Europe is a place of world-class wines, and visiting where these elegant drinks started is an enriching experience. So diverse are the continent’s vineyards that even casual drinkers will surely find the right wine for them. From the sweetest to those with the strongest smell, European wines are simply supreme.
There are 3.2 million hectares of vineyards in Europe, most of which are in France, Spain, and Italy. It’s not surprising that the continent produces some of the best wines because, for the wineries, this drink is more than just a product but a masterpiece. Next time casual drinkers taste a European wine, they’ll understand why connoisseurs love them.
10 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv has a rich history and art culture, thanks to its thousands of years of existence as a human settlement. The area has recorded prehistory, so it will not come as a surprise that its residents – previous and ancient – enjoy wines, much so that the city is a favorite attraction of lovers of this drink. Exploring wineries in this welcoming community does not just mean sipping here and there but learning about history and culture, too. Sipping through time, that is.
9 Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo is among the wine regions most vulnerable to climate change, so while it still produces its famed wine, visiting it makes for a worthwhile experience. There are many grape varieties in the region as wine is among its most valuable products. Alentejo really loves its wines because they have a cork industry, too. The rich blend of Vinho do Alentejo makes it easy to understand why this region in Portugal is highly respected and why it should be protected.
8 Bordeaux, France
World-class Bordeaux wines are made possible by the city's nice climate, varying soil types, and great grape varieties. From pruning to harvesting, winemaking in this French town is an artwork. As it should be because wines are gifts from the gods. Those exploring Bordeaux can do it this way: start from the wine museum of Cité du Vin because why not? Their feet will lead them next to Graves, where the city's first vineyards started. Medoc is next, the place where some prestigious brands came. Saint-Emilion, meanwhile, is ultimate when it comes to stunning views. Lastly, Entre-deux-Mers will wow tourists, thanks to its expansive vineyards that are the largest in town. There’s no time for whining in Bordeaux, just “wining.”
7 Douro Valley, Portugal
The Douro Valley is considered the "oldest demarcated wine region," as reported by Forbes. So impressive is its wine culture that the valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the museum, tourists should enjoy walking by the Douro River that passes through the wine region. The waterway probably helps in making Douro wines world-class, so visitors should pay a visit. The enchanting beauty of the valley is best enjoyed with a wine glass in hand and with loved ones.
6 Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is one of Italy’s best wine regions, and it’s proud of high-quality wines made possible by the warm climate and rich hills. The geography and climate work together to give a setting conducive not just for winemaking but sightseeing. That makes Tuscany the perfect place for wine connoisseurs and casual tourists. Tuscan cuisine is great, like its truffles, and when matched with the elegant grape drink, it’s an experience that’s one for the books. As the salty air from the Tyrrhenian Sea reaches the hillsides, tourists will realize that this is life and then some.
5 Champagne, France
Evident in its name, the French region of Champagne is where champagne was born. This unique sparkling wine is a favorite even by casual drinkers, and it’s easy to understand why when tourists visit the region. Champagne – the drink – has become so famous that the term is even protected by laws. However, charming Champagne is more than just, err, champagne as it also produces still wines like rosé. Champagne is indeed a champion when it comes to views and vino.
4 Eger, Hungary
No questions asked: Eger is among the best wine regions because of their unique offers. It's proud of Eger are Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), characterized by its spicy and fruity blend. It also produces Csillag (Star of Eger), an aromatic white wine. The historical town matches the elegance of its wine, as seen in its stunning views. Eger will be loved by tourists as it crafts red and white wines. There’s something for everyone in this Hungarian city. Eger is forever.
3 Catalonia, Spain
Spain is more than just the Camino de Santiago Wine Fountain. The Catalans, for instance, know how to impress via wines, especially since it’s the birthplace of the sparkling cava. The region has a long wine tradition since the time of the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. There are 12 ways of understanding the wine lifestyle in the region as it has varying landscapes, from the agricultural Priorat to the high-altitude Vi de Lleida. Wherever tourists want to sample drinks, they’ll be in for a treat. After all, sipping wine in Catalan is like a journey to the past.
2 Piedmont, Italy
Wine and cheese? Piedmont serves them and many more; tourists just need to visit with an empty stomach so they can taste them all. This Italian region is most famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines but is always ready to offer more. From fruity flavors to those with high acidity, Piedmont serves a variety of drinks that cater to anyone. This destination is so dedicated to winemaking that it even brought to the world vermouth, an aromatized wine. When visiting Piedmont vineyards, tourists should ready their fingers for endless chef’s kisses.
1 Rhone Valley, France
Wines from Syrah grapes are Rhone Valley’s best offer, aside, of course, from its picturesque landscapes and charming aura. Accented by the Rhone River, this wine-producing destination is proud that its products are some of the most famous in the world, like Beaumes-de-Venise, Hermitage, and Cote-Rotie. Maybe, just maybe, the names of French wines are hard to pronounce, so tourists immediately drink them instead of babbling. Dionysus surely approves of Rhone wines because they are diverse and, most especially, delicious.