Wine Box Experience - Dustin Mangas

Staycation in a Glass: Your Passport-Free Wine Excursion

Wine has a unique way of transporting us to another time and place, allowing us to wander the world one sip at a time. No boarding pass required—just uncork and let your senses travel. The salty sea breeze of the Portuguese coast, the sun-soaked hills of Brazil, the rugged mountains of South Africa. These aren’t just destinations, they’re experiences bottled for your enjoyment. A glass of wine is more than just fermented grapes; it’s a postcard from its homeland, carrying the story of the soil, the climate, and the people who shaped it.

From exploring the volcanic vineyards of the Azores or the soulful reds of Brazil’s Vale dos Vinhedos. You can feel the southern hemisphere in all its infinite glory in one sip of Tannat from Uruguay, or delight in Chenin Blanc from South Africa, or relax with Pinot Noir from New Zealand. A glass of South African Pinotage pairs perfectly with smoky braais (barbecues), while a Portuguese Vinho Verde shines alongside fresh seafood and laughter at a coastal café. You can also let Eastern Europe surprise you with a pour of Austria’s crisp Grüner Veltliner or bask in the earthy reds of the Balkans; even lose yourself with the ancient, spice-laden wines of Lebanon and Cyprus. Each of these wines invites you to step into its world without leaving your home.

This month, we’re highlighting wines that take you off the beaten path and into lesser-known corners of the world. Let’s check out where in the world you’ll be taken for your glass of discovery.

Let’s send you on your way with your first wine this month. The Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Gimblett Gravels is like a boutique escape to New Zealand’s soul without the overpacked luggage. Hailing from the iconic Gimblett Gravels, where gravelly soils and sun-drenched days give grapes a rugged intensity. It’s the kind of wine that demands attention—powerful, elegant, and designed to age—perfect for when you want your wine to feel like not just a sip, but a journey. Another attention-grabbing aspect of New Zealand is the country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Over 96% of New Zealand’s vineyards are now sustainably certified, making it a global leader in environmentally conscious winemaking. To experience this wine fully, indulge yourself with traditional New Zealand dishes like Kūmara (a unique staple of roasted and mashed sweet potato) or a cut of its world-renown Lamb (braised with herbs and red wine jus). It’s all the charm of an exotic getaway with no passport required.

Don’t unpack your bags just yet as we set off to our next selection. The Inama Oratorio di San Lorenzo Carmenère Riserva is a one-way ticket to a secluded Veneto valley. With each sip, you’re not just further from home—you’re strolling through centuries-old vineyards under changing skies. Change is nothing new to the Colli Berici DOC, it’s one of the few areas in Italy where Carmenèrehas been allowed to find a second home. Once thought to be Merlot, it was reclassified after decades of production where it thrives in the region’s volcanic soils and warm, breezy microclimate. You can pair this wine with local iconic dishes of Polenta e Funghi (creamy polenta with wild mushrooms) or Bigoli in Salsa (thick spaghetti with anchovy-onion sauce). But the true treat is to keep it authentic and experience this wine alongside Anatra all’Arancia (a classic Venetian dish of roast duck with orange sauce). The must have meal to a declare your bold getaway in a glass, without the jet lag.

Wine is a cultural ambassador, reflecting the heartbeat of its region from its food to its history and traditions. Each bottle tells the story of its homeland’s climate, cuisine, and the social rituals that define it. So, grab your bottles and let these wines be your gateway to an unforgettable end of summer staycation as you travel through the world of wine. Saúde!