With their combined millennia of winemaking history and an affinity for both indigenous and international grapes, it’s no wonder Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia are tripping the radar of wine lovers everywhere.

In the heart of Europe, surrounded by titans of winemaking, are places with long, rich, influential wine histories of their own. These are destinations to delight the curious and enthusiastic wine lover, where vineyards planted amid breathtaking vistas produce enchanting treasures, often from exotic-sounding grapes. 

Croatia’s wine heritage dates back over 2,000 years. The modern rise of this region known as the “New Tuscany” is led by indigenous grapes such as Malvazia and Teran and international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet. The region has a predominantly Mediterranean climate with close to 2,500 hours of sun a year, tempered by cool breezes from the Alps.

One of the oldest winemaking nations in Europe, Austria is best known for its classic white: Grüner Veltliner. The cool continental climate is also conducive to growing Riesling, Müller-Thurgau (Welschriesling) and Weisser Burgunder, as well as the red grapes Blaufränkisch, St-Laurent, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. 

Hungary is renowned for its ageable sweet wine Tokaj Aszú, but Hungarian producers craft quite a mix of wine styles including dry whites from Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner (Zöld Veltelini) and Irsai Olivér, plus rich, spicy reds such as the iconic Egri Bikavér (the Bull’s Blood of Eger), Bordeaux blends, and Pinot Noir. 

Slovenia’s small, independent, experimental family-owned operations have spearheaded an exciting range of styles and expressions. Working with ambient yeasts, unique barrel ageing practices and sustainable, organic and biodynamic winemaking, Slovenia offers electrifying sparkling wines and dry white wines like Rebula, Furmint, Yellow Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Their native red wines include Blue Franconian, Refosk and Žametna. Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet also thrive here.