10 Stunning Wine Regions to Add to Your Bucket List

Situated on the French-German border, Alsace has built its reputation on aromatic, cellar-worthy wines with long-term cellaring capacity. Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer are a handful of the area’s signature varieties, shaped by the rain shadow of the Vosges Mountains. The villages here are the definition of charming, with timbered houses and cobblestone streets that feel centuries removed from modern life. Karl Herzer, Sommelier at Sommsation, describes his first visit to the region as unforgettable. “What began as a regular tour quickly transformed into something deeply personal, tied directly to the heart of the estate’s centuries-old story,” he says.

Herzer highlights the impressively deep roots of the family estates in Alsace, some of which span back over 15 generations. “Sharing wines one-on-one with the winemaker at Zeyssolff, based in the village of Gertwiller, felt less like a tasting and more like being welcomed into the family story,” he says.

Defined by long, narrow waters that carve into the hills, the Finger Lakes is home to some of the United States’ most exciting wines. Riesling remains the region’s calling card, with a range that stretches from bone-dry to honeyed. The area’s sparkling wine has also captured the industry’s attention, while Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc dominate the majority of red wine production. Adventurous wine enthusiasts can circle the lakes on winding drives, stopping at family-run wineries that thrive on personal connection over opulence.

“Arriving at the Finger Lakes, the first thing one might notice about the vineyards is how green everything is,” says Matt Hessinger, Co-Founder and CTO at Sommsation. “Grasses, wildflowers, trees, all in abundance. Even the leaves on the vines seem larger and healthier!” he exclaims.

The valleys of Germany’s Rheingau and Mosel regions are home to some of the world’s purest Rieslings, though expressions from both areas speak differently. The Rheingau, with its broader slopes along the Rhine, creates wines of spice and weight; the Mosel, by contrast, delivers wines of razor focus from slate soils so steep that harvesters often use ropes for safety. “One thing that stood out to me was how different the two regions were geometrically, and therefore, visually,” says Bill Hagner, Chairman of Sommsation.

Mosel's steep, narrow vineyards generally yield Rieslings that are lighter, lower in alcohol, and very high in acidity, whereas Rheingau Rieslings tend to be riper, fuller-bodied, and often higher in alcohol.  “These factors shape everything,” Hagner continues, “the way the light reflects off of the respective rivers, the layout of the vineyards, how Riesling ripens–setting each region’s typical balance and style.” River cruises and castle visits can add depth to a trip, but the wines themselves remain the strongest argument for visiting—and no trip to the Mosel is complete without a visit to Roussel’s Restaurant La Bonne Adresse. “It’s fantastic, but reserve early because it fills up fast!” Hagner exclaims. 

Located on the border of Switzerland and Austria, Trentino-Alto Adige is Italy’s northernmost region, and certainly one of its most unique. Here, a confluence of Italian and German traditions and cultures collide, creating a melting pot of flavors and styles that are undeniably reflected in the area’s wines. White wine dominates approximately 70% of the region’s production, which is centered around Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, which thrive in the area’s cool-climate conditions and rocky, Dolomitic limestone soils.

On a recent visit to the region, Hagner recalls that the majority of street signs—as well as many wine labels—are written in both Italian and German. “There are innumerable small wineries making excellent wines, so the possibilities for exploration are more or less endless,” he says. One of Hagner’s major takeaways was the area’s prominent diurnal temperature swings between day and night, which help to lock in acidity and keep the wines fresh. “We had an elegant Gewurztraminer and an excellent dinner at Zur Rose in San Michele Appiano (Appiano Sulla Strade Del Vino),” he shares. Next on his list? Collio—a bucket-list item for many white wine enthusiasts. 

Oregon’s Willamette Valley speaks through a handful of distinct varieties, though Pinot Noir has become its key player. The region’s cool climate, volcanic soils (known as Jory), and careful viticulture combine to produce wines of balance and depth. Small producers dominate, and many are committed to organic and biodynamic methods. "When you pour a Pinot from the Willamette, you’re not just tasting wine, you’re hearing the valley talk.” says Lauren Magee, Chief Product Officer at Sommsation. Magee describes the wines as having a “quiet honesty” in the glass, and that every hillside has its own voice. “Each bottle tells its own story, and it’s never the same story twice,” she says.

Subregions of the Willamette Valley, such as Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge, showcase distinctive character. Tastings here often feel like conversations, with owners pouring their own bottles beside wholesome local food. “Oregon wine has come a long way from the jug wine that Phil Lesh sang about (the “Pride of Cucamonga”); but even as the quality of its wines have taken off like a rocket, the Oregon wine scene is still super-cool and indie to its core,” Magee says. She notes that the wines sit on a continuum between California’s generous, plush fruit and Burgundy’s taut savory precision. “When you blend the modern craft with the old world charm and everything stays independent, you know you’re in Oregon and drinking Oregon Pinot,” she affirms.