Summer in Europe means a lot of walking, a lot of historical sites, and a lot of great food. And after all that urban exploring, you will want to head out to the countryside and enjoy some lovely European summer wine blends!

There are many fantastic wine regions to visit in Europe, from Bordeaux to Tuscany, Porto to Plovdiv; your options seem endless! It can be hard to narrow down which of these incredible wineries you should focus on seeing the most. No matter where your home base is in Europe, or if you are jaunting around and seeing everything you can, take a day or weekend and head out to any of these wineries for a nice refreshing glass of chilled wine.

Adding a couple of wineries to your itinerary as you travel through Europe is a perfect way to enjoy the wine culture of the region and the different types of wines perfected by European winemakers. No matter where you are going this summer in Europe, you will surely find some amazing summer wines you can take home with your friends.

Best Wineries to Visit in Europe this Summer

Portugal

Adega Mayor

Campo Maior, Portugal

Adega Mayor is a contemporary winery with a terrace that gives guests a stunning panoramic view of the vineyard, olive groves below, and the Alentejo Mountains! The grapes are grown in soil that was once a cork-oak forest, giving an earthy flavor to the reds and whites you will be tasting here. The contemporary feel and tastings have an air of romance, making this a great location for a couple visiting the area.

Herdade do Esporao

Esporao, Portugal

Herdade do Esporao is another Portugal winery that sits atop what was once a cork-oak forest near the Alentejo Mountains. They grow more than 40 different grape varieties over the 1,700 acres of vineyard you will be visiting. There is also an olive grove that has been on site since the Medieval days. The winerys location dates back centuries, with the Esporao Tower that you can see being constructed in the mid-15^th century. They offer tours in English and in Portuguese. And the food is known for being some of the best in Portugal!

Quinta do Bomfim

Alijo, Portugal

If you love port wine, visit Quinta do Bomfim in Alijo. Near the Sao Mamede Mountains, the winery has been producing ports and wines for more than 130 years. Near the vineyard are chestnut trees and cork-oats, which add a very unique flavor to the wine produced here. You can enjoy your summer tasting in the lodge built in the late 19^th century. It is very easy to get here from Porto as well!

Italy

Cantina Zeni e Museo del Vino

Bardolino, Italy

If you want to expand your knowledge of Italian wines while in Italy, you need to visit Cantina Zeni e Museo del Vino. The museum is only 5 EUR to get in and will tell you all about winemaking in the Bardolino region of Italy. You can also do tastings and tour the wine cellar to stock up on some pristine wines.

Tenuta Torciano Vineyards

Ulignano, Italy

You can visit Tenuta Torciano Vineyards near San Gimignano and experience world-class wines while getting views of the iconic towers of San Gimignano. But what is really unique about this vineyard is that they teach very hands-on cooking classes for guests. You can go on your own truffle hunt before the class begins and then learn from experienced Italian chefs how to make the best pasta and pizza dishes you have ever had.

Castello di Brolio

Gaiole, Italy

The palace of the Ricasoli family for more than 800 years, Castello di Brolio is a Tuscan vineyard rooted in history (you can still see the damage the castle walls faced during World War II). There is a modern restaurant and tasting room that guests can enjoy. Even if you arent a huge drinker, for 5 EUR you can tour the gardens and castle. There is a trail from the castle to the tasting room that is very pleasant and lets you see more of the stunning landscaping.

Antinori nel Chianti Classico

Bargino, Italy

While this vineyard in the Chianti region dates back to 1385, you will be greeted by a contemporary building. This mix of historic wine-making and modern architecture gives guests a unique experience. You can tour the hidden cellar and the property. You can also enjoy a meal on the rooftop, where all the foods on the menu are paired with the wines.

Montefioralle Winery

Greve, Italy

Montefioralle Winery is known by many to be the best winery in Italy. And it is because of the intimate setting that guests rave about them. All of the tours are conducted by the winemakers and the winery is run by a family who wants to share all of their knowledge with guests. You can tour the vineyard and cellars before having a delightful tasting. Because this is a smaller winery run by a family, you do need to make a reservation but they are very accommodating to guests you want to visit.

Avignonesi

Montepulciano, Italy

Tuscany is known worldwide as one of the best wine regions. There are tons of amazing wineries and vineyards in the area. Avignonesi in the region is known for its amazing food and curated wine tastings that leave guests with memories forever. You can also join in on one of their cooking classes or take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyard. They host other events like Ferrari tours of the area and falconry classes.

Ciacci Piccolomini dAragona

Montacino, Italy

Ciacci Piccolomini dAragona is a millennium-old, dating back to the 11th century. And, of course, over the years, its wines have won numerous awards. There is a great terrace attached to the tasting room and you are incredibly invited to step out and see the Tuscan countryside for yourself. Tours include the cellar and the history of this storied winery.

Greece

Venetsanos Winery

Santorini, Greece

Built into the hills of Santorini over the Athiunios port, Venetsanos is known for the beautiful views you get from the Sunset Terrace. Built 75 years ago in 1947, they have been welcoming guests for decades. You can appreciate the quietness of the winery compared to others in Santorini. This is a great lunch spot for those in the area or a wonderful place to watch the sunset in the evening.

Domaine Sigalas

Santorini, Greece

Domaine Sigalas is an award-winning winery in Santorini. Guests can tour the vineyards and have tastings. You can also book a private, intimate dinner. This isnt a very tourist-popular winery in Santorini, but it is well-loved by the locals and those in the know. Santorini is already an amazing summer destination and sipping on local wines will make your trip even more