For wine enthusiasts, every holiday is an opportunity to sample varietals from across the world, marvelling at the variety of vineyards available. Even better for those in the UK, where Europe’s rich heritage in winemaking and varied landscapes are just a stone’s throw away. If you’re looking for your next getaway with wine in mind, here are a few destinations that offer great wines mixed with delightful cultural experiences. 

France: The Timeless Elegance of Bordeaux and Beyond

Bordeaux is the quintessential French wine destination, with many grand châteaux spread across verdant landscapes having produced great vintages for centuries. You can expect to find many Cabernet-Sauvignon-heavy blend here, as well as smooth Merlots depending on which part of the region you visit. 

There’s also Burgundy, which attracts wine lovers with its different soils that result in unique flavours, while the sparkling wines of Champagne’s gentle hills need no introduction. Many French wine hotspots can be experienced with a Rhone River cruise as well, for those who want to see as much of the country as possible. 

Italy: Tuscan Sun and Piedmontese Treasures

There’s nowhere better to realise your Italian wine dreams than Tuscany, with many old villages and vineyards basking in a golden glow. You’ll find Sangiovese as the main grape being grown around these parts, used predominantly in Chianti Classico. Many wine tours in Tuscany will also feature country lunches that pair perfectly with the various glasses being showcased.  

You can also take some time in Piedmont, up in northwest Italy, bordering France and Switzerland, where they make Barolo and Barbaresco wines using Nebbiolo grapes. Here you’ll find wine and food closely intertwined, both cared for deeply by the community, making it the ideal stop for travellers.

Spain: Rioja’s Rustic Charm and Priorat’s Intensity

Spain is practically synonymous with Rioja, given its name is both that of the country’s gorgeous flagship reds and a popular Spanish wine region itself. The ancient cellars that exist there rub shoulders with cutting-edge wineries created by famous architects, creating some delectable vintages to try. 

Priorat’s steep slate slopes in Catalonia also result in some intense, mineral-rich wines from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, although the grapes require great care to reach peak ripeness. There are many more wine regions in Spain to explore, so don’t be shy – why not plan a route through a few?

Portugal: Douro Valley’s Port and Vinho Verde’s Freshness

The UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is arguably Europe’s most dramatic wine landscape, with terraced vineyards that cascade down towards the river below. While the famous fortified Ports might get most of the attention, those same wineries that produce delicious ruby and tawny Ports also make outstanding dry reds and whites. Vinho Verde is just one example, a light, crisp white that partners perfectly with the seafood meals found in both Porto and Lisbon.

While these four may be seen as the more well-known destinations, they’re classics for a reason. There are also Eastern European options that are beginning to gain popularity, so if you’re feeling more adventurous, then you may want to expand your horizons.