Learning about wine right where it’s produced is a source of endless fascination and joy for us. Good wineries often stand in unusually scenic locations; two on this list perch on mountainsides. The people who run them tend to be engaging and passionate about their work. And we almost always learn something: This year, we got to know the wonderful Petite Arvine and Vranac grape varieties much better, for example. Of the many we visited in 2025, the wineries below gave us the most memorable tours and tastings.

DeLille Vineyards
Woodinville, Washington

This charming town north of Seattle is home to over 70 wineries, most of which use grapes from the valleys of the Columbia, Yakima and Walla Walla rivers. We enjoyed the most famous and oldest winery in Woodinville, Chateau Ste. Michelle. But the lesser-known DeLille Cellars, right across the street, was a lovely discovery, with a personable and knowledgeable staff. DeLille is best known for its Bordeaux-style blends from Washington. My favorite was the exceptional 2022 “D2,” a luscious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It paired well with decadent triple-cream brie baked in puff pastry. If you visit one winery in Woodinville, make it DeLille.

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Domaine Rinaudo
Saint-Tropez, France

The Rinaudo family completed this winery only in 2024. Tucked down a narrow country lane, the stylish tasting room faces a forest and an organic vineyard. A huge table surrounded by olive trees stands in front, ready for wine-filled alfresco meals. Soft-spoken co-owner Guillaume Rinaudo led us on a private tour of the immaculate winery, which produces three rosés, two whites and two reds. Each was delicious, but I was particularly excited by the Bois de Rose. Unusually for a pink wine, it’s partially fermented in large oak barrels, giving it added complexity and richness. Domaine Rinaudo proved to be a hidden gem, but its days of obscurity are surely numbered.

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Cave Caloz
Valais, Switzerland

Centrally located in the heart of the Valais, a spectacularly scenic winegrowing canton of Switzerland, Cave Caloz welcomed us for an intimate tasting and estate tour. I savored its remarkable wines, notably the rare Petite Arvine. This notoriously challenging grape has intense floral aromas and exotic fruit flavors that shine brilliantly, and Caloz’s bottling is one of the finest. This winery’s Cornalin and Gamay impressed me as well. The tasting revealed the artistry Valais winemakers can achieve, and it made me wish more of the region’s wines were exported. The charismatic third-generation Caloz daughter who acted as our guide made the experience all the more memorable.

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Antonelli San Marco
Umbria, Italy

In the rolling hills of Montefalco lies Antonelli San Marco, a picturesque winery owned by the Antonelli family since the 1880s. The historic estate distinguishes itself with gravity-driven vinification, a method still uncommon in Montefalco. The winery also has a unique approach to maturation, employing not only wood barrels and steel tanks, but also terra-cotta amphorae, a nod to Etruscan tradition. In the elegant sunlit tasting room, we enjoyed a top-tier food and wine pairing. Antonelli’s excellent Sagrantino, a deep ruby-colored powerhouse, paired with focaccia stuffed with caramelized sun-dried tomatoes was heavenly. The beautiful estate, superb wines and warm hospitality make Antonelli a top stop in Umbria.

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Storia di Pietra
Mirac, Montenegro

Opened in 2022, this winery stands along a narrow and sometimes harrowing mountain road (hire a driver). Above the production facilities are roof terraces and a striking dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, all of which afford magnificent views of the countryside spreading out below. The tasting room is more like a restaurant, but our knowledgeable waiter happily helped us select eight compelling wines to try. Best was a polished and powerful Vranac that illustrated this red grape’s potential for greatness. Storia di Pietra has a pretty barrel-aging room that we saw on a mercifully brief tour, but the real pleasures here are the beautiful wines and panoramic views.

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