The Best Wine Regions to Visit in Europe
Having spent over a decade traveling the world, falling in love with destinations over a glass of something extraordinary, I can confidently say that Europe is a treasure map for wine lovers. From rolling hills in Tuscany to the dramatic terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, every region tells a story, not just through its landscapes and culture, but through its wines.
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker, like myself, a connoisseur, or someone who just loves picturesque countryside paired with memorable meals, visiting Europe’s wine regions is about more than just sipping great vintages—it’s a cultural experience.
🍷 Let’s Plan Your Perfect European Wine Journey
Dreaming of sipping Riesling along the Mosel, tasting Brunello in Tuscany, or toasting with Champagne straight from the source? As a professional travel consultant, I specialize in crafting custom itineraries that blend world-class wine with unforgettable cultural experiences. From vineyard tours to luxury stays and insider tastings, I’ll handle the details—you just raise your glass. Ready to plan your European wine escape? Contact me today and let’s uncork your next adventure.
10 of the Best Wine Regions in Europe
Let’s go on a journey through some of the best wine regions to visit in Europe; a few you may expect, but others lesser known (just wait until you reach #10). These aren’t just places with good wine, they are destinations I would visit more than once, and continue to recommend to clients seeking something authentic, sensory-rich, and unforgettable.
1. Bordeaux, France
Why Go:
Bordeaux is the king of French wine regions and a pilgrimage site for wine lovers around the globe.
No surprises here. There’s a reason Bordeaux holds near-mythical status in the wine world. It’s home to some of the most prestigious châteaux, where names like Lafite, Margaux, and Mouton-Rothschild reign on high. But there’s more to Bordeaux than just big names.
My first time visiting, I stayed in the charming village of Saint-Émilion. Between touring underground wine cellars carved into limestone and savoring a Merlot-heavy blend while watching the sun set over endless vineyards, I realized Bordeaux is as much about the atmosphere as the wine itself.
Signature Vintage:
Bordeaux remains the gold standard for blended wines, with two distinct personalities depending on where you go. On the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way, creating structured, tannic, and deeply age-worthy wines full of blackcurrant and graphite. On the Right Bank, Merlot takes center stage, yielding softer, plush wines with plum, cocoa, and floral notes. Together, they form a complete picture of Bordeaux’s power and elegance, a benchmark for wine lovers worldwide.
Must Experience:
- Wine tastings at Left Bank châteaux like Château Pichon Baron.
- A bike tour through the Médoc.
- Saint-Émilion village with its cobblestone streets and monolithic church.
Best Time to Visit:
May through October (harvest season in September is especially lively).
Where to Stay:
Les Sources de Caudalie – Located in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this wine-themed luxury hotel is a destination in itself. Think vineyard views, Michelin-star dining, and a renowned vinotherapy spa.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Why Go:
Iconic landscapes, Chianti Classico, and some of the best food and wine pairings you’ll ever taste.
Few places blend wine, food, and scenery quite like Tuscany. This is where I send honeymooners, foodies, and those just looking to reconnect with life’s simpler pleasures.
Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, rustic farmhouses, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Tuscany is ideal for slow travel. Spend your days sampling Sangiovese-based wines and your evenings over truffle pasta and local olive oil. Pure decadence.
Signature Vintage:
Chianti Classico is the region’s calling card, bright with red cherries, earthy herbs, and a rustic charm perfect for pairing with local cuisine. For something bolder, Brunello di Montalcino, made from a special clone of Sangiovese, is structured, powerful, and capable of decades of aging. Both are quintessential expressions of Tuscany’s beauty in liquid form.
Must Experience:
- A visit to Castello di Ama or Antinori nel Chianti Classico.
- Cooking classes with local Tuscan chefs.
- The medieval hill towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino.
Best Time to Visit:
April to June or September to October for harvest season and fewer crowds.
Where to Stay:
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel – Set on a 4,200-acre estate near Siena, this former castle blends old-world elegance with exceptional food, wine, and countryside tranquility.
3. Douro Valley, Portugal
Why Go:
You want spectacular scenery, Port wine heritage, and an up-and-coming food scene.
Portugal may not be the first place you think of when you think of the European wine scene, but perhaps it should be. The Douro Valley took my breath away the first time I saw it. Imagine steep, terraced vineyards cascading down into a winding river, and you’ll start to get the picture. It’s not just one of Europe’s oldest demarcated wine regions, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While famous for Port wine, the valley also produces excellent dry reds and whites. Take a slow river cruise, stay at a wine estate, and learn firsthand about the centuries-old traditions behind every bottle.
