Traversing the best wine regions in Europe

The European mainland, particularly close to the Mediterranean, is home to some of the best grape vineyards in the world, with each country and area producing a wine with its own distinct taste. On a wine tour of Europe, enthusiasts will have the chance to sample a variety of vintages, from luxury champagne in France to the heavy sweet port that pairs perfectly with puddings. Get inspired with this guide to traversing the best wine regions in Europe. 

France 

Recognised across the globe as producing some of the world’s best wines, it is to be expected that France tops most lists when it comes to ranking the wine regions of Europe. Within the country itself, there are several different destinations devoted to wine, each with its own distinctive character and produce. Bordeaux is one of the highlights with a wine heritage as notable as the city’s striking gothic architecture. The Loire Valley is another, an enchanting landscape of terraced vineyards interspersed with majestic castles. And of course, who could forget Champagne, home to the most expensive wine in the world?

Portugal 

The Douro River runs from Porto on Portugal’s north-east coast to the remote and rugged Vega de Terron in Spain, the highlight of its journey being the spectacular central valley renowned for its wine. One of the best ways to soak in the scenery is on a slow-paced river cruise through the Douro Valley which gives you a unique view of its picturesque vineyards. You can stop off for a guided tour of one of the estates during your voyage. This iconic region with its idyllic lazy atmosphere produces Port, a fortified sweet wine generally consumed with dessert. Further south is Alentejo where you can sample Portuguese full-bodied reds and whites.

Spain 

Catalonia has a climate that is exceptionally well-suited to growing grapes, with plenty of sunshine year-round, moderate summers, and the majority of rainfall occurring in spring and autumn. This Spanish region is undoubtedly one of the world’s best destinations for wine enthusiasts, with opportunities for wine tasting and wine and food pairing but also an annual wine festival and wellness centres promoting the properties of the grape in relation to health and wellbeing. Head inland and further north and you will reach La Rioja where the vineyards are devoted to producing the uniquely flavoured red that bears the region’s name. This wine is aged in oak barrels to give it the signature smoky aftertaste.

Italy 

Italy’s most famous wine region is Tuscany, the area between the historic and sensational city of Florence and striking Siena. Tuscany is a romantic landscape of sun-soaked vineyards, rolling hills, quaint farmhouses, and small stone churches, best explored slowly on foot or by bike. Another great Italian wine destination is Piedmont which is equally beautiful but famed for Barolo and Barbaresco.

Feature Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash