When exploring the world of wine, it is always easy to stay in your safe zone. After all, well-trodden regions like France, Italy, or California produce such a diversity of wines you could keep drinking new wines every week for the rest of your life and never be bored.

There is, however, something we think you are missing out on as a true wine lover. Some of the most intriguing and unique wines come from lesser-known regions, many decidedly isolated. These remote areas produce wines with indigenous grape varieties in unique climates with traditional winemaking techniques that are all out there waiting to be discovered.

So what makes a region “isolated”? How does being isolated benefit the winemaking process? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions…

Why are some wine regions referred to as “Isolated”?

The obvious answer is that some wine regions are simply in very remote locations, meaning that access can be challenging, or there is a distinct separation from other major wine-producing areas.

Due to the remoteness of location, these regions often have unique geographical features, climates, and indigenous grape varieties that set them apart from the more mainstream wine-producing regions.

The sea is one such geographical barrier.

The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are known for their (often jet black) volcanic soils and rare grape varieties like Listán Negro. The island of Tasmania, off the southern coast of Australia, is another isolated region, celebrated for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.

Mountains can create relatively impenetrable barriers in isolated regions.

Georgia, in the Caucasus, is where the most ancient winemaking traditions were thought to come from. Many of these still continue to use ceramic qvevri to produce distinct and delicious wines.

Some regions are isolated by stretches of difficult or uninhabitable terrain.

Western Australia is isolated from most Australian regions by a vast desert. The far-flung vineyards of Patagonia, in Southern Argentina, are increasingly known for their pristine conditions and distinctive wines.

What are the upsides of a wine region being “Isolated”?

Wine with unique characters

The main upside for isolated regions is the often distinct flavours and characteristics of the wines. This is thanks to one or a combination of their unique climates, soils, and indigenous grape varieties. This can lead to rare and exceptional wines that can stand out in an increasingly crowded market, with wine lovers always looking for the next “something different”.

Preservation of traditional grape varietals

Another upside is the isolated location aids in preserving traditional grape growing and winemaking methods, offering a glimpse into ancient practices and terroirs untouched by modern trends. This does not only make a difference in wines but also in wine tourism, with wine lovers willing to travel for miles visiting unique spots. The Greek Island of Santorini, for example, trains their vines in much-photographed ancient basket weaves to protect bunches from the strong island winds.

What are the downsides of a wine region being “Isolated”?

Logistical challenge

As you can imagine, the major downside of isolation is the logistical challenge. Producers may produce some of the finest and most unique wines in the world, but if they cannot get their wines to the markets. This can be an issue. The difficulties and expense of transporting wine will limit the region’s exposure and sales potential. Rioja, arguably the most famous in Spain, still celebrates the railway establishment in the late 19th century. That meant Rioja wines could finally be exported from the port of Bilbao and out to the world.

Limited resources – hardware and labour.

Additionally, isolated regions may struggle with limited resources, including access to modern technology, winemaking expertise, viticulture knowledge, and also people. Even in celebrated regions like the Médoc in Bordeaux, a full two hours in a car from the city, struggle to attract vineyard workers. And that is Bordeaux! The likes of central Spain’s Ribera Del Duero, whose old bush vines need hand harvesting, can be stunted by this underappreciated logistical issue.

5 “Rare Find” wine regions to explore

Despite the challenges, we like to focus on the upsides mentioned earlier, and the joy that wine lovers can discover rare wine regions and hidden gems.

Azores, Portugal

The Azores is a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, now much more known as a thriving holiday destination. And yet, it truly is an emerging gem in the world of wine.

Despite its isolation, this Portuguese region boasts a rich winemaking history dating back to the 15th century. The islands’ volcanic soils, coupled with the cool maritime climate, produce wines with distinctive minerality and freshness. Indigenous grape varieties like Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Terrantez thrive here, yielding crisp whites with a distinct touch of sea salt spray!

Why Not Try – Ameixamber, Adega do Vulcao from The Azores.

Margaret River, Australia

The acclaimed Margaret River region is located in the remote southwestern corner of Australia. Although already renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, it is a very isolated region, influenced by the area’s unique maritime climate and diverse soils.

The region’s isolation also helps preserve its pristine environment, contributing to the production of wines with vibrant fruit flavours and balanced acidity.

Margaret River’s remoteness fosters a strong sense of community among winemakers, who are deeply committed to sustainable practices, making it a standout destination for wine lovers keen to make the long trip out.

Lebanon

The country of Lebanon is a small yet historically rich wine region. Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, winemakers out here are known for producing distinctive wines despite their geographical and political challenges. The Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s primary wine region, benefits from a unique microclimate with hot days and cool nights, ideal for viticulture. Indigenous grape varieties like Obaideh and Merwah, alongside international ones, thrive in the region’s fertile soils.

Lebanon’s isolation, both geographically and culturally, has allowed winemakers to preserve winemaking traditions, perfected by years of experimentation and consultation from France. It resulted in wines that are both historically significant and increasingly recognised on the global stage.

Why Not Try – Cuvee du Soleil, Sept Winery from the Batroun Mountains.

Morocco

Morocco, located in North Africa, may not be everyone’s first idea as a wine-making country, but has an intriguing winemaking history that dates back to Roman times. It also made huge volumes of wines for the French market deep into the 20th century.

Despite its challenging climate, Morocco’s diverse geography, including the Atlas Mountains and coastal areas, provides a variety of microclimates suitable for viticulture. Though still relatively unknown on the global stage, Morocco’s wine industry is slowly gaining recognition for its distinctive offerings.

The region is known for producing robust reds from varieties like Syrah and Grenache, as well as refreshing whites from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Why Not Try – ‘Tandem’ Syrah du Maroc, Alain Graillot

Cornwall, UK

Does Cornwall count as remote? Anyone who has had to get a train or drive there will confirm this is more remote than most parts of the UK, and definitely with its very own sense of community and culture.

Located in the far southwestern tip of England, it is also an emerging wine region known for its cool climate and picturesque vineyards. Despite its isolation, Cornwall’s mild maritime climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, provides ideal conditions for growing grape varieties like Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, and Pinot Noir. It has become renowned for its sparkling wines, which are gaining recognition for their crisp acidity and vibrant flavours.

Why Not Try – Blanc de Blancs, Trevibban Mill from Cornwall.

This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge

Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.

Next in our regions and producers series: Wine Festivals Around the World You Shouldn’t Miss