Beyond the well worn paths of the wine regions of Italy, France and Spain lie several undiscovered international destinations that produce exceptional wines. What's more, many of them also offer superb scenery, authentic food and hospitable locals. As many of these destinations are not as famous as their French or Italian counterparts, they tend to offer better value for money and are often less touristy and less crowded.

Here are six of the best, as picked out by Expedia.com.au

South Africa

The Mediterranean climate of South Africa’s Western Cape region makes it an ideal area for wine production. In fact, the French Huguenots brought the practice of wine making to South Africa in 1688 and, as a result, 'the Cape' (as it is more commonly known), and particularly the Franschhoek Valley, has a distinctly French flavour, with historic wine estates with names like La Motte, Clos Cabriere and La Couronne.

The Cape region alone boasts over 2,000 grape varieties, while the popular white wines such as Cape Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay dominate the region’s wine production. However, the red wines are a national treasure in the native ‘Pinotage’ grape variety: developed in South Africa almost 100 years ago, the variety is a cross between a Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grape, which produces earthy, smoky flavours.

As the wine regions are located just 50km from the vibrant city of Cape Town, there are many organised tours to choose from, combining the chance to sample some of the region’s best wines and visit stately wineries set against dramatic mountain backdrops. You can get to Cape Town from Sydney or Perth via Johannesburg and while you’re there, why not stay at the five-star Cellars-Hohenort with its beautiful vineyard setting.

Portugal

With over 60,000 wine growers, Portugal boasts many native grape varieties. The far northern region of Minho is known largely for its white wines, with vast spreads of vineyards growing the local specialty, the Vinho Verde. Literally translated as ‘green wine’, this is a Portuguese favourite and is designed to be consumed within a year as the wine does not require ageing. A unique blend of medieval and modern, the region has many villages, mountains and forests beyond the wineries.

Porto, or 'Oporto' in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and the centre of the Northern region. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is also the home of the internationally renowned 'Port' wine, named after the city where it was first produced. If you're after deep reds, head further south to the Alentejo wine region, in particular Borba and Redondo, where rich wines are matched with equally delicious hearty cuisines.

Porto is a quaint, romantic city and if you stay at the four-star Pestana Porto Hotel you’ll be in the centre of town. You can get to Porto daily from London.

Hungary

A short drive north east of the country's capital, Budapest, in the Heves region, is the historical town of Eger. Having been occupied over the past century by Germans, Turks and Slavic tribes, Eger is well worth visiting for many reasons, not least its winemaking prowess.

Beyond its medieval castle, cathedral and central square lies ancient vineyards still employing traditional winemaking techniques. However, the region is also at the forefront of modern production, with plastic kegs helping many tourists take a sample of Eger wine home.

Producing red and white wines in equal measure, Eger makes wine tasting simple with almost thirty cellar doors within walking distance from the main town. Since Hungary is one of Europe's more affordable destinations, why not stay at the landmark Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal in Budapest; you can get to Budapest from Sydney and Melbourne via Singapore and Frankfurt.

Canary Islands

The Canaries are a fascinating blend of Spanish, African and Latin American cultures. However, few tourists think to visit the Canary Islands for their wine culture, which makes them the perfect place for a wine buff to scope out a relatively untouched destination. The rich volcanic terrain of the Canary archipelago produces continuously-cool soils, perfect for growing the local White Malvasia grape variety. While wine production in the Canaries dates back as early as the 16th century, many of the local wines, including the Listan grape from Tenerife, are not sold in foreign markets. Despite the small geographical size of the islands, there are five main wine producing regions with distinctly different wine characteristics as a result of the varied micro-climates.

Apart from visiting the many wineries, visitors to the islands can take in the picture-perfect beaches ideal for snorkelling, sailing or just sun baking; the agricultural delights of large scale fruit and vegetable production; or the extensive modern architecture. Tenerife is the biggest of the eight islands that make up the Canaries, with the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, attracting nearly 10 million visitors each year. Surprisingly the city isn’t overrun with tourists, unless it’s during the internationally renowned Carnival, which takes place at the end of January each year.

To stay, try Vincci La Plantacion, a sleek hilltop resort hotel with spectacular views. You can get to Tenerife daily from Madrid and London.

Argentina

Being somewhat of a hidden gem in the wine making world, Argentina is home to some of the purest, most organic wines in the world. Located in an area that has young and undisturbed soil, the wine region is perfect for cultivating a grape rich in flavour and aroma. From blackberry and green pepper-infused Cabernet Sauvignons in the northwest Salta region, to Rio Negro Semillons infused with mineral and earthy accents in the south, Argentina’s wineries will tempt even the most astute of wine connoisseurs.

While in France the Malbec grape variety is declining production, in Argentina it is thriving and becoming increasingly popular, creating robust reds, ideal for longer term cellaring. The laid-back cosmopolitan city of Mendoza provides the perfect base for exploring the many wineries in the central northern regions, as well as sampling the many varieties of locally produced olive oil. The popularity of the surrounding vineyards has led many wineries to convert their cellar doors into hotels or inns to accommodate visitors onsite.

The Mendoza region itself accounts for almost 80 percent of Argentina’s annual wine production, with some 70,000 annual visits. Of course the thriving cultural metropolis of Buenos Aires is also only a short flight away. For stylish Spanish accommodation, stay at the Park Hyatt Mendoza. Get to Mendoza from Sydney via Buenos Aires.

Canada

Known more for its ski slopes than its wineries, Canada is not on the top of most wine-lovers’ lists. However, Canadians are making the most of their cool climate by producing a unique Icewine. Grapes are picked at temperatures below -10 degrees celsius, after they have frozen naturally on the vine. Originally discovered by accident after a snap frost in Germany in the early 1700s, frozen grapes have a high sugar concentration, making them intensely sweet and flavoursome.

A German migrant established a winery in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, which today is one of the main Canadian regions producing Icewine. Icewine is the perfect drop to end a night at the British Columbia ski slopes of Whistler, Banff or Big White, which are not far away.

Get cozy at the slopes by staying at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler; a beautiful wood and stone building conveniently located adjacent to the Whistler Mountaineer train station. You can get to Vancouver direct from Sydney and Melbourne.