Best Wine Regions to Visit in Europe

There is nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine in the place where it’s made. There are only a few places in the world where you can do this, and Europe is one of them. In fact, the EU supposedly produces more than half of all the wine in the world. And let’s clear up one thing: it’s not just about the wine. These regions are a sensory feast, with rolling hills, ancient vineyards, and storybook villages bringing it all together. There is food to taste, history to uncover, and landscapes to photograph. Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or just need an excuse for a getaway in Europe’s wine country, these are the best wine regions to visit:

Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia isn’t just about Barcelona, Gaudi, and the tapas. It’s also the birthplace of cava – Spain’s answer to champagne. The name comes from the underground cellars or cavas, where this bubbly wine was originally stored. And, it’s not all about fizz here. Catalonia also produces bold reds and even some experimental organic blends.

This slice of Spain hugs the French border and is known for its warm weather and moderate rainfall. The landscape is as beautiful as the wine is good. If you’re up for an adventure, swing past Priorat, where the terraced vineyards roll into one another.

The region is dotted with medieval villages and endless vineyards. If you’re a big fan of art and culture, take time to visit Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali. And since Catalonia is on the coastline, you can easily pair wine-tasting tours with lazy beach days.

Champagne, France

Champagne needs very little introduction. It’s Frances’s premier wine region, where the famous sparkling wine of the same name is from. Did you know this is the only place in the world where real champagne is made? The rest is merely just ‘sparkling wine.’ And it’s just as glamorous as you might imagine.

The classic way to spend time here is to tour the Moet and Chandon or Veuve Clicquot vineyards and cellars. However, there are plenty of smaller, family-run boutique wineries worth checking out. Many will have restaurants, tasting rooms, and even accommodation on site for the ultimate champagne in Champagne experience.

Just driving through the vineyards is reason enough to visit. But, if you’re looking for things to do, don’t miss the gothic Reims Cathedral, where French royalty were crowned for almost one thousand years.

Piedmont, Italy

Piedmont is a wine-lover’s heaven. This northern Italian region is home to Barolo, the ‘King of Wines’ and Barbaresco – its equally regal sibling. And these two bold reds pair perfectly with the region’s other claim to fame – white truffles. Need I say more? Visit in the fall when the hilly landscape is alive with yellows, reds, and orange leaves. This is also the time of year when the Alba Truffle Festival takes place. A plate of truffle pasta with a glass of Barolo is hard to top.

The entire region stretches from the border of Switzerland to the border of France at the foot of the Alps, covering the city of Turin. It’s a big area, with plenty of places to see and things to do. Source : touropia