The Best Wine Trips
Across Europe

Wine is more than a drink; it reflects the culture, history, and landscape of its region. For those who appreciate a glass poured with tradition, certain destinations stand out. These trips highlight the best of Europe’s vineyards, where every sip is a connection to the land and its people.

France and Portugal are cornerstones of Europe’s wine culture, celebrated for their historic estates and regional specialties. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne each showcase a unique expression of French terroir, while Portugal’s Douro Valley preserves centuries of Port-making tradition. Together, they offer wine-lovers a taste of Old World excellence.

Best Wine Trips in Bordeaux, Champagne, and the Douro Valley

Taste Syrah and Rhône Valley Wines in Burgundy and Provence on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

The twin villages of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage sit on opposite banks of the Rhône and are ideal for tasting Syrah-based wines. Cellars here showcase robust Côtes du Rhône, elegant Saint-Joseph, and character-filled Crozes-Hermitage, each offering a reflection of the steep vineyards and Mediterranean climate. Crossing the Marc Seguin suspension bridge between the towns is as memorable as sampling their celebrated vintages.

Sail Through Portugal, Spain, and the Douro River Valley on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

The Douro Valley is a landscape unlike any other, with steep hillsides carved into terraces that have nurtured vines for centuries. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural and natural beauty, the region is the birthplace of Port wine and a place where tradition and artistry are woven into daily life.

If you are cruising this remarkable river, you will want to stop at a local quinta, one of the valley’s historic wine estates. Here, time slows as you stroll the vineyards, learn about the region’s signature varietals, and taste Port while gazing over the river below. It is the kind of experience that captures the essence of the Douro, rich in flavor, history, and scenery you will not forget.

Raise a Glass of Champagne in the Villages of France on a Guided Tour

Travel into the Champagne region, where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines thrive on chalky soils. Here, you’ll taste sparkling wines crafted with méthode traditionnelle, each sip echoing the terroir of this renowned landscape. In Hautvillers, the statue of Dom Pérignon honors the Benedictine monk whose name is synonymous with luxury Champagne, offering a connection to the origins of this celebrated wine.

Follow the Wine Roads of France and Portugal on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

The Médoc Châteaux Route offers an unparalleled introduction to France’s Grand Cru heritage. Along this storied landscape, you’ll pass legendary names like Château Latour and Mouton Rothschild before stepping inside a château for a private tasting.

The charm of Blaye comes alive in the intimate setting of La Petite Cave, where a local wine and art connoisseur shares personal collections and insights into French wine culture. Historic Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-protected vineyard region, combines medieval architecture with world-class wines. Its underground church carved into a cliff is as fascinating as the cellars where acclaimed vintages await tasting.

Crossing into Portugal, the Douro Valley reveals the unique process of Port production at a prestigious local quinta. A guided hike through terraced vineyards uncovers centuries of tradition, while family-owned estates invite you to experience the authenticity of hand-tended vines and artisanal winemaking.

Italy’s wine regions are as varied as its landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling vineyards of Franciacorta and Veneto. Each area reflects a unique blend of artistry, agriculture, and family heritage, making every glass a story in itself. Culinary excellence is inseparable from the experience, with Parmigiano-Reggiano, artisanal balsamic vinegar, and handmade pasta pairing beautifully with regional wines to showcase the richness of Italian culture. Encounters with local vintners add a personal dimension, turning each tasting into both an education and a celebration.

Sip Chianti Along the Country Roads of Italy on a Guided Tour

The Tuscan hills reveal the secrets of Chianti, from fruity cherry and plum notes to the complex earthiness of aged reserves. Learning the distinctions between Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Gran Selezione deepens appreciation for these beloved wines. Culinary traditions also enhance the journey, with tastings of Parmigiano-Reggiano in Parma and artisanal balsamic vinegar in Modena, both crafted with the same care as Italy’s most treasured vintages.

Experience the Wine Estates of Rome, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

The vine-clad hills of Valpolicella stretch across northern Italy, where Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes thrive alongside Garganega, the grape behind Soave wines. This landscape produces a range of expressions, from the approachable Valpolicella red to Amarone, a bold wine with unmistakable richness created through the traditional air-drying of grapes on bamboo racks before fermentation.

The Serego Alighieri estate, owned by descendants of the poet Dante Alighieri, is among the region’s most distinguished. Its stately villa and gardens set the stage for a tasting experience that reflects the heritage of Valpolicella, with wines paired thoughtfully to local cuisine in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

The Dominio di Bagnoli is also one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, and perfect for a private tasting. A variety of wines are produced here, with the most popular being made from an indigenous grape variety. 

Travel in Italian Elegance and Sip Prosecco on a Guided Tour

The Veneto region is also home to world-class prosecco. A visit to a local winery introduces guests to vintners dedicated to producing sparkling wines that rival Champagne in character and reputation. Meeting the makers behind the labels adds a personal touch to every glass.

Celebrate History in Vineyards and Palaces Along the Danube on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

In Spitz, the Tausendeimerberg vineyard dominates the landscape. Its “Thousand Bucket Mountain” yields thousands of bottles annually, making it a point of pride for locals. A vineyard stroll here rewards travelers with sweeping river views and insight into Austria’s winemaking heritage. At Klosterneuburg Abbey, nearly a millennium of history accompanies a tasting of fine wines in atmospheric medieval cellars. The abbey’s blend of religious and viticultural legacy makes it one of the most distinctive wine stops in Europe.

Experience the Excellence of Riesling in famous Castles Along the Rhine on an All-Inclusive River Cruise

Castle Vollrads is a must-visit for wine lovers because it offers the rare chance to experience world-class Riesling in one of Germany’s most historic and prestigious wine estates. Located in the Rheingau region, the property dates back more than 700 years and combines exceptional winemaking with a setting that feels truly timeless.

A guided tasting on the castle grounds adds variety and depth, giving visitors a more immersive understanding of the wines and the traditions behind them. Beyond the tasting, guests can explore elegant castle interiors, including richly detailed rooms and historic décor, then step outside to stroll the surrounding vineyards, which have been producing wine for more than a millennium. It is the perfect blend of history, atmosphere, and unforgettable wine.

Wine-focused travel is about far more than tasting a few great bottles. It is about understanding the people, places, and traditions behind each glass, and a guided tour makes that depth of experience easy and rewarding. Traveling with experts gives you access to local winemakers, historic cellars, and vineyard regions where wine has been produced for generations, adding context you would likely miss on your own. You gain insight into centuries-old techniques, regional differences, and how climate, soil, and tradition shape each style of wine.

A guided wine tour also removes the logistics that can complicate independent travel, from transportation between vineyards to arranging tastings, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience. Whether you are drawn to elegant sparkling wines in Champagne, bold reds in Tuscany, or crisp Rieslings along the Rhine, these tours blend wine, culture, and scenery into a seamless journey that feels both enriching and unforgettable.