Europe is the birthplace of some of the world’s most celebrated wines, with regions that have been cultivating grapes for centuries. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious oenophile, wine tours in Europe offer a rich tapestry of history, terroir, and tradition. 

From walking through sun-drenched vineyards to tasting exclusive cellar selections, these ten must-try wine tours are perfect for anyone who wants to sip, swirl, and savor their way across the continent.

1. Bordeaux, France – A Classic Among Wine Capitals

No list of European wine tours would be complete without Bordeaux, the undisputed queen of French wine regions. Located in southwest France, Bordeaux is home to over 6,000 wine châteaux and produces some of the world’s most prestigious wines, including those from Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol.

A walking tour in Bordeaux is the perfect way to begin your journey, offering the chance to explore the elegant cityscape while tasting local specialties and visiting historic wine bars. The tour often includes stops at La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum, and local wine merchants who offer tastings of Grand Cru Classé vintages. From here, head out to the vineyards with guided day tours to iconic estates like Château Margaux or Château Pape Clément, where you can walk among the vines and learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking methods.

2. Douro Valley, Portugal – A Scenic Sip Along the River

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley is Portugal’s premier wine region and the birthplace of Port wine. The steep terraced vineyards that line the Douro River offer one of Europe’s most picturesque wine landscapes.

Opt for a river cruise and wine tour combination, where you can float past dramatic cliffs and lush vineyards before stopping at quintas (wine estates) like Quinta do Seixo or Quinta da Pacheca. Most tours include tastings of both Port and dry table wines, paired with regional delicacies such as cured meats and local cheese.

3. Tuscany, Italy – The Essence of La Dolce Vita

Tuscany’s rolling hills, medieval villages, and cypress-lined roads set the scene for unforgettable wine experiences. This iconic Italian region is home to the famed Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Many wine tours in Tuscany include visits to family-run estates where traditions date back generations. You’ll tour cellars carved into hillsides, learn about Sangiovese grapes, and sample vintages paired with hearty Tuscan fare. Don’t miss wine tasting in San Gimignano or sunset dinners in the vineyards near Siena.

4. La Rioja, Spain – Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Nestled in northern Spain, La Rioja is renowned for its bold red wines and innovative wine tourism. The region blends medieval villages and avant-garde architecture, like the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal.

Join a guided tour through Haro or Logroño, where you can visit both traditional bodegas and ultra-modern wineries. Many tours offer a “grape to glass” experience, letting you walk the vineyards, watch the winemaking process, and taste wines directly from the barrel.

5. Champagne, France – Sparkle in Every Sip

Just a short train ride from Paris, the Champagne region is the only place in the world where true Champagne is produced. Vineyards here stretch across the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs.

Take a cellar tour in Épernay or Reims, where famous houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot open their chalk cellars for visitors. Many tours include vertical tastings (same wine, different vintages), food pairings, and even sabrage demonstrations.

6. Wachau Valley, Austria – A White Wine Wonderland

Known for its elegant Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners, the Wachau Valley along the Danube River is Austria’s premier white wine region. The charming towns of Dürnstein and Spitz make a perfect base for exploring.

Cycling wine tours are popular here, allowing you to ride along scenic paths between villages, stopping at heurigen (wine taverns) for tastings. The valley’s terraced vineyards and ancient monasteries offer a deeply cultural experience alongside crisp, mineral-rich wines.

7. Piedmont, Italy – Truffle and Barolo Dreams

In the shadow of the Alps, Piedmont is Italy’s most refined wine region, producing Barolo and Barbaresco from the Nebbiolo grape. It’s also a foodie paradise thanks to the famous Alba white truffle.

Private wine tours here often begin in Alba or Asti and include tastings at small, family-run wineries. Many experiences are paired with gourmet lunches or cooking classes, making this an immersive culinary journey.

8. Mosel Valley, Germany – Steep Slopes and Sweet Sips

The Mosel Valley is famous for its steep, slate-soil vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest Rieslings. Winding along the Mosel River, this German region charms with fairy-tale villages like Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem.

Wine tours in the Mosel typically include vineyard hikes, cellar visits, and tastings of wines ranging from bone dry to luscious sweet. Look out for the local classification system, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous world of German winemaking.

9. Santorini, Greece – Volcanic Wines with a View

Santorini’s volcanic soil and windswept vineyards produce distinct, mineral-driven wines—especially Assyrtiko, the island’s signature white varietal. The vines here are trained into low baskets called kouloura to protect them from the wind.

Wine tours on Santorini often combine tastings with epic sunsets and archaeological stops. Visit wineries like Santo Wines or Venetsanos, where the views of the caldera are as unforgettable as the wines themselves.

10. Málaga, Spain – A Hidden Gem for Sweet Wine Lovers

Often overlooked in favor of Rioja or Ribera del Duero, Málaga in southern Spain offers a unique wine tradition that dates back to Phoenician times. It’s especially known for its fortified dessert wines made from Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes.

Join a walking tour through the historic center of Málaga before heading to wine museums and small bodegas nestled in the hills. Tastings here often include local tapas, almonds, and olives for an authentic Andalusian experience.

Final Sip

From the sunlit vineyards of Bordeaux to the volcanic slopes of Santorini, Europe offers a dazzling diversity of wine experiences. Whether you’re wandering through medieval cellars or biking between Austrian hillsides, each tour brings you closer to the land, the people, and the passion that make European wine so special.

So grab your passport, and maybe a corkscrew, and set out to discover the best that Europe’s vineyards have to offer.