Signature Vintage:
This region is the birthplace of Port wine, a fortified style known for its richness and power. Vintage Ports are only declared in exceptional years and can age gracefully for a century, while Tawny Ports are barrel-aged, developing nutty, caramel, and dried fruit flavors. Both are uniquely Portuguese and endlessly satisfying.
Must Experience:
- Tasting ports at Quinta do Seixo or Quinta da Pacheca.
- A scenic drive (or boat ride) along the Douro River.
- Wine pairing lunch at DOC restaurant by Chef Rui Paula.
For a full description of the region explore my Portugal post.
Best Time to Visit:
September during harvest (you can even stomp grapes barefoot at some estates!).
Where to Stay:
Six Senses Douro Valley – This beautifully restored 19th-century manor is perched above the Douro River. With its serene spa, wine library, and vineyard tours, it’s one of Europe’s premier wine getaways.
4. La Rioja, Spain
Why Go:
Bold red wines, avant-garde architecture, and traditional tapas culture.
La Rioja combines tradition and innovation like no other, like their mix of gothic and modern architecture. While Tempranillo rules the vineyards, the region’s wine culture has evolved with stunning winery architecture, like Frank Gehry’s design at Marqués de Riscal.
Hopping from bar to bar in Logroño, where each tiny taverna serves a single tapas specialty and a glass of house Rioja, is a must. It’s one of those places where the locals are always happy to see you, especially if you ask questions about their wine.
Signature Vintage:
Tempranillo is the crown jewel of this region. La Rioja’s iconic Gran Reserva wines are aged for at least five years, developing silky textures and layered flavors of dried cherry, leather, tobacco, and vanilla. Fresher Crianza and Reserva styles highlight more fruit and spice, but it’s the balance of tradition and time in oak that gives Rioja wines their timeless charm.
Must Experience:
- A tour of Bodegas Ysios or López de Heredia.
- Calle Laurel in Logroño for tapas hopping.
- Walking part of the Camino de Santiago through Rioja.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring or fall. September features wine festivals and grape harvests.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Designed by Frank Gehry, this ultra-modern hotel sits on the famed Marqués de Riscal winery. A perfect mix of avant-garde design and classic Rioja wine heritage.
5. Alsace, France
Why Go:
Fairytale villages, crisp white wines, and a mix of French and German influences.
Alsace, tucked along France’s border with Germany, is a place where culture, history, and wine converge in the most delightful way. Tucked between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, it’s known for aromatic white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Traveling through Alsace feels like stepping into a storybook, with half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies, and cozy winstubs (local taverns). It’s also extremely manageable by car or bike, making it a great region for a self-guided wine tour.
Signature Vintage:
Alsace has a reputation for producing some of the most aromatic and food-friendly white wines in Europe. Dry Rieslings here are crisp and mineral-driven, while Gewürztraminer offers an exotic bouquet of lychee, rose, and spice. Together, they showcase the region’s ability to balance elegance with intensity, making Alsace a dream for lovers of distinctive whites.
Must Experience:
- The Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins).
- Wine tastings in Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé.
- Flammekueche (Alsatian pizza) paired with local Riesling.
Best Time to Visit:
May to October for the harvest season. If you are a fan of quaint European Christmas markets plan your trip in December for a truly magical experience along with your vino.
Where to Stay:
Villa René Lalique – A Relais & Châteaux property in Wingen-sur-Moder, combining fine crystal heritage with a Michelin 2-star restaurant and exquisite wine cellar. It’s luxury in the heart of Alsace.
6. Piedmont, Italy
Why Go:
Home of Barolo and Barbaresco, truffles, and some of Italy’s most serious wines.
If Tuscany is the heart, Piedmont is the soul of Italian wine. For a region not far outside of Milan, you’ll be surprised to find a less touristy experience, with more intense tastings, steeped in hearty Northern Italian tradition. This region is for those who love deep reds with complex character.
Barolo is known as the “King of Wines,” and a tasting here is almost a sacred experience according to wine enthusiasts. Add in the fact that Piedmont is the world’s truffle capital, and you’ve got a dream destination for food and wine lovers.
Signature Vintage:
Piedmont is home to Nebbiolo, the grape behind the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Barolo, is powerful, tannic, and built to last, with aromas of roses, cherries, and even hints of tar. Barbaresco, its close cousin, is slightly more approachable but no less elegant. Both are deeply tied to the rolling hills of Piedmont and remain among the most age-worthy wines in the world.
