My 13 Favorite Wine Regions
“What’s your favorite kind of wine?” is the first question people ask me when they learn that I’m a wine blogger. It can be difficult to answer—not because I don’t play favorites (I do)—because there are many ways to reply. Country, region, appellation, grape, and producer are all valid routes. I typically say that I like many wines, but my focus is primarily France and secondarily other European countries and the Finger Lakes. Then, I gauge their interest in that answer before proceeding. Are they satisfied or do they want to know more?
Since you’re reading this, I assume you’d like to know more. Below you’ll find my highly subjective list of favorite wine regions. Many of these I’ve visited, and, yes, that does make me biased. (Emphasis on “subjective”.) I hope this list inspires you to try new-to-you wines!
Champagne 🇫🇷
A clear and obvious choice, Champagne takes the top spot right out of the gate. (The rest of this list is in no particular order.) Not only is Champagne delightful to drink, the region is lovely and easy to visit. Accessible via high speed train from Paris, a day in Reims is possible on even a short trip to France.
Try: Laherte Freres Extra-Brut Ultradition, $55
Read: My Favorite Champagnes Under $50
Bordeaux 🇫🇷
Bordeaux makes this list because it has a little something for everyone. Whether you enjoy bold reds, crisp whites, playful bubbles, unique rosés, or sweet dessert wines, Bordeaux is for you! It’s certainly for me—I like all of those types of wine. Plus, Bordeaux reds and whites are easy to find at practically any wine store.
Try: Château Tour Saint Christophe St. Emilion, $30
Read: Five Reasons Bordeaux Should Be Your Next Wine Trip
Bourgogne 🇫🇷
Of course the land of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay makes my list! Bourgogne is home to some of the finest terroir on the planet. Even many entry-level Bourgogne wines are exceptional in quality. Unfortunately these wines also tend to be prohibitively expensive, which is why I recommend sourcing through Fass Selections. Lyle Fass and team have the most fairly priced Bourgogne, both red and white, that I have seen.
Try: Julien Cruchandeau "Les Ranches" Ladoix, $55 (Also available through Fass Selections)
Languedoc 🇫🇷
Speaking of prices, my favorite value wine region rounds out the France section of this list. From rustic reds to bright whites, Languedoc wines are perfect for parties, backyard BBQs, and weeknight dinners. They’re convivial yet casual—a touch of France for any affair. Located in Southern France, Languedoc is also at the top of my must-visit list.
Try: Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Rouge, $20
Barolo 🇮🇹
Barolo and its sister Barbaresco produce fine wines from Nebbiolo grapes. High in tannin and acidity, with a little bit of aging, this is my favorite food wine. Its red fruit flavors and floral notes pair with a range of foods, especially Northern Italian cuisine. Italians call Barolo the “King of Wines” because it is complex, nuanced, and ageable.
Try: Luigi Pira Barolo Serralunga, $50
Read: Tasting My Way Through Langhe-Roero
Chianti Classic 🇮🇹
It wasn’t love at first taste for me and Sangiovese, but it was love at first sight when I visited the region. Before traveling to the hills of Tuscany, I didn’t fully appreciate Chianti Classico or its principal grape, Sangiovese. I learned that you have to wade through the sea of Chianti that is imported to the United States in order to uncover the special ones. It takes some work, but high effort comes with high reward.
Try: Querceto di Castellina L’aura Chianti Classico, $22
Read: Four Tuscan Wineries That Got Me to Like Sangiovese
Finger Lakes 🇺🇸
Champagne might be my favorite wine to drink, but the Finger Lakes, NY is my favorite wine region to visit. It’s a long and frankly boring drive from Pittsburgh, but I love the wines, the lakes, and the culture of the Finger Lakes. It’s a cozy place that makes you feel at home. In addition to Riesling, the region produces some of my favorite examples of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
Try: Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling Reserve, $29
Read: Five Things That Surprised Me in the Finger Lakes, Reflections on Riesling from FLXcursion, A Second Look at Finger Lakes Reds
Sonoma 🇺🇸
Another region with a high number of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plantings (a theme?), Sonoma County, California is a wine haven. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Mayacamas Mountain Range, Sonoma County embodies the “wine grows in beautiful places” adage. In addition to outstanding wine, Sonoma County is also home to a delicious food scene featuring California’s freshest produce.
Try: Dutcher Crossing Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley, $44
Read: Chardonnay Is at Home in Sonoma County
Kamptal 🇦🇹
My most recent wine adventure was Kamptal, Austria. Located about an hour drive outside of Vienna, this region produces some of my favorite Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The town of Langenlois sits at the center of the vineyards and acts as a hub for the wine trade. The best part of Langenlois is its walkability—you can visit many wineries and restaurants right in town.
Try: Loimer Langenlois Kamptal Gruner Veltliner, $26
Read: A Wine Lover’s Guide to Kamptal, Austria
Rheinhessen 🇩🇪
Unfortunately I haven’t visited any German wine regions yet, but when I do, it will be Rheinhessen. Although it isn’t as prestigious as the Mosel region, this area produces many of my favorite Rieslings. My favorite German wine producer, Battenfeld-Spanier, is another that you’ll need to source through Fass Selections. Other examples from the region are widely available.
Try: Wittmann Westhofener Riesling Trocken Aus Ersten Lagen, $46
Jerez 🇪🇸
Jerez holds a special place in my heart both because Sherry is a special wine and because this was my last trip before the world shut down. Jerez is located in Andalusia, a region known for its fortified wine called Sherry, horses, Moorish palaces, and unfortunately, staggering unemployment. My time there taught me about myself as a traveler and about the beauty of Spain. Jerez will always be a favorite.
Try: Lustau Manzanilla Pasada Jurado, $30
Read: What a Visit to Jerez Can Teach You About Sherry
Clare Valley 🇦🇺
Another theme of this list: Riesling! This time, Riesling with the volume on high. Clare Valley produces super dry, super flavorful Rieslings that are like catnip to me. I love their pronounced lime and citrus notes especially. For red wine lovers, the dark fruit notes of Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz can’t be missed.
Try: Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling, $26
Walker Bay 🇿🇦
Rounding out the list, Walker Bay is a South African wine region known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (surprise!). Located along the coast about 60 miles from Cape Town, Walker Bay has a maritime climate that is cool relative to South Africa. I haven’t been there yet, but I understand it’s also a premier whale-watching destination!
