8 Wine Regions Every Wine Lover Should Visit in Europe

When I moved to Vienna in my twenties, I wasn’t fond of wine. However, wine gardens are a huge part of Viennese culture, and I frequently received invitations to visit them. Gradually, my opinion changed as I was introduced to crisp, fruity Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s signature white wine, and bold Zweigelt, a robust red Austrian hybrid.

Since then, I’ve come to love and appreciate wine. Now that I’m back in the States, visiting winemakers and vineyards in Europe has become a favorite part of my travels. Though I’m no connoisseur, I enjoy meeting local winemakers, learning about their wines, and seeing their beautiful vineyards.

I know I’m not alone. Wine tourism in Europe is growing, driven by increasing interest in wine and unique travel experiences. There are hundreds of distinct wine regions in Europe, but here are some of my favorite wine regions to visit.

Domäne Wachau in Austria's Wachau Valley; photo by Sina Ettmer/stock.adobe.com

AUSTRIA: WACHAU VALLEY AND STYRIA

Austria and winemaking go hand and hand. Even its capital, Vienna, has vineyards within its city limits. Two top Austrian wine regions are the Wachau Valley and Styria.

The Wachau Valley is a small, but stunning region along the Danube River that’s just an hour’s drive from Vienna. It’s a popular stop for river cruises. The valley’s winemaking heritage goes back 2,000 years. The first terraced vineyards were likely built in the 9th century.

Winemaking is a long-cherished tradition, and there are more than a hundred vineyards and 600 winegrowers. Many are part of the cooperative at Domäne Wachau, one of Austria’s top wineries. I always like stopping for a visit to sample their award-winning Grüner Veltliner, Gemischter Satz, and Rieslings. Happily, I’ve even found Domäne Wachau’s Grüner Veltliner for sale near my home in the states.

Styria—or Steiermark, as it’s called in German—is another top Austrian wine region. Steiermark wines are produced by hand in the steep vineyards of this mountainous region. Harvesting by hand is mandatory in the 3 Steiermark DAC regions. The most popular variety is Sauvignon Blanc.

The South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße) is one of the best ways to explore the area and its wineries. Winding through 25 miles of picturesque landscape, the trail passes through rolling hills, green vineyards, and charming villages. Along the way, you can stop at Buschenschanken (wine taverns) and family-owned wineries like Weingut Tement, known for its high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. You might even want to stay the night at one of their chic chalets.

Vineyard in Burgundy, France; photo by alexshyripa/stock.adobe.com

FRANCE: BORDEAUX, BURGUNDY, RHÔNE AND PROVENCE

France is famous for its world-class wine and draws wine lovers year-round. Bordeaux is the powerhouse of French wine, and arguably fine wine globally. The region has more than 13,000 producers. Other top wine regions in France are Burgundy, Rhône, and Provence.

I’ve found that wine river cruises are the perfect way to explore these regions, visiting winemakers and vineyards along the way. On a recent AmaWaterways wine-themed river cruise in Provence, my husband and I went to several tastings at local wineries, learned about wine from local experts, and went hiking through a beautiful hilltop vineyard. There was even a dedicated wine expert on board.

Portugal's Douro Valley; photo by aproposx/stock.adobe.com

PORTUGAL: DOURO VALLEY

The Douro Valley in Portugal is one of the world's oldest wine regions, and it’s a bucket-list destination for wine lovers. With more than 2,000 years of winemaking heritage, it’s considered a prime example of a traditional European wine-producing region, earning it the prestigious World Heritage Site status.

The Douro Valley, famous for its Port wine, is known for its stunning terraced vineyards along the Douro River. Quinta do Crasto is one of the best-known wine estates—it’s famous for its wine and views. You might also want to stop for a tour and tasting at Quinta do Vallado, which uses both traditional and modern winemaking techniques. You can even stay in one of the comfortable rooms at the Vallado Estate. Be sure to book your visit well ahead of time.

Sangiovese grapes used to make Chianti wine; photo by YinYang/iStock.com

ITALY: TUSCANY

Tuscany is Italy’s most important wine region, known for producing 2 iconic wines: Brunello di Montalcino and, one of my favorites, Chianti. Both are classic Italian-style wines. But Tuscany is also home to innovative winemakers who have chosen to break free of the region’s traditional regulations. These highly regarded ‘Super Tuscans’ are well received and showcase the region’s innovative spirit.

Castello Del Terriccio is a good example. This family-run estate dates from the 13th century but has made a name for itself for its fine Super Tuscan-style wines. Private tours are available.

Winemaking traditions in Europe run deep. No matter where your travels lead you, you’ll find winemaking families who have developed their craft with centuries of wine tradition. If you’re a wine lover, why not add a wine tour, tasting, or even a stay at a wine estate during your next trip to Europe? You’ll enjoy the experience and come home with a deeper appreciation for winemaking. Cheers!