Europe is home to an extraordinary wine culture; each year, around 15 million1 wine tourists visit Italy alone.
With the wine tourism industry expected to triple in size by 20301, online travel agent, loveholidays has conducted a study* to reveal the best places to visit for wine enthusiasts.
Analysing factors such as vineyard surface area, wine consumption, wine, and grape production and DWWA awards, 37 countries were ranked against each other, with Italy, France, and Spain taking the top spots.
The top 15 hotspots for wine lovers:
| Rank | Country | Vineyard Surface Area (ha) | Wine Consumption (1000hl) | Wine Production (1000hl) | Grape Production (tonnes) | Vivino Wine Listings | DWWA Awards | Number of Wine Festivals Listed on AllExciting | Total Score |
| 1 | Italy | 718457 | 24200 | 50232 | 9155232 | 3342 | 189 | 6 | 5.988 |
| 2 | France | 805438 | 25202 | 37643 | 5111699 | 7869 | 175 | 3 | 5.499 |
| 3 | Spain | 962531 | 10311 | 35471 | 5572720 | 957 | 92 | 5 | 4.046 |
| 4 | Germany | 103421 | 19900 | 8448 | 1151465 | 346 | 10 | 7 | 2.288 |
| 5 | Portugal | 194228 | 4600 | 7359 | 997265 | 1171 | 48 | 0 | 1.041 |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 490 | 13403 | 67 | 512 | 71 | 3 | 1 | 0.701 |
| 7 | Romania | 189021 | 3709 | 4451 | 994853 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.551 |
| 8 | Hungary | 64470 | 1829 | 3082 | 442420 | 57 | 20 | 1 | 0.504 |
| 9 | Greece | 95922 | 2207 | 2469 | 835860 | 83 | 23 | 0 | 0.459 |
| 10 | Austria | 44912 | 2360 | 2460 | 328000 | 141 | 5 | 0 | 0.268 |
| 11 | Moldova | 138000 | 329 | 1430 | 536829 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0.260 |
| 12 | Switzerland | 14629 | 2551 | 609 | 60903 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0.188 |
| 13 | Czech Republic | 17866 | 2206 | 592 | 90059 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.153 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 250 | 3774 | 8 | 1930 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.149 |
| 15 | Croatia | 22804 | 900 | 526 | 131724 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 0.143 |
loveholidays has also teamed up with wine expert Richard Ellison2, who shares his recommendations on regions to visit, the type of wine to sample and the season for the best tasting wine. He also shares his top tips on how to sample wine like a pro.
Italy:
- Tuscany – a wine lover’s paradise, known for its iconic Sangiovese-based wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. They offer vibrant red fruit notes layered with an array of oak and dried fruit elements. Summer or Autumn is the best time to indulge in some of the most expressive wines.
- Sardinia – if crisp, fruity, and fragrant is your go-to, make sure to visit the wineries in Gallura. They produce some of the best Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Those who are Grenache followers, give Cannonau a try. The best seasons to visit for exploring wine are Spring and Autumn. The weather during these seasons is mild, making it an ideal time for vineyard visits.
- Piedmont – for those who prefer bold and complex red wine with ageing potential, Barolo and Barbaresco is a perfect choice. They offer deep and complex notes of cherry, liquorice, and earthiness. The best time to visit Piedmont is in November, experience the truffle season and pair your wine tasting with local cuisine.
France:
- Burgundy – a wine enthusiast’s haven, known for its famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Take the opportunity to visit vineyards in Chevery-Chambertain, NuitSaint-Geogre, and Fixin, where you taste and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. Autumn, from September to November, is an exciting time in Burgundy. Vineyards prepare for the harvest and the winemaking process begins.
Spain:
- Rioja – this spot offers an unforgettable wine experience with a range of Tempranillo wines to explore, from bright and juicy Crianza to bold and deep Gran Reserva. Don’t miss out on the white Rioja made with Viura, a hidden gem in the region. Take part in the Haro Wine Festival in June for a unique celebration where participants engage in a friendly wine battle.
- Galicia: this area is famous for producing Albariño wines, which have a crisp taste with citrus notes and a hint of sea spray. Plan your trip during the summer months. This way, you can indulge in local seafood delicacies such as Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus) while sipping on Albariño by the coastline.
Richard’s wine tasting tips:
- Start by observing the wine’s appearance, noting its colour and clarity.
- Take a moment to swirl the wine gently in the glass to release its aromas, then bring it close to your nose and inhale to identify the various scents.
- When tasting, take a sip and let it coat your palate, pay attention to the wine’s flavours, acidity, tannins, and overall balance.
If the research has encouraged you to visit one of the top countries for wine lovers, you can find out more about the destinations here: https://www.loveholidays.com/
