Wine and dine meBy TUI Musement Team

The 10 best European countries for wine lovers (2025 ranking)

0 Comments•17 September 2025

From Bordeaux in France to Tokaj in Hungary, these ten countries showcase the fantastic diversity of European wine culture.

Wine and culinary travel experiences are becoming increasingly popular, with many travellers using their holidays as an opportunity to enjoy tastings, visit vineyards, or indulge in culinary experiences that reflect the rich culture of a destination. Few places in the world can boast such a strong connection between culture, cuisine and wine as Europe, where many regions have been producing internationally acclaimed wines for centuries.

To help travellers, we at TUI Musement set out to discover which European countries have the most to offer wine enthusiasts. We analysed five different categories* related to viticulture.

Below, you’ll find the infographic with the results of our analysis, showcasing the 10 best European countries for wine lovers. Read on and you’ll also discover—country by country—the wine regions and experiences you simply can’t miss.
Infographic with index of best European countries for wine lovers - English

Top 10 wine-producing countries

1. France

With a score of 85.2 out of 100 and the highest number of international awards, France ranks first among wine-producing countries.

All of its wine regions are iconic. A prime example is Champagne, whose historic cellars are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Another is Burgundy, where you can explore over 1000 vineyard plots—known as climats—each with their own distinct character.

And of course, we can’t forget Bordeaux. Its famous chateaux are the perfect setting for tastings and deep dives into French wine culture.

Must-visit French wine regions

Recommended experiences:

2. Italy

Italy takes second place and is the largest wine producer in Europe. It also boasts the highest number of protected designations of origin (PDO) and geographical indications (PGI) on the continent.

Tuscany is not only famous for cities like Florence, Siena and Pisa, but also for its outstanding wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. The wine regions of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato in Piedmont, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer postcard-worthy views with hilltop villages, castles, wineries and vineyards.

If you enjoy sparkling wines, head to Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia to taste the bubbly Prosecco.

Must-visit Italian wine regions:

  • Tuscany
  • Piedmont
  • Veneto

Recommended experiences:

3. Spain

Spain has the largest wine region in Europe (909,367 hectares), with 97% dedicated to producing PDO and PGI wines. It’s also leading both categories continent-wide. Its diverse microclimates and soils support a wide variety of grape types.

La Rioja, Spain’s most internationally recognised designation of origin, is a must for lovers of classic reds, as is Ribera del Duero. If you prefer whites, the fresh, mineral-rich wines of Rías Baixas and the Verdejo from Rueda won’t disappoint. Instead the region of La Geria in Lanzarote, where vines grow in volcanic soil, will delight wine enthusiasts with both the quality of its wines and its stunning landscapes.

To taste cava and learn about the production of Catalonia’s sparkling wine, visit the legendary Codorníu cellars in Penedès. In Jerez you’ll uncover the secrets of fortified wine.

Must-visit Spanish wine regions:

  • La Rioja
  • Ribera del Duero
  • Jerez

Must-visit Spanish wine regions:

4. Portugal

With a large number of internationally awarded wines, Portugal takes fourth place in the ranking.

For wine lovers, the Douro Valley is a must. Here, you can combine a river cruise with visits to traditional quintas where you can taste the famous fortified wines. The terraced vineyard landscape provides the perfect backdrop.

For bold red and white wines, head to Alentejo; while if you’re looking for lighter, more refreshing wines, the Vinho Verde region is a great choice.

Must-visit Portuguese wine regions:

  • Douro
  • Alentejo
  • Vinho Verde

Recommended experiences:

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5. Greece

Greece has a millennia-old winemaking tradition that dates back to the Mycenaean civilization. During your vacation, be sure to make time to visit a winery and discover how landscape, mythology and the art of sharing play a key role in the country’s wine culture.

One of its strengths is the vast variety of native grape varieties. Among the main red grapes are Xinómavro, mainly grown in Macedonia and Agiorgítiko, from the Peloponnese.

The islands are also strong contenders in wine production. In the Ionian archipelago, Kefalonia is famous for its Robola whites, while in the Aegean islands, Santorini is the birthplace of Assyrtiko and Crete of Liatiko.

Must-visit Greek wine regions:

  • Macedonia
  • Peloponnese
  • Aegean Islands

Recommended experiences:

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6. Germany

Germany ranks sixth and is known for its celebrated Rieslings.

In the picturesque Mosel region, which specialises in Riesling production, the river winds through vineyards where elegant, mineral-rich white wines are made. The Rheingau region is steeped in history: in 1775, the first Spätlese was produced here. And in the sunny Palatinate (Pfalz) region, specifically in the town of Bad Dürkheim, you’ll find the largest wine barrel in the world, with a capacity of 1.7 million litres—although it houses a restaurant nowadays, not wine.

These regions make Germany an excellent wine destination that’s bound to surprise and captivate you.

Must-visit German wine regions:

  • Mosel
  • Rheingau
  • Pfalz

Recommended experiences:

7. Romania

Romania is one of the countries with the oldest winemaking traditions in Europe. The Carpathian Mountains, the Danube River and the Black Sea create especially favourable climatic conditions for wine production.

Famous for its historic castles, Transylvania is the star region for white wines, where both native and international varieties such as Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, and Sauvignon Blanc thrive.

With powerful aromatic reds like those from the Dealu Mare area, the Muntenia wine region—nicknamed ‘Romania’s Tuscany’—is a must-visit for wine lovers. And if you prefer sweet wines, Dobrogea should definitely be on your travel list.

Must-visit Romanian wine regions:

  • Transylvania
  • Muntenia
  • Oltenia

Recommended experiences:

8. Hungary

Eighth place goes to Hungary, a country with a rich and surprisingly diverse winemaking tradition.

The Tokaj region, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is world-famous for its century-long production of the legendary sweet white wine Tokaji Aszú. In Eger you’ll discover bold reds like Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), while Villány, in southern Hungary, is known for its full-bodied, elegant red wines that are gaining increasing international recognition.

Must-visit Hungarian wine regions:

  • Tokaj
  • Eger
  • Villány

Recommended experience:

9. Austria

With over 46,000 hectares of vineyards dedicated to producing wines with protected designation of origin, Austria is synonymous with quality.

In the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Riesling and Grüner Veltliner are the main varieties. Its idyllic landscapes, dotted with terraced vineyards, picturesque villages, castles and monasteries, make it the ideal destination for those who want to combine cultural visits with wine tastings.

Otherwise, if you’re planning a city break in Vienna and don’t have much time to explore the country’s various regions, keep in mind that the Austrian capital is the only major European city with significant wine production.

Must-visit Austrian wine regions:

  • Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)
  • Burgenland
  • Vienna

Recommended experiences:

10. Bulgaria

With a winemaking tradition dating back to ancient Thrace, Bulgaria completes our top 10.

On the sunny slopes of the Thracian Valley, powerful red wines are made from the native Mavrud grape. Further south lies the Struma Valley, known for its reds with Mediterranean influences.

Meanwhile, in the Danube Plain, fresh white wines and light reds are produced, perfectly reflecting the diversity of Bulgaria’s terroir. Together, these regions make Bulgaria an emerging star on the European wine tourism map.

Must-visit Bulgarian wine regions:

  • Thracian Valley
  • Struma Valley
  • Danube Plain

Recommended experiences:

*Methodology: All EU member states with a minimum vineyard area of 500 hectares were analysed across five categories. The overall score was calculated using a weighted average, assigning different weights to each variable: vineyard area (20%), PDO/PGI vineyard area (30%), number of PDO or PGI wines (20%), wine production (10%), and international awards (20%).

Sources consulted:

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