Italy, France, and Spain are well known for their wine production, as are several regions in the United States, such as the Napa Valley and the Finger Lakes region in New York. However, wine is a worldwide phenomenon, and there are many other countries making delicious, unique wines.

While the vintages from these four wine-producing countries may not be as well known as those from Italy or Napa, these countries are worth exploring from inside your wine glass.

1. Chile

Chilean wines have recently become more popular among U.S. vendors. These wines provide a great value, offering fruit-forward flavors that will remind you of a French wine. In fact, many French wine enthusiasts have second homes in Chile and have brought both expertise and grapes to the country.

Chile grows its grapes along the Pacific coastline. From up north in the Atacama region, you’ll find brandies made from Pisco grapes. A little further south in the Coquimbo, Central Valley, and South Regions, wines like Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced. From the southernmost region, you’ll find beautiful Pinot Noirs, known for their subtle allspice notes and hearty flavors of plum and cherry.

Eager to try some Chilean wine? Order Errazuriz 2015 Max Carmenere or Los Vascos 2014 Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from our selection.

2. Argentina

If you’re a Malbec drinker, then, of course, you know of Argentinian wines. Argentina has burst into the wine scene over the last decade as Malbec, a Bordeaux-style red, has gained a following in the U.S. However, Malbec is just one variety of grape grown in Argentina. Argentina also produces Merlot, Syrah, and Tempranillo. The Tempranillo is remarkably similar to that from Spain.

If you’re a white wine drinker, then you must try some Torrontes. This is the nation’s signature white wine. Aromatic by nature, it boasts notes of rose petals, peach, and lemon and pairs perfectly with Asian and Indian dishes. Argentinian wines available from Holiday Wine Cellar include Zuccardi 2015 Serie a Torrontes and Catena 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. South Africa

Grapes were first planted in South Africa many years ago, but most of the wine produced in South Africa was only sold domestically. Only recently has the nation begun exporting its wines. Most are produced in the Western Cape, a region in the southwest of the country.

Wines from South Africa tend to be full bodied and high in alcohol content. Pinotage, a variety that has been grown in South Africa for years, has blackberry and cherry notes and may remind you of French Grenache or Mouvedre. Syrah from South Africa has peppery flavors like those found in French Syrah.

If you happen to find a Pinot Noir from South Africa, buy it up; the small amounts produced are of exceptional quality. Our stock features some delicious South African wines, such as Beaumont 2015 Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc and Delaire Graff 2015 Botmaskop.

4. New Zealand

If you like fresh, crisp wines, then you will love the wines coming from New Zealand. The island nation only began growing grapes about 150 years ago, and the industry has seen slow growth due to blight and legal struggles. However, the Sauvignon Blanc coming from New Zealand is widely praised for its brightness.

Although Sauvignon Blanc accounts for more than 70 percent of wine production in New Zealand, you will also find Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah from this new wine nation. The Chardonnays tend to be acidic with notes of peach and lemon zest. Try the Kumeu River 2015 Estate Chardonnay from our selection.

The best red wines come from the sunnier, northern regions of New Zealand. Pinot Noirs tend to be concentrated and complex, and the Syrah is peppery with hints of plum. We recommend the Burn Cottage 2014 Pinot Noir for those wanting to try a New Zealand variety.

If you are seeking to expand your palate and take a world tour in the form of wine, then add wines from these lesser-known wine-producing countries to your collection. Visit Holiday Wine Cellar to browse our great selection of wines, or attend one of our in-store tasting events to expand your knowledge even further.