Beyond Tannat, Uruguay’s wine regions are experimenting with Albariño, Viognier, and Pinot Noir, proving they can produce more than just robust reds.
If you’re into Argentinian Malbec but want to branch out, Uruguay’s wine regions are your next stop.
4. Austria
Elegant, expressive, and endlessly drinkable, Austria is one of Europe’s most consistent — yet still underrated — wine regions.
Famous for Grüner Veltliner (a zesty white with notes of citrus and white pepper), Austrian wines are all about precision and purity. But the reds deserve just as much love. Varieties like Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch make beautifully light, fruit-driven wines that are perfect for chilling slightly — ideal for summer drinking or pairing with charcuterie.
Many Austrian wine regions, such as Burgenland and Styria, are also leading the charge in sustainable and organic winemaking. You’ll find bottles that are clean, modern, and quietly stylish.
Perfect for dinner parties, chilled reds, and impressing your wine-loving pals.
5. Portugal (Beyond the Usual)
Portugal might be famous for Vinho Verde and Port, but its diversity goes far beyond that. This small but mighty country is home to over 250 native grape varieties and dozens of incredible wine regions — each with its own style and story.
From the mountainous Dão and rugged Douro Valley to the coastal Alentejo, Portuguese wine regions offer everything from mineral-driven whites to powerful, sun-soaked reds. These wines are bursting with personality, often made by small, family-run producers who prioritise quality over quantity.
If you’re after wines with depth, texture, and unbeatable value, Portugal’s lesser-known wine regions are the place to start.
Amazing value, tons of variety, and genuine craftsmanship in every bottle.
How to Explore New Wine Regions
If you’re new to exploring different wine regions, start simple.
✅ Choose a mix of styles – Try one white, one lighter red, and one fuller-bodied bottle from each region.
✅ Look for native grapes – Local varieties often express the true character of a wine region.
✅ Ask for recommendations – At Crushed & Cured, we’ve done the tasting for you, so we can help match your preferences to the perfect region.
Exploring new wine regions isn’t about abandoning your favourites — it’s about expanding your palate and discovering wines that surprise you.
The Final pour
The world of wine is vast — and some of its best stories come from places that don’t yet dominate the spotlight. These five underrated wine regions are proof that great wine doesn’t have to come from the same names on every restaurant list.
Whether you’re discovering the spicy depth of a Bulgarian Mavrud, the minerality of a Romanian white, or the silky charm of an Austrian red, exploring new wine regions adds excitement to every bottle you open.
So, if you’re ready to find your next favourite, start here — we’ve handpicked wines from the most promising wine regions so you can explore with confidence (and a full glass).