Must Experience:
- A vertical tasting at a Barolo winery like Vietti or Gaja.
- The Alba White Truffle Festival (October–November).
- Scenic drives through the Langhe hills.
Best Time to Visit:
Fall for truffle season and dramatic autumn colors.
Where to Stay:
Relais San Maurizio – Once a 17th-century monastery, this luxury estate in the Langhe hills now offers fine dining, a world-class wine cellar, and stunning vineyard views.
7. Mosel Valley, Germany
Why Go:
Breathtaking riverside views and some of the best Riesling in the world.
The Mosel Valley is one of Europe’s most scenic wine regions, and that is quite a feat given the rest of this list. Its vineyards cling to impossibly steep slopes above the Mosel River, producing crisp, elegant Rieslings that are some of my personal favorites.
The region is also steeped in history, from Roman wine cellars to medieval castles. It’s quiet, underrated, and ideal for relaxed exploration.
Signature Vintage:
The Mosel Valley is synonymous with Riesling, and for good reason. These wines are light, aromatic, and full of energy, often dancing between crisp acidity and delicate sweetness. Whether you’re tasting a zippy Kabinett or a lush Auslese, you’ll find flavors of lime, green apple, honey, and a touch of slate from the valley’s steep, rocky vineyards. They’re elegant, versatile with food, and capable of aging for decades.
Must Experience:
- Wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues or Traben-Trarbach.
- Visit the cliff-perched Burg Eltz castle.
- A river cruise or cycling along the Mosel.
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall.
Where to Stay:
Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection – A lovingly restored castle hotel right on the Mosel River, offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and proximity to top Riesling producers.
8. Champagne, France
Why Go:
Iconic bubbly, elegant cellars, and luxurious experiences.
Champagne isn’t just a drink, it’s a celebration in a glass. Visiting the region feels like entering a world of refinement and tradition. The chalky soil here, known as “terroir,” gives the sparkling wine its unique character.
A tour through Reims or Épernay is a lesson in craftsmanship. You’ll walk through miles of underground cellars and sample some of the finest cuvées straight from the source.
Signature Vintage:
Champagne, the very definition of luxury in a glass. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, these bubbles are crafted with meticulous care. Non-vintage bottles, blended from multiple harvests, deliver a consistent house style, while vintage Champagnes are released only in exceptional years and offer layers of complexity, richness, and age-worthiness. Expect citrus and green apple balanced with toasty brioche notes.
Must Experience:
- Tastings at big houses like Moët & Chandon or boutique growers.
- Cathedral of Reims, where French kings were crowned.
- A private sabrage lesson (saber-opening a bottle).
Best Time to Visit:
April to October; go mid-week for fewer crowds.
Where to Stay:
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Overlooking the vineyards of Épernay, this sleek, modern luxury hotel features a champagne concierge, world-class spa, and easy access to major houses like Moët & Chandon.
9. Santorini, Greece
Why Go:
Volcanic soil, rare grape varieties, and caldera views with your wine.
When people think of Greek islands, they rarely associate them with wine, but they should. Santorini is home to Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-driven white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood and sunsets.
Vines here are grown in a unique “basket” shape to protect them from wind and sun—something you won’t see anywhere else in Europe.
Signature Vintage:
Assyrtiko is made from an indigenous grape that thrives in the island’s ashy, mineral-rich soil, producing bone-dry wines with bright citrus and a briny, sea-salt edge that feels like the Aegean itself in a glass. Some winemakers age it in oak for a richer texture, but the hallmark of Santorini Assyrtiko is its razor-sharp freshness and elegance.
Must Experience:
- Wine tasting at Santo Wines overlooking the caldera.
- Pairing Assyrtiko with grilled octopus or fresh feta.
- Learning about ancient wine-making methods at a local vineyard.
- Hike from village to village along the caldera.
Best Time to Visit:
May, early June, or September to avoid peak crowds.
Where to Stay:
Canaves Oia Epitome – This luxurious cliffside retreat near the village of Oia offers privacy, panoramic sunset views, and curated wine experiences across the island.
10. Tokaj, Hungary
Why Go:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic sweet wines, volcanic soil, and wines with surprising complexity.
Eastern Europe may not be the first place most people think of when planning a wine tour, but perhaps it should be. Tokaj, nestled in northeastern Hungary, where wine has been made for over a thousand years should certainly make every wine-lovers list.
