Much of Europe, and especially Western Europe, has long been considered some of the best wine territory in the world. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, social drinker, or occasional wine sipper, there’s something for everyone to see and do in the wine regions of Europe. That’s why I’m pleased today to spotlight European wine country. Below you’ll find our round-up of the best wine regions in Europe.
Tuscany and Umbria, Italy. It’s hard to mention European wine and not mention Tuscany and Umbria together. These two Italian regions are paradise for the food and drink lover. Travelers could in fact plan an entire trip around wine in Umbria and Tuscany because of so many activities that abound, including cooking with wine classes, vineyard tours, festivals, tastings, and food and wine pairings. Italy’s most famous wine, Chianti is rooted in Tuscany, while some of the notable wines of Umbria include Orvieto and Torgiano. We highly recommend Tuscany and Umbria for the traveler who wants a good introduction to European wine.
Bordeaux, France. Even if you’re not that familiar with wine, you’ve probably heard of the Bordeaux region of France. You’ve likely seen the name on many wine bottles and in restaurants, whether traveling or at home. Bordeaux has one of the richest histories of wine, as the wine of this region dates back a couple thousand years. Wines of Bordeaux include Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscadelle, and Malbec, just to name a few. Bordeaux is unique in that there are few single-variety wines, with most of the wines being a blend of grapes. This makes for an interesting winemaking process.
Rioja, Spain. Rioja is another wine region with a long and distinct history, dating back many hundred years. The general wine region of Rioja is split into three regions, including Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja. While Rioja produces different white wine varieties, it’s predominantly a red grape region. However, similar to Bordeaux, many of the wines are a blend of grapes. If you’re in Spain in June, consider a visit to the Haro Wine Festival, which is one of the most unique wine festivals in the world.
What’s your favorite wine?
