Those in the know will surely be familiar with Oregon, the Hunter Valley, or Mendoza. And the well-read know that quality wine spirits age perfectly even in Hampshire, Ningxia, or the Niagara Peninsula. But almost no one would imagine that the following places could produce wine. Some are located in countries that are far from the ideal geographic 45 parallel. Others have extreme conditions in terms of altitude, slopes, and weather. But all of them prove that human perseverance and unquenchable passion can overcome every difficulty and bring unique wines to the glasses of wine lovers. Or at least to the most curious among them.
Bremmer Calmont, Mosel, Germany
The Mosel region is renowned for its terrifyingly sloping vineyards that rise above the banks of the Rhine tributary. But none wakes up the electronic fatalist as much as Calmont, as its slopes reach 65 degrees. It’s no coincidence that an internet search will first turn up climbing routes, so if you plan to sneak in there make sure you have a climbing degree.
Cai Na Xiang, Lhasa, Tibet
Argentina may have associated its name with extreme altitude vineyards – Colome produces wines from as low as 3,111 meters – but when the Guinness World Record “speaks” the title goes to the 660 acres of the Cai Na region. Planted in 2012 at an altitude of 3,563 meters, the world’s highest vineyard has faced many challenges, but Tibetans have mastered the sport since the 18th century.
Chao Phraya Delta, Monsoon Valley, Thailand
Do Venice and pole vaulting combine in a subtropical vineyard? Thailand’s unique floating vineyards say “yes” and force us to learn other words besides Pouke and Pad Thai. Canals take care of channeling the water during the rainy season, bamboo poles move workers from row to row, and gondolas are the two harvests that take place in this incredible terroir.
Fogo Crater, Fogo Island, Cape Verde
Strange as it may seem, Cesaria Evora’s hometown produces wine on one of the islands that make up the impoverished country. Fogo has no electricity or water, but it has a highly active volcano and vineyards that reach an altitude of 1,500 meters. The latter provides the necessary coolness that allows white Moscatel, red Portuguese, and a few other varieties to mature in this land of fire.
Haleakala Maui, Hawaii, USA
Surf, Mai Tai, and sunburnt bodies are the first things that come to mind when you hear the word Hawaii. But the home of Maui & Sons is also the home of Maui & Wines, as the 50th American state produces wine, mostly from varieties of the Rhone. Anyway, if you want tasting goodness hurry up, as the Haleakala eruptions have brought the Maui winery to the brink of disaster many times.
