12 European Small Towns for Wine Lovers
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With Europe’s vast wine history and culture, choosing a destination to go wine sampling can become challenging. Looking for the best adventure for wine connoisseurs? These European towns will make a perfect destination whether you’re looking to sample different wines, get insights into the history of winemaking, interact with some of the renowned winemaking families, or marvel at stunning vineyards.
Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux city center, Saint-Emilion is renowned for producing red wine, primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes.
Take tours of some of the town’s stunning vineyards, such as Château Canon and Château Figeac. You may also want to take wine-tasting trips to the estates of winemaking families in the region. The most renowned families include Malet Roquefort and the de Boüard de Laforest (owners of Château Angélus).
Saint-Emilion is the place to savor some of the finest wine in the world and take in views of well-manicured vineyards and stunning architecture.
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Beune, Burgundy, France
Located in the Burgundy(Bourgogne in French) wine-producing region, Beune is known for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. It is home to some of the most richly flavored wines in the world, including Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault.
For a deeper immersion into wine production wine tasting, visit the Drouhin family of Maison Joseph Drouhin and the Latour family of Domaine Louis Latour, which have been in the wine production business for generations.
Don’t finish your trip without visiting Beune’s magnificent vineyards. The most famous vineyards in the town include Clos des Mouches, Corton-Charlemagne, and Les Grèves.
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Sancerre, Loire, France
Sancerre in the Loire wine region is where to indulge in the crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines. Although in smaller quantities, Sancerre also produces Pinot Noir grapes, which are used in making red and rosé wines.
Spice up your trip by touring the estates of the Bourgeois family known for Domaine Henri Bourgeois, and the Reverdy family of Domaine Reverdy-Ducroux. You could also stop by the numerous tasting shops in the city.
Finish your trip by marveling at the vineyard-covered hills overlooking the Loire River. Les Monts Damnés and La Grande Côte vineyards are must-visits; they’re breathtaking and known for producing some of Sancerre’s most distinguished wines.
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Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
Barolo, located in the Piedmont wine-producing region of Italy, is famed for cultivating Nebbiolo grapes, which are used in the production of red wine. Visiting this small town is an opportunity to indulge in the prestigious wine famous for its complex aromas and robust flavors.
Book a trip to some renowned winemaking families for a deeper insight into Barolo’s winemaking traditions. Your best bet would be with either the Conterno family of Giacomo Conterno or the Mascarello family behind the production Bartolo Mascarello.
If you would like to get out and about in Barolo, do it on the vineyards covering the picturesque hills of Langhe Region. Cannubi, Sarmassa, and Brunate are some of Barolo’s most sought-after vineyards.
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Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
If you’re a fan of intense flavors and rich textures in wine, you will have a great time sampling the lavish Brunello di Montalcino wines, one of Italy’s most loved ones. Made from Sangiovese grapes, Montalcino wines are loved for their exemplary aging potential.
Take time and hear from the best: the Biondi-Santi family behind Tenuta Il Greppo and the Banfi family of Castello Banfi. You may also want to visit boutique estates and tasting rooms that let you savor a wide range of Brunello di Montalcino wines.
Wrap up by enjoying stunning views of vineyards like Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Pian delle Vigne, and Canalicchio.
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Haro, La Rioja, Spain
If you fancy La Rioja wines’ complex and deep flavor, you deserve a trip to Haro, which is at the helm of producing one of Spain’s favorite wines. Made from Tempranillo grapes, Rioja wines are balanced yet firm, with abundant fruity flavor.
To better understand Rioja wine production, take tours to famous wine cellars (called Bodegas) like López de Heredia Viña Tondonia and Bodegas Muga. Then, enjoy the moderate sunshine while strolling in the picturesque vineyards of Haro.
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Mosel Valley, Germany
Mosel Valley is the best destination to revel in exquisite Riesling wines. Riesling grapes are the predominant variety cultivated in Mosel Valley, and they are known for producing wine with an aromatic intensity and vibrant acidity.
While visiting, take time to walk down the steep slopes of the vineyards and enjoy the greenery and view of the Mosel River. Ürziger Würzgarten, Bernkasteler Doctor, and Piesporter Goldtröpfchen are some of the most picturesque vineyards in the region.
If you want to plunge into the history of wine production in Mosel Valley, consider booking tours to popular wineries such as Dr. Loosen, Joh. Jos. Prüm, and Markus Molitor.
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Santorini, Greece
One of the most overlooked things to do in Santorini is to indulge in the rich culture and history surrounding the production of Assyrtiko wines. When visiting, spare time to savor Assyrtiko wines, known for crisp acidity, citrusy flavors, and distinctive mineral notes.
For top-notch wine-tasting tours, book trips with famous wineries such as Santo Wines, Gaia Wines, and Domaine Sigalas. You may also want to consider Venetsanos Winery, which offers an excellent experience featuring panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s picturesque landscapes.
Finish your wine tour by exploring the island’s vineyards, which are situated on picturesque volcanic slopes. Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia are just a few vineyards you can visit.
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Pinhão, Douro Valley, Portugal
While Porto is a good enough destination to explore Port wines, if you want to go further, take a trip to Pinhao for an exhaustive immersion. Port wines, loved for their complex aromas, are made from grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz.
Take a step further and tour estates (known as Quintas) at the frontline of producing Portugal’s beloved wine. Quinta do Noval, Quinta de la Rosa, and Quinta do Vale Meão are renowned for the quality tours and experiences they offer tourists.
After touring the estates, take time to admire the terraced vineyards along the banks of the Douro River. Some of the most famous vineyards in the valley include Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Roêda, and Quinta do Crasto; they’re genuinely sights to behold.
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Grandvaux, Lavaux, Switzerland
Grandvaux, one of the small towns producing the Swiss Chasselas wines, is tucked amidst the hills of the Lavaux wine region. Chasselas is known for its crisp acidity and delicate fruity flavors, making it great to enjoy with various cuisines or on their own.
Domaine Croix Duplex and Domaine Louis Bovard are some wineries that offer trips to let tourists into their craft. You will also love the Swiss Alps scenery you enjoy during your wine tour. The vineyards of Grandvaux are located on steep terraced slopes and overlook the stunning Lake Geneva. Clos du Rocher, Clos des Abbayes, and Clos de la Rosière offer some of the best lake views and greenery.
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Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
Chianti would make a perfect destination to indulge in one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, Chianti Classico. Primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, Chianti Classico is recognized for its cherry fruit flavors.
Chianti has been producing wine for over 2000 years. Visiting is an opportunity to tour wineries and estates that have been in the business for generations. Some of Chianti’s renowned wineries include Antinori, Castello di Ama, and Felsina.
Take time touring vineyards that play a massive part in the top quality of Chianti wines. Take all the time you need to enjoy the scenery and study the optimal conditions of vineyards.
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Évora, Alentejo, Portugal
There is no better place to enjoy Aletenjo’s regional wine than Evora. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Evora offers much to see before you embark on your wine tour. Evora has a lot of wine bars and cellars that are perfect for exploring the diverse wine culture of Alentejo.
For a deeper understanding of the region’s winemaking techniques, consider taking trips to winemaking estates in the Alentejo countryside. The most popular in the area include Herdade do Esporão, Adega Cartuxa, and Herdade da Malhadinha Nova.
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
