Best European vineyards for a wine tour [Image by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay]Now the hot summer is over and we head into the fall of 2023, this is the perfect time to plan a European wine tour in one of these charming locations. Whether your wine preference is for Croatian, Italian or Spanish wines these are three of the best places to be right now.
Wine tour of Croatia
In recent years, Croatia has become a popular European vacation destination, with its idyllic beaches, historic cities and beautiful scenery. However, it also offers some excellent wines and wonderful places to experience them.
Dingač vineyards at sunset, Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia [Image Marz88/Flickr]For those seeking sun, sand and sea with their wine tour, the Pelješac Peninsula comes highly recommended. Moreover, the peninsula is also renowned for its seafood, like the popular Mali Ston oysters. While in the area, wash down your delicious meal with the famous Plavac Mali wine. This variety is among the most potent red grape varieties in the country and hails from Dingač and Postup.
Next stop in Croatia is the island of Hvar, nestling in the Adriatic Sea. While the island is popular as a summer resort with spectacular beaches, it also offers so much more. The history of the country can be explored in the Renaissance Hvar Cathedral, its hilltop fortress and its 13th-century walls.
Vineyards in the Stari Grad Plain, Island of Hvar [Image Brian Stacey/Flickr]However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been growing wines for 2,400 years. It started with the ancient Greeks and was followed by the Romans, Venetians and Socialists, all producing excellent vintages on the island. Make sure to visit the vineyards of Stari Grad Plain, where its wine production methods have changed little over the centuries.
Explore the wines of Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany vineyard [Image by alohamalakhov from Pixabay]With its green, rolling hills and charming, historic cities and towns Tuscany is one of the most gloriously scenic areas of Italy. Besides all that, it also offers one of the best wine country tours available.
When visiting Florence, make sure to visit Chianti Classico, with its medieval wine villages perched on the hillsides. This is where wine lovers can sample and enjoy the wines of famous producers, like Badia a Passignano and Castello di Ama.
European wine tour of Tuscany, Italy [Image by Lee Chandler from Pixabay]Meanwhile, lovely Siena is a beautiful and historic city, where you can visit Montepulciano, Montalcino and other towns with their classic wine producers. While there, treat yourself to a night in a luxurious castle, offering scenic views across the valley before traveling to Maremma. Maremma is renowned for Italy’s “Super Tuscan Wines” which can be sampled along the way, while dining on delicious Italian cuisine.
Visit Vilafranca del Penedès in Catalonia, Spain
While rightfully, Spain is famous for its Rioja wines, other charming vineyards can be found in Vilafranca del Penedès. The town is an hour’s drive from Barcelona and is the capital of the Alt Penedès comarca.
Vineyard near Vilafranca del Penedès in Catalonia, Spain [Image Wikimedia Commons]Meanwhile, the town nestles on the banks of the Foix River, surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas and lush vineyards. Moreover, this beautiful area also features excellent rural hotels and bed and breakfasts.
While Penedès is famous for its Cava (sparkling wine), it is also renowned for its stellar dry reds and whites. Moreover, it produces some delicious dessert wines. There are many historic wine estates to visit, including Parés Baltà, Mas Comtal, Can Feixes, Can Ràfols dels Caus and more.
Vilafranca del Penedès, Catalonia, Spain [ Image Angela Llop/Flickr]Experience some of the best European vintages on a wine tour in Croatia, Italy or Spain.