10 Best Wine Regions to Visit in Europe

There is nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine in the place where it’s made. There are only a few places in the world where you can do this, and Europe is one of them. In fact, the EU supposedly produces more than half of all the wine in the world.

And let’s clear up one thing: it’s not just about the wine. These regions are a sensory feast, with rolling hills, ancient vineyards, and storybook villages bringing it all together. There is food to taste, History to uncover, and landscapes to photograph.

Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or just need an excuse for a getaway in Europe’s wine country, these are the best wine regions to visit:

10. Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia isn’t just about Barcelona, Gaudi, and the tapas. It’s also the birthplace of cava – Spain’s answer to champagne. The name comes from the underground cellars or cavas, where this bubbly wine was originally stored. And, it’s not all about fizz here. Catalonia also produces bold reds and even some experimental organic blends.

This slice of Spain hugs the French border and is known for its warm weather and moderate rainfall. The landscape is as beautiful as the wine is good. If you’re up for an adventure, swing past Priorat, where the terraced vineyards roll into one another.

The region is dotted with medieval villages and endless vineyards. If you’re a big fan of art and culture, take time to visit Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali. And since Catalonia is on the coastline, you can easily pair wine-tasting tours with lazy beach days.

9. Champagne, France

Champagne needs very little introduction. It’s Frances’s premier wine region, where the famous sparkling wine of the same name is from. Did you know this is the only place in the world where real champagne is made? The rest is merely just ‘sparkling wine.’ And it’s just as glamorous as you might imagine.

The classic way to spend time here is to tour the Moet and Chandon or Veuve Clicquot vineyards and cellars. However, there are plenty of smaller, family-run boutique wineries worth checking out. Many will have restaurants, tasting rooms, and even accommodation on site for the ultimate champagne in Champagne experience.

Just driving through the vineyards is reason enough to visit. But, if you’re looking for things to do, don’t miss the gothic Reims Cathedral, where French royalty were crowned for almost one thousand years.

8. Piedmont, Italy

Piedmont is a wine-lover’s heaven. This northern Italian region is home to Barolo, the ‘King of Wines’ and Barbaresco – its equally regal sibling. And these two bold reds pair perfectly with the region’s other claim to fame – white truffles. Need I say more?

Visit in the fall when the hilly landscape is alive with yellows, reds, and orange leaves. This is also the time of year when the Alba Truffle Festival takes place. A plate of truffle pasta with a glass of Barolo is hard to top.

The entire region stretches from the border of Switzerland to the border of France at the foot of the Alps, covering the city of Turin. It’s a big area, with plenty of places to see and things to do.

7. Mosel, Germany

Mosel is the most famous wine-making region in Germany, and it is known for producing excellent Riesling. It winds along the banks of the Moselle River through picturesque riverside towns like Krov, Punderich, and Bullay.

Unlike the hilly regions you’ll find in central Europe, Mosel feels like a patchwork scene of medieval villages scattered across vineyard-covered slopes tumbling into the valley.

One of the best towns to visit here is Cochem. It’s a tiny village with a hilltop castle, half-timbered houses, and real-life storybook vibes. If you visit at the right time of year, your trip could coincide with a wine festival.

If you seek activity, the Calmont Klettersteig trail is one of the steepest vineyard hiking trails in Europe. It’s worth every ache for the panoramic views.

6. Istria, Croatia

There are few places as beautiful as Istria. Tucked between Italy’s Trieste and Croatia’s Rijeka, this region is all about sweeping Adriatic Sea views and seaside eateries. Not only is it absolutely beautiful to look at, Istria’s History is as rich as its wine.

Long before local farmers started cultivating Malvazija Istarska (a crisp white wine) and Teran (a robust red), the land was ruled by Roman Gladiators. Over the centuries, Istria has seen empires rise and fall, each leaving its cultural mark on the landscape.

When in the area, I recommend exploring Rovinj, a coastal town memorable for its cobblestone streets and vibrantly colored fishing boats. Here, you can taste freshly caught seafood paired with a glass of local white wine overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

5. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a visual masterpiece. Every direction you cast your gaze feels like you’ve arrived in an alternate dimension. One where whitewashed architecture, blue seas, and pink bougainvillaea take center stage. And it isn’t only a treat for the eyes. Thanks to the volcanic soil and coastal breeze, Santorini is also famous for its local wine.

Start in Oia for the legendary sunsets. When the crowds get too heavy, make your way to Akrotiri – an ancient Minoan city frozen in time by volcanic ash.

The island is famous for its white wines, including Assyrtiko and Domaine Sigalas. The island has 21 operating wineries, most offering wine tastings and cellar tours where you can sip wine with a scenic overlook of the Aegean Sea.

4. Douro Valley, Portugal

Portugal has the perfect coastal climate and diverse landscape for winemaking. Just a few hours’ drive inland from Porto you’ll find Duoro Valley. Here, terraced hills and vineyards stretch all the way to the Spanish border.

It’s in this valley where the first and current top producers of the brandy-infused wine called Port come from. Ports are famous for their sweet taste and are best enjoyed after dinner as dessert wines.

The region’s winemaking legacy is so rich that it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether cruising the Douro River or touring the Quinta homes on the outskirts of Vila Nova de Gaia, every inch of this region is beautiful in its own way.

3. La Rioja, Spain

Spain’s wine is so good that it made this list twice. La Rioja is the region that produces the vibrant red wines of the same name. The region, located in northern central Spain, is so beautiful that it could easily be confused with France’s Provance. And it’s here where some of the best wine in the world has grown for centuries.

The vineyards grow along the Ebro River and are split into three sections: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Each section has its own soil and geographical differences, which impact the grape varietals grown here.

Around the vineyards, there are plenty of medieval villages, like Logroño, worth checking out. Visit Haro during the Summer Wine Festival to watch the region’s best wines battle it out.

2. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is such a prolific wine region that its name speaks for itself. With rolling hills, cypress trees lining wide boulevards, massive estates, and villages that feel frozen in time, it’s the stuff of wine and food dreams. It’s here that the famous Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are grown.

Wine isn’t just a drink here. It’s a way of life. The best way to spend your time is to rent a villa or stay in a boutique vineyard hotel, rent a bike, and cycle between wineries. I always recommend booking a cooking class (or three), where wine is always a part of a good recipe.

And since Tuscany is also famous for its olive oil production, do yourself a favor and join an olive oil tasting while you’re at it.

1. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is the Napa Valley of Europe. It’s wine is legendary. With over six thousand vineyards scattered throughout the landscape, some over two thousand years old, it’s no surprise that this region produces some of the world’s best.

Some of the most famous Bordeaux wines include Château Pétrus, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château Lafite Rothschild. Overall, this region alone produces around sixty different varietals.

The city of Bordeaux itself is worth a visit. It’s a UNESCO gem with stone buildings dating back to the 2nd Century, and a thriving food scene to match.