Best Wine Regions in Europe

When it comes to exploring Europe, few experiences capture the culture and landscape quite like a journey through its legendary wine regions. From sun-drenched vineyards in Portugal to seaside estates in Provence, Europe’s wine routes are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you're sampling bold reds on a countryside estate or sipping crisp whites overlooking the sea, these wine tours in Europe deliver unforgettable flavors paired with stunning scenery.

Below are some of the best wine regions in Europe—each one easy to explore from a coastal city and perfect for a day of tasting, learning and living like a local.

1. Champagne – Reims, France

Sparkling Icons and Underground Cellars

No wine region is more celebratory than Champagne. Just a short ride from the port of Le Havre or Paris, this northern French region is the birthplace of the world’s most iconic sparkling wine. The chalky soil and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes to flourish.

Vineyard visits in Champagne often include tours through sprawling underground caves, where bottles age for years before being popped open. Tasting rooms range from grand maisons like Moët & Chandon to smaller grower-producers offering more intimate encounters.

Best for: Sparkling wine enthusiasts and those looking to explore France’s most prestigious bubbly.

2. Douro Valley – Porto, Portugal

Terraced Vineyards and Port Wine Heritage

Few wine regions in Europe are as visually striking as the Douro Valley. Just inland from the coastal city of Porto, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is defined by steep, terraced hillsides and the winding Douro River. It’s the birthplace of Port wine, but also home to rich reds and aromatic whites.

Wine tours in this region often include visits to historic quintas (wine estates), where you’ll learn about centuries-old winemaking techniques and taste a wide variety of vintages. Many estates also pair tastings with local cheeses, olives and panoramic river views that feel straight out of a painting.

Best for: Bold red wines, scenic boat or train rides and cultural depth.

3. Setúbal Peninsula – Lisbon, Portugal

Moscatel, Coastal Beauty and Centuries of Craft

South of Lisbon lies the Setúbal Peninsula, a lesser-known yet celebrated wine region famous for its sweet Moscatel wines and long family winemaking traditions. This region combines lush natural landscapes, charming towns and ocean views with elegant wineries rooted in history.

At Jose Maria da Fonseca — one of the oldest producers in the area — you can explore ancient cellars, walk among antique barrels and sample varietals, ranging from deep reds to the signature Muscat-based dessert wine. The nearby Arrábida Natural Park offers a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and cliffs above the Atlantic.

Best for: Unique dessert wines and scenic, nature-filled drives.

4. Rioja – Bilbao, Spain

Tempranillo Tradition and Striking Architecture

East of Bilbao, the Rioja region combines classic Spanish winemaking with cutting-edge design and culinary flair. Known for its robust Tempranillo-based reds and oak-aged reserves, Rioja balances tradition and innovation beautifully.

Here, you’ll find 19th-century bodegas next to modern architectural marvels like Bodegas Ysios or Marqués de Riscal. Tasting rooms often pair wines with tapas, while surrounding towns like Haro and Logroño invite you to slow down and savor the local flavor.

Best for: Aging-worthy reds, food pairings and modern-meets-traditional charm.

5. Provence – Marseille, France

Rosé Wines and Mediterranean Romance

Provence is synonymous with sunshine, lavender fields and pale pink rosé — and it’s just as dreamy in person. A short drive from the Mediterranean coast leads you to family-run vineyards where winemaking stretches back to Roman times.

The small fishing village of Cassis is a local gem, surrounded by vineyards that produce both rosé and the rare white wines of the region. After a tasting, visitors can stroll the old streets of Cassis or enjoy views from the Cap Canaille cliffs. The wines here are as light and floral as the breeze that rolls in off the sea.

Best for: Elegant rosé, sea views and charming hilltop villages.

6. Piedmont – Genoa, Italy

Nebbiolo Nobility and Alpine Elegance

Northwest Italy’s Piedmont region is a must-visit for those who love structure and subtlety in their reds. Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape, are among Italy’s most revered wines. From Genoa, it’s an easy drive inland to these storied vineyards, nestled at the base of the Alps.

Wine tastings in Piedmont are often paired with white truffle dishes and hazelnuts, two regional staples. The mood here is unhurried, elegant and deeply tied to the land.

Best for: Complex reds, fall truffle season and refined wine culture.

7. Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France

The Capital of French Wine

No list of Europe’s best wine regions would be complete without Bordeaux. Located on France’s southwestern coast, this legendary region is home to more than 6,000 wine estates and some of the most prestigious labels in the world.

Whether you're exploring the Left Bank’s Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blends or the Right Bank’s velvety Merlot, there’s no shortage of vineyards to visit. Estates like Château Margaux and Château Pape Clément open their doors for tastings and cellar tours. And Bordeaux itself is a lively, walkable city where wine culture blends effortlessly with art, food and riverside views.

Best for: Iconic red wines and a deep dive into French winemaking tradition.

8. Santorini – Santorini, Greece

Volcanic Soil and Seaside Sips

Santorini might be best known for its sunsets and cliffside views, but the island is also one of Greece’s top wine regions. Thanks to its volcanic soil and windswept terrain, Santorini produces unique wines with mineral-rich character and crisp acidity.

The native Assyrtiko grape thrives here, yielding refreshing white wines perfect for the island’s warm climate and seafood-driven cuisine. Many wineries, like Santo Wines or Venetsanos, offer panoramic tasting terraces where you can sip while gazing out at the caldera.

Best for: Distinctive whites, volcanic terroir and dramatic Aegean views.

9. Mallorca – Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Island Wines and Mediterranean Charm

Mallorca’s wine scene is a hidden treasure. This Balearic island off Spain’s eastern coast is home to dozens of boutique wineries that produce high-quality reds and whites with Mediterranean flair. The island’s dry climate and limestone soil contribute to complex, food-friendly wines.

One of the most well-known stops is Macià Batle, located near Santa Maria del Camí. Here, tastings include everything from bold red blends to vibrant whites, often served with local olive oil and bread. On the way, you can explore scenic coastal drives, historic estates and rustic villages surrounded by vineyards.

Best for: Island-grown reds, artistic wine labels and easy-going tastings.

10. Tuscany – Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Italy

Rolling Hills and Full-Bodied Reds

Tuscany is Italy’s heartland of wine, and from the port of Livorno, it’s easy to access the countryside dotted with medieval villages and iconic vineyards. Chianti is the standout here, known for its ruby-red Sangiovese-based wines and stone-walled wineries.

Wine tasting tours in Tuscany often pair tastings with farm-to-table meals, olive oil sampling and visits to hilltop towns like San Gimignano. For those venturing farther, the coastal region of Bolgheri is gaining acclaim for its “Super Tuscan” wines — blends that rival the best in the world.

Best for: Classic red wines and postcard-worthy vineyard landscapes.

11. Sicily – Palermo, Italy

Sun-Soaked Vineyards and Native Grapes

Sicily’s wine culture is ancient and deeply rooted in its sun-drenched climate and fertile volcanic soil. Near the port city of Palermo, vineyards stretch toward Mount Etna and the sea, producing wines with bold, earthy character.

The region is home to native varietals like Nero d’Avola and Grillo, which offer a break from the better-known European grapes. Wineries here often focus on sustainable practices and traditional methods, resulting in expressive wines that reflect Sicily’s rugged beauty and diverse culture.

Best for: Unique native grapes and volcanic-influenced flavors.

Why Take Wine Tours in Europe?

Europe’s wine regions are more than places to sip and swirl, they’re windows into the continent’s agricultural roots, cultural traditions and sense of place. Every vineyard tells a story. Some stretch back to Roman times, while others represent generations of family passion passed down over centuries.

Here are a few wine excursions you might consider joining in Europe’s top wine regions:

• North Coast and Wine Tasting – Mallorca, SpainDiscover the dramatic landscapes of Mallorca’s northern coast before visiting Macià Batle winery for a guided tasting and a closer look at the island’s wine traditions.
• Quinta da Bacalhôa Wine Tasting – Lisbon, PortugalExplore the beautiful Bacalhôa Palace and indulge in a tasting of regional Portuguese wines while learning about centuries of winemaking history.
• Charming Cassis and Wine Tasting – Provence, FranceSoak up sweeping views along the Provençal coast before arriving in the quaint village of Cassis for a tasting at a local winery surrounded by vineyards and sea cliffs.

From sunlit coasts to hillside estates, the best wine regions in Europe offer more than just great wine — they offer a true taste of place. Whether you’re standing in a centuries-old cellar in Lisbon or watching the sun dip over a Santorini vineyard, wine excursions in Europe are as much about the experience as they are the flavor.