Europe’s storied vineyards have been producing exceptional wines for centuries, and each bottle tells an interesting tale about its terroirs and traditions. From the sun-drenched hills of the Loire Valley to the slopes of Rioja, the continent offers an unparalleled diversity of delights for wine lovers. In this guide, we uncork six fantastic European wine destinations, and highlight their most celebrated regions and signature vintages. We are sure that the sixth country will surprise you!
As you traverse the best wine regions in Europe, we’ve also recommended some handpicked experiences and ideas that blend vineyard visits with cultural explorations for a memorable European vacation.
Pictured above: Our expert Derek Krantz and the Enchanting Travels team at a French vineyard during their exploration of Europe.
1. Portugal
Best for: Port, Madeira, Vinho Verde
The Douro Valley is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The terraced valley by the Douro river grows more than 80 grape varieties. In the far north, the Vinho Verde region stretches to the Atlantic Coast, with Porto being one of its key cities. The historic river city of Porto is regarded as the birthplace of port wine! Discover spectacular vineyards, castles, and historical sites on a wine tour in this country.
Must-do: Douro Valley Wine Tour
Discover the celebrated wines of Portugal’s Douro Valley on an immersive tour through three sprawling estates: Quinta do Origen, Quinta de Roeda, and Quinta do Vallado. Learn about the process of crafting fine wines from the expert vintners, and enjoy splendid views of the lush vineyards. Afterwards, sample the different varieties of wines produced at each winery, while your guide tells you about their distinguishing features, such as aroma and flavor.
2. France
Best for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Shiraz
France is easily one of the best wine regions in Europe. Bordeaux continues to produce some of the world’s best reds, while Burgundy is Chardonnay central. Provence, known for its rose wines, is breathtakingly beautiful with its lavender fields and olive groves, while the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, flanked by the Loire river, offers the perfect mix of wine and history.
Must-do: Loire Valley Sidecar Tour
Experience the rolling hills and majestic castles of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley wine region from the unique vantage point of a motorcycle sidecar! The tour winds its way through charming villages like Lussault-sur-Loire and Montlouis-sur-Loire, the gastronomic city of Tours, and the wine appellations of Rochecorbon and Vouvray. The region produces world-renowned varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. You will also get to stop at a local winery, where you’ll delve into the winemaking process, tour the cellar, and sample exceptional local wines.
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3. Italy
Best for: Barolo, Barbaresco, Chianti, Brunello, Pinot Grigio
Tuscany is Italy’s oldest wine-producing region and also among its most scenic. Piedmont, perched in the frosty Alps up north, is famous for its red wines, and the picturesque island of Sicily, known for its Marsala (fortified wine), has the most number of vineyards, making it a great stop if you are a wine lover.
Must-do: Wine and Lunch at Avignonesi Vineyard
Journey into the Tuscan hills to explore the renowned Avignonesi vineyard. Savor a glass of Prosecco before touring the iconic La Stella and La Tonda vineyards. As you pass the distinctive circular Vigna Tonda planting formation, your expert guide will tell you about the estate’s biodynamic farming and organic winemaking methods. Step into the historic aging cellars, and sample four of the region’s finest wines. Round off your experience with a scenic lunch, which is prepared using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are from the estate’s gardens.
4. Germany
Best for: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
While Germany takes pride in its beer, it also has about 13 sprawling wine regions, from the steep slopes of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer to the 2,000-year-old history of viticulture in Rheinhessen. The Mittelrhein region, with its towering castles and rolling hills swathed in green vines, is among Germany’s most picturesque wine regions.
Must-do: Rhine Valley Villages and Wine Tasting
Explore the picturesque Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day German wine experience. Drive between forested hillsides and towering cliffs as you pass near-vertical terraced vineyards and quaint villages with Gothic churches. The highlight of this tour is visiting the renowned Kloster Eberbach, a historical monastery with centuries of winemaking tradition, and Schloss Johannisberg, the world’s first Riesling winery. While in the charming village of Oberwesel, enjoy a tasting session that showcases the wines that have made this region famous.
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5. Spain
Best for: Airen, Tempranillo, and Grenache
Rioja, one of the most popular wine regions in Spain, comprising the towns of Haro, Logroño, Laguardia and Elciego, is marked by sparkling rivers and snow-capped mountains. In Andalusia, the sprawling Jerez region, including Seville, is known for its excellent sherry. The wineries around Madrid—part of the Ribera del Duero region—are also worth a visit.
Must-do: Vintage Winery Tour and Lunch
Immerse yourself in Marqués de Riscal, one of the oldest wineries in Spain’s Rioja region. This fifth-generation, family-owned estate is renowned for exceptional reds and whites crafted from Tempranillo and Rueda grapes. Sample Cabernet Sauvignon grapes directly from the vines before exploring the impressive cellars, which house an incredible eight million bottles, some of which date back to 1862. After a guided tasting session, round off your day with an exceptional dining experience at the Michelin-starred Restaurante Marqués de Riscal.
6. Greece
Best for: Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero
Greece is often overlooked in favor of its more famous European neighbors, but the country also boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back thousands of years. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces the acclaimed Assyrtiko – crisp white wines with bright acidity and mineral notes. Around Athens, the vineyards of Attica specialize in Savatiano and the sweet red Mandilaria. Paros is renowned for its Monemvasia whites and traditional reds, while Naxos crafts its distinctive wines from indigenous grapes like Fokiano.
Must-do: Personalized Paros Wine Tour
Get a taste of island life and delve into the ancient winemaking traditions of Paros on a guided tour of the island’s oldest winery. Discover viticulture practices dating back to 3,000 BC, and learn how Paros’ microclimate and terroir nurtures indigenous grape varieties like Monemvasia and Assyrtiko. These grapes are used in the production of wines with the EU’s coveted Protected Designation of Origin stamp. Admire traditional concrete fermentation vessels and Grecian wine presses in the historic cellar while your expert guide explains the intricate winemaking process. Wrap up your tour with an exclusive tasting of four premium newer wines and one special older vintage.
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The post Your Guide to Europe’s Best Wine Regions appeared first on Enchanting Travels.
