If you love wine and traveling, why not combine your two passions and travel to the places where wine is made? It’s a great way to enjoy some of the most relaxing countrysides and learn more about how this delicious drink is made. So, if you like this idea, here are some of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe that you should visit.
Alentejo, Portugal
The Alentejo region in Portugal is famous for having great wine throughout the year. However, in order to really experience everything this region has to offer, you should visit during Festa da Vinha e do Vinho (Festival of the Vine and Wine), which usually takes place in November. Moreover, there are more than 250 winemakers in this region, so you’ll have plenty of different wines to choose from. Besides the wine and amazing food that goes with it, Alentejo is also a great place for learning more about the local culture and history. So, if you like making your trips both enjoyable and educational, you can’t go wrong with Alentejo.
France
When you think about good wine, you probably think about France. It has more than a few amazing wine regions, like Bordeaux and Burgundy. Bordeaux is one of the largest wine regions in Europe; it’s where some of the most expensive wines are made. For example, Château Margaux, Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion are all made here.
As for your destination, you should consider visiting Saint-Émilion. This medieval town in Bordeaux is a World Heritage Site and surrounded by more than 5000 hectares of beautiful vineyards. On the other hand, if you prefer delicious Burgundy wine, you should definitely visit Burgundy. Due to its popularity, the region is home to many luxurious hotels. So, if you like to enjoy your wine in luxury, this is the spot to be.
Rhineland Pfalz, Germany
Although Germany doesn’t have an ancient wine-making tradition, it does have many vineyards and gorgeous scenery surrounding them. If you’d like to vacation in a small picturesque destination surrounded by breathtaking nature, you can find that in Germany. It’s also a perfect place to visit if you’re into white wines like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Silvaner. More than 60% of the total production here is white wine.
If you’re looking for suggestions, Rhineland Pfalz is one of the largest wine regions in Germany. It’s surrounded by mountains and river landscapes, so it’s perfect for a peaceful vacation and recharging your batteries.
Tuscany, Italy
You can’t have a list about wine without including Italy. Tuscany is located in the heart of Italy. It’s mostly known for its rich heritage, breathtaking scenery and amazing cities. However, it’s the countryside where you want to be. There, you can find many smaller medieval towns surrounded by vineyards and unforgettable nature. This region is where some of the finest wines are made, like Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti.
Also, don’t miss out on a visit to the Tuscan Archipelago, a region with beautiful sandy beaches and blue seas. Last but not least, since you are in Italy, you can always enjoy your wine with the finest pizza or pasta. It might not be the traditional meal that goes with wine, but why not?
La Rioja, Spain
If you’ve always wanted to visit Spain, consider visiting La Rioja. It’s divided into three different parts, famous for different things. One, Rioja Alta is known for the town of Haro, where you can see the famous local wine festival. Another region, Rioja Alavesa, is a part of the Basque Country and perfect for learning more about the local culture.
The third one, Rioja Baja, is where people discovered the largest dinosaur footprint in Europe. But it’s also perfect for simply enjoying nature and learning more about the charming medieval villages.
To sum up, Europe is home to some of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. If you love wine, you’d surely enjoy visiting some of them. So, think about the listed destinations, and keep them in mind when you start planning your next vacation. No matter where you choose to go, there is delicious wine waiting for you.