Georgia has long been one of Europe – and the world’s – most underrated countries. But it’s grown in popularity as a travel destination in recent years, as more and more people discover how much this small but beautiful nation has to offer.

September is the unsung hero of travel months: The busiest vacation season has come and gone, places are less crowded because kids are back in school, and as a result, prices on airfare, accommodations—and even attractions—have dropped.

Travelers often play favorites, returning to cherished destinations time and again. For people focused on wine, however, there are plenty of places to explore, especially as destinations reopen to vaccinated travelers. Those who want to avoid crowds might consider these five alternatives to Western European wine vacations.

Summer 2021 is now underway with the warmer months of 2021 in full effect. While 2021 has already proven to be another difficult year for many, it has produced plenty of interesting new wines and wine-industry developments. In turn, below are 5 product recommendations and/or interesting vineyard-related news items that are keeping things interesting for wine enthusiasts.

Qvevri are the first non-food to be added to the State Register of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications of Goods

Qvevri has become the first non-agricultural product to be added to the Georgian State Registry of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Dad deserves special wine for his big day. From sunny Santa Cruz and Mendocino to Europe and the Middle East, vintners share their best wine and Father’s Day wisdom.

It wasn’t so long ago that Napa Valley was the wild, wild, West of the wine world. Vintage restaurant wine lists invariably showcased Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and maybe some Mosel wine. It only took the infamous 1976 blind tasting in Paris to put Napa beside the world’s best wine regions.

Orange wine has grown enormously in popularity over the past decade. Though make no mistake—this style of vinification is anything but new. In fact, it’s one of the oldest ways in which wine has historically been made, dating back thousands of years.

After near-complete obscurity, the oldest wines in documented history are making a comeback. Called amber wines in the country of Georgia, where they originated eight thousand years ago, orange wines, as they are often called today, are moving into some of Texas’s hottest new restaurants and wine bars.