7 Unexpected Regions Making Standout Rosé Wine

Forbes

9 hours ago

Bottles from unexpected regions are reshaping what rosé can taste like and where it's made.
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Rosé wine has long been linked to specific places—Italy, Spain, California and, of course, Provence in the South of France. These are the regions that shaped the category, where often pale, dry rosés have become shorthand for summer.
Each year, rosé accounts for about 9% of global wine production, or 2.3 billion liters, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. France leads with 805 million liters—45% of that from Provence—followed by Spain at 460 million and the United States at 230 million.
But beyond those familiar names, winemakers elsewhere are rethinking what rosé can be. In some cases, these are younger wine regions developing their own approach to style and production. In others, the history is far older, but rosé is only now gaining attention. What connects them is not a shared look or flavor, but a move away from formula. These wines are often deeper in color, more structured and less tied to expectations shaped by branding or climate. The grapes vary, as do the winemaking methods. Some producers are farming organically or working at a smaller scale. Others are experimenting with blends, skin contact or unfiltered bottlings.
Rosé remains a category with few rules, which has made it especially open to change. That flexibility, combined with growing demand outside traditional markets, has created space for producers in places not usually associated with the style. The results can be surprising—wines that are drier, more savory or more intense than their better-known counterparts.
As the category continues to expand, so do the regions making a case for their place in it. These seven are not yet widely recognized for rosé, but the bottles coming out of them suggest that may not be true for long.
Canelones, Uruguay
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Canelones, just north of Montevideo, has a cool maritime influence that works well for rosé production. Wines from this region are often made with pinot noir, cabernet franc or tannat, and tend to have savory depth, good acidity and mineral notes. Uruguay's small-scale producers focus on balance and restraint over sweetness.
Goriška Brda, Slovenia
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Near the Italian border, Goriška Brda is known for small plots and hand-harvested grapes. Merlot and refošk rosés from this area often show wild strawberry and pomegranate with an herbal finish. The region's alpine air and limestone soil contribute to a crisp, layered style that stands apart from more common rosé profiles. Slovenia is not among the highest-producing countries, but emerging rosé producers in Central and Eastern Europe are playing a growing role in market diversity
View of vineyard gardens near Mycenae, Greece.
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The Peloponnese offers a range of native grapes suited for dry rosé, especially agiorgitiko. Wines are typically pale to medium pink, with flavors of red cherry, earth and a hint of salt from nearby coastal breezes. Greek rosé tends to pair well with grilled food, and the style leans more savory than sweet. Greece showed renewed growth in rosé wine consumption in 2022 after previous declines, part of a broader trend toward quality-driven styles.
Sussex, England.
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Sussex is best known for sparkling wines, but still rosés—often made from pinot noir or meunier—have gained traction. The cool climate keeps alcohol levels low and acidity high, producing crisp, pale wines with notes of tart red berries. The style is clean and restrained, with a growing number of producers finding success. As of 2020, rosé made up 11% of the U.K. wine market.
A large green vineyard below Piketberg Mountain in Western Cape, South Africa.
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Swartland has gained attention for natural-style wines, including character-driven rosé. Producers often use old-vine cinsault or grenache for medium-bodied wines with floral and savory elements. Dry farming and low-intervention methods give these rosés texture and complexity without overpowering fruit. South Africa, overall, is the fifth largest producer of rosé wine, producing 92 million liters annually.
Field of flowers in the Texas Hill Country between Johnson City and Fredericksburg.
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The Texas Hill Country has become a surprising source of quality rosé. Producers often use tempranillo, mourvèdre or sangiovese to make dry styles with watermelon and citrus notes. The region's heat requires early picking to maintain freshness, and winemakers have adapted well to the growing demand for crisp, pale rosé.
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
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The Bekaa Valley's elevation and Mediterranean climate allow grapes like cinsault and syrah to ripen slowly, keeping acidity balanced. Lebanese rosés often carry notes of dried herbs, red berries and spice. Winemaking here combines centuries-old tradition with modern techniques, producing wines that are dry, structured and food-friendly. Lebanon is not tracked as a major contributor to global rosé production, but interest in smaller markets like this is rising as the global rosé wine market is projected to grow from $11.8 billion in 2023 to $14.6 billion by 2030.