A visit to Tokaj is full of surprises, from centuries-old cellars dug deep into hillsides, passionate vintners blending tradition with innovation, and some of the warmest hospitality I’ve found anywhere in Europe. Eastern Europe certainly holds a special place in my heart!
Signature Vintage:
Tokaji Aszú, the region’s most famous wine, was dubbed “the wine of kings, the king of wines” by Louis XIV. It’s a golden, lusciously sweet wine made from botrytized grapes, similar in style to Sauternes but with a unique identity all its own.
But Tokaj isn’t just about sweet wine anymore. In recent years, local winemakers have started producing exceptional dry Furmint and Hárslevelű whites, showcasing the volcanic terroir and elevating the region’s international profile.
Must Experience:
- Tasting at historic producers like Disznókő or Royal Tokaji.
- Exploring the labyrinthine cellars of Tokaj-Hétszőlő.
- Pairing sweet Tokaji Aszú with goose liver pâté or strong blue cheese.
Best Time to Visit:
September to early October for harvest; spring for fewer tourists and fresh vintages.
Where to Stay:
Andrássy Kúria & Spa – A stately manor house turned boutique hotel, offering elegant rooms, thermal spa services, and easy access to the region’s best Tokaji wineries.
How to Raise a Toast in Your Favorite European Wine Region
Saying “Cheers!” like a local adds a memorable touch to any wine tasting or toast, and it’s often one of the first words travelers want to learn when they arrive in a new country. So, raise a glass and give a “Cheers!” for each of the regions covered:
1. Bordeaux, France
Cheers: Santé! (pronounced: sahn-TAY)
Use it with a clink of glasses and eye contact—it’s considered polite in French culture.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Cheers: Salute! (pronounced: sah-LOO-teh)
Alternatively: Cin cin! (pronounced: cheen-cheen) – more casual and fun.
3. Douro Valley, Portugal
Cheers: Saúde! (pronounced: sah-OOD)
Hold the glass slightly up and make brief eye contact when toasting.
4. La Rioja, Spain
Cheers: ¡Salud! (pronounced: sah-LOOD)
It’s used widely across Spain for any kind of toast.
5. Alsace, France
Cheers: Santé!
Note: Alsace has German influences, so you may also hear Prosit! in more traditional or older circles.
6. Piedmont, Italy
Cheers: Salute! or Cin cin!
Just like in Tuscany. Italians are expressive toasters, and oh so appreciative of visitors putting forth the effort to speak their native tongue, so don’t be afraid to smile and raise your glass proudly.
7. Mosel Valley, Germany
Cheers: Prost! (pronounced: prohst)
A firm clink is customary, and be sure to make eye contact—it’s considered bad luck not to!
8. Champagne, France
Cheers: Santé! or for something more festive: À la vôtre! (pronounced: ah lah VOH-truh)
The latter means “to yours!”—used for more formal toasts.
9. Santorini, Greece
Cheers: Yamas! (pronounced: YAH-mas)
Short for “Stin ygeia mas”, meaning “to our health.” You’ll hear this everywhere in Greece.
10. Tokaj, Hungary
Cheers: Egészségedre! (pronounced: eh-GESH-sheh-ged-reh)
It’s a mouthful, but it will win you big points with locals, especially if you get the pronunciation right! If the language is a bit too daunting, you can say “Egészségedre!” with a simple smile and a raised glass.
Bonus Tip:
In almost all of Europe, eye contact is important when clinking glasses; it’s considered respectful and, in some cultures, essential to avoid “bad luck” in love or life (looking at you, Germany and France).
Final Thoughts from Your Travel Consultant
As a travel advisor, my job is to help people craft experiences that go beyond checking boxes. Wine regions offer something rare in that they engage all five senses. From swirling a glass of Barolo in a hilltop cantina to tasting a crisp Tokaji under the Hungarian sun, wine travel is about connecting: with culture, history, food, and most importantly, people.
Europe’s wine regions are as diverse as its languages, and each one offers a story in every sip. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just want to slow down and savor, I hope this guide gives you the inspiration to plan your next journey around a vineyard or two.
Cheers!
🍷 Let’s Plan Your Perfect Wine Journey
Dreaming of sipping Riesling along the Mosel, tasting Brunello in Tuscany, or toasting with Champagne straight from the source? As a professional travel consultant, I specialize in crafting custom itineraries that blend world-class wine with unforgettable cultural experiences. From vineyard tours to luxury stays and insider tastings, I’ll handle the details—you just raise your glass. Ready to plan your European wine escape? Contact me today and let’s uncork your next adventure.
