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14 Secret Wine Country Trips You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

These under-the-radar wine countries have excellent wines, stunning scenery without the big crowds, high prices, or fussiness associated with more established vino regions.

Sunset Staff

Please note that some wineries and attractions may be closed or restricted due to COVID-19 concerns. Please check status before you go.

1 /13 Winter's Hill Wines

Dundee Hills, OR

Art-minded wine lovers will enjoy this corner of the Willamette Valley, 25 miles from Portland in southern Oregon. French-leaning Pinot Noirs reign supreme here, but you can also discover new-wave Chardonnay and exhibits by local artists. Don't miss tastings at Winter's Hill Wines, Colene Clemens, or Longplay wineries. Another must? Kayaking on the Willamette River in June.
2 /13 Sawtooth Winery

Snake River Valley, ID

One of the West's best secret wine countries is where you'd least expect it: Idaho. Fans of earthy, tangy Spanish Tempranillo should try a Snake River Valley version. The dry, high-desert swath east of Boise even looks like Spain. Sip at Telaya Wine Co. and Sawtooth (pictured) wineries.
3 /13 Creative Commons photo by Finding Balance is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Puget Sound, WA

Washington's Puget Sound is one of those secret wine countries with the perfect conditions for producing unique white wines. Flamboyant-white lovers can expand their wine vocabulary beyond Riesling in Washington’s Puget Sound. The chilly maritime weather is nurturing the great acidity and fresh aromatics of grapes you’ve never heard of. Don't miss Mount Baker Vineyards, San Juan Vineyards, and Whidbey Island Winery.
4 /13 SLO Coast Wine Collective

South San Luis Obispo, CA

Beachgoer oenophiles will want to hit up this scenic region 90 miles north of Santa Barbara in Edna Valley, part of the SLO Coast Wine Collective. Beautifully balanced Chardonnays are the big draw, but then there are the Spanish and Rhône varietals, followed by oyster slurping on the coast. Favorite spots to sip include Baileyana, Claiborne & Churchill, and Wolff.  Nearby, Arroyo Grande and Avila Beach have even more great wines to savor.
5 /13 Creative Commons photo by Harry Traeger is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Okanagan Valley, B.C.

This achingly beautiful wine country has new wineries and different kinds of grapes going in all the time―nearly 60 varietals, planted all over the benchlands, hillsides, and valley floor. Add to this the Okanagan's pristine lakes, orchards, and wide range of non-wine-related things for the whole family to do (from riding the century-old Kettle Valley steam train to biking and hiking), and you have a wine-country experience like no other. You can't beat the view at places like Blue Mountain Winery and Nk'Mip Cellars.
6 /13 Jorge Malo Photography/ Getty

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja

Down in Baja, there’s some excellent wine, now, as producers experiment with lesser-known grape varietals such as Tempranillo to create one of the best secret wine countries around. Better yet, it’s easy to get here, since 90 percent of Mexican wine comes from Baja’s emerging, secret wine country, only about 70 miles from the California/Mexico border in the scenic Valle de Guadalupe. The self-guided, easy-to-navigate winery route, La Ruta del Vino, includes about 20 wineries.
7 /13 Handley Cellars

Philo/Booneville, CA

This California wine region located 90 miles north of Sonoma is perfectly suited for nature lovers, as it's a stone throw from the Mendocino redwoods. It's known for its small-production Pinot Noirs, but its Alsatian varietals—Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling—are worth exploring, too. Sip at Handley Cellars (pictured) and Navarro Vineyards wineries and then soak up the scenery. Come summer, don't miss splashing around in the swimming hole at the Navarro River. Stay at the Boonville Hotel, offering Sunday afternoon wine and charcuterie.
8 /13 Lake Chelan Winery

Lake Chelan Valley, WA

Discover the sophisticated side of Washington’s summer playground, where lake fun, sandcastles, and jet skis are making way for a (really good) secret wine country. Serious winemakers have discovered Chelan’s “lake effect”—its ability to retain heat and lengthen the growing season in this otherwise chilly region. This Northwest hot spot is home to more than 15 local wineries harvesting grapes from the Columbia Valley. What we're excited about? The region's aromatic Alsatian whites: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris. Try them at Lake Chelan Winery (pictured).
9 /13 Photo by Thomas J. Story

Monterey County, CA

Within an easy drive of Monterey, discover under-the-radar vineyards tucked against the mountains south of Salinas. Follow Monterey Country's Wine Trail to the 20 or so wineries along River Road. Along the way, pick up organic farm stand produce, stop for a picnic lunch, and even visit a ranch where lions and lynxes roam.
10 /13 Michael David Winery

Lodi, CA

Another one of California's killer secret wine countries. This Central Valley town knows its wine, and it's easy to explore much of its tasting rooms in a day, as most of the action is located within a 15-minute drive from downtown. The vibe is laid-back, but the grape cred is staggering: The 600,000 tons of wine grapes grown here each year is more than Napa and Sonoma combined. Reap the benefit of major wine production without Napa-sized crowds sipping the area's signature juicy Zinfandels. Michael David Winery is a top choice for many.
11 /13 14 Hands Winery

Prosser, WA

This town tucked 190 miles southeast of Seattle will wow you with its deep-fruited reds like Cabernet and Syrah, as well as Merlot with serious muscle in this Yakima Valley secret wine country. Go tasting room-hopping at Bunnell Family, Chinook, and Milbrandt Vineyards, followed by squeezing your own apple cider at Bill’s Berry Farm in the fall. The suites at Inn at Desert Wind Winery add luxury to a classic adobe experience.
12 /13 Photo by Peter Malinowski

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara, CA

The next new hot address for cult Cabs-and-cousins blends is Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. The warmest wine-growing pocket in the county, HC can get them big and ripe. Taste at Barrack, Cimarone, and Star Lane followed by enjoying the dining and beaches of Santa Barbara proper.
13 /13 Photo by Thomas J. Story

Humboldt County, CA

This tucked-away county in Northern California wouldn't be your first guess for a wine tasting adventure, but it should be. From redwood groves in the south to funky fishing towns in the north to mountain vineyards in the east, Humboldt can be navigated––and the wines that have quietly come on line here in the last 15 years can be tasted in a weekend.