Wine Regions in Europe: Travel FAQ

Europe is home to some of the finest wines and walking landscapes in the world. From hilltop vineyards to medieval cellar doors, the combination of local wine, food and cultural immersion makes walking through Europe’s wine regions a richly rewarding travel experience.

But with so many exceptional places to choose from, where do you start? Whether you're a red wine connoisseur, a casual rosé drinker, or simply someone who appreciates scenic countryside and good food, here’s our guide to the best wine regions to explore on foot—and when to go.

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When is the Best Time to Go?

Spring: Bordeaux, France

Spring (April–May) is an ideal time to visit the Bordeaux region, before the summer crowds arrive. As France’s largest wine-producing area—with over 10,000 châteaux and producers—Bordeaux offers the full spectrum: from world-famous estates to charming family-run cellars.

Walk through rolling vineyards around Saint-Émilion, enjoy crisp mornings and colourful springtime blooms, and experience quieter cellar door tastings. Early-season walks also mean better access to top accommodations and more personalised local encounters.

Summer: Rioja, Spain

If you're travelling between June and August and looking to avoid the high-season hustle, the Rioja region in northern Spain is a perfect choice. This lesser-known gem offers striking landscapes, world-class red wines, and a deeply rooted winemaking culture—with fewer crowds.

Follow vineyard paths between stone villages, sample bold tempranillo wines, and discover why Rioja remains a favourite among those in-the-know. Plus, the region’s warm hospitality and Basque-influenced cuisine add extra layers to your experience.

Autumn: Burgundy, France

September and October are harvest months in Europe’s vineyards, and nowhere celebrates this season quite like Burgundy. Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy also delivers charming medieval villages, Romanesque churches, and vine-covered hills that glow golden in autumn light.

Time your visit for mid-to-late September to witness the grape harvest and enjoy local festivals. Walk through renowned appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin and Meursault, and stop at centuries-old wine cellars offering tastings beneath cobbled streets. 

Best Regions for Food and Wine

In wine regions, what you sip is only half the story. Here are a few places where food and wine form the perfect pair:

• Alsace, France: With colourful half-timbered towns and fairytale scenery, Alsace is also France’s gourmet capital, boasting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants outside Paris. Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines here are often enjoyed with hearty regional dishes like tarte flambée or choucroute garnie.
• Burgundy, France: A haven for foodies and wine lovers alike. Pair world-class Pinot Noir and white Burgundies with creamy Époisses cheese, coq au vin or a picnic sourced from a morning market. The region is a natural match for walking or cycling holidays where you earn each meal.
• Tuscany, Italy: No list would be complete without Tuscany. Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile are just part of the appeal—Tuscany’s true magic lies in sharing antipasti on a vine-covered terrace. Think pecorino, olives, crusty bread and sun-ripened tomatoes after a day exploring hilltop towns.
• Veneto, Italy: The best time to walk in Italy’s Prosecco Hills is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and the vine-covered slopes are at their most vibrant. These shoulder seasons offer ideal conditions for walking through the UNESCO-listed landscape, with fewer crowds, panoramic views, and the chance to see the vineyards in bloom or harvest. The region’s unique microclimate—thanks to its position between the Dolomites and the Venetian plains—ensures comfortable walking temperatures and a rich sensory experience throughout these months. Explore it on the Prosecco Trail Walk tour.

So Much More Than Just Wine

While wine may be the reason you come, it's rarely the only highlight. Many of Europe’s wine regions are steeped in history and natural beauty—perfect for those looking to combine cultural discovery with scenic walking trails.

• Loire Valley, France: Follow the Loire River past storybook châteaux and quiet vineyard lanes. This UNESCO-listed region is as much about Renaissance castles and elegant gardens as it is about Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
• Provence, France: Famous for its lavender fields and rosé wines, Provence is a feast for the senses. Enjoy laid-back days walking between perched villages, stopping to sample olive oil, goat cheese, and dry rosé straight from the source.
• Alsace & Burgundy: Both regions are rich in history, dotted with medieval towns, Roman ruins, and abbeys. Whether you're exploring wine trails or wandering cobbled laneways, you’ll find plenty to see beyond the vineyards.

Ready to Explore Europe’s Wine Regions?

If you’re craving a holiday that balances slow travel, good food, and world-class wine, these regions offer a variety of walking and cycling itineraries to suit your pace and palate.

From early spring blooms in Bordeaux to autumn harvests in Burgundy, each season brings a unique flavour—and the perfect excuse to return.

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