A trip to Europe is something that many people want to make time for at some point in their lives. The continent is full of rich and diverse cultures, and the history and character of European holiday destinations is something that is best explored for yourself. Whether you have your heart set on a European holiday for sightseeing or for exploring places with a unique flavour, you will find yourself spoiled for choice and may struggle to decide on a single location for your trip.
That is, unless you are a bit of a wine connoisseur. Europe is packed full of ancient, fascinating and diverse wine destinations that are absolutely perfect for solo travellers, couples, and even families. Some countries in Europe are better known for their wines than others, but almost every country on the continent has its own wine industry. Many of these wine producing regions and countries also benefit from stunning scenery and cultural or historical experiences that are enough of a reason to plan a visit on their own.
In 2020, vineyards in the EU totalled around 3.2 million hectares which translates to lots and lots of excellent European wine. The most famous wine producing countries are Italy, France and Spain, though they are far from the only key players in the European wine industry. Whether you want to visit the most famous vineyards and wine regions or are looking for a path less often tread by tourists, you’ll find the perfect holiday destination for any wine lover in Europe.
Bordeaux, France
Kicking off our list of top European wine destinations is the iconic Bordeaux region in France. Known for its ancient towns and villages as well as its beautiful countryside, Bordeaux produces some of the world’s best loved wines and is a great place for any wine lover to visit. To make the most of your trip to Bordeaux you should set aside a day to experience a guided tour of the city of Bordeaux which can be done on foot or by boat. Famous for its Margaux and Saint Emilion wines, it represents some of the best offerings from France.
For something a little more rural, you should consider a visit to the mediaeval village of Saint Emilion. The village is named for the mediaeval monk Emilion. Legend has it that Emilion set off on a pilgrimage in the 8th Century and felt drawn to turn a cave in the forest into his permanent home where he spent his days doing good deeds. The village eventually began building up around him as word spread, and today the village still bears his name in his honour.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is located in central Italy and is as famous for its stunning scenery as it is for its wines. A trip to Florence will be a truly remarkable and memorable experience and there are countless fascinating cultural and historical sites to choose from in the area. The ancient landscape of Tuscany is like nothing else on Earth and a visit here will offer something for every kind of traveller.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
A little less well known than the other destinations in this list, Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a wine lovers’ paradise and benefits from a less touristy vibe. The destination is steeped in history and culture as well as being an excellent wine region, with wine grapes being grown here for more than 5000 years. If you are planning a visit to Plovdiv then you really can’t miss out on the culinary experiences on offer, and Plovdiv is the perfect starting point from which to explore this corner of Bulgaria.
Eger, Hungary
Another destination that is not quite as mainstream as your average wine region in Italy, France, Spain or Portugal, Eger in Hungary is home to famous wineries and wine cellars, many of which are carved into the region’s cave system. Here you will find some unique flavours of Hungary, with many cellars taking on a whimsical and retro charm, as well as offering modern, innovative experiences. You will be treated to some of the finest award winning vintages that Hungary has to offer, as well as enjoying the quaint architecture and glorious natural scenery that the city of Eger is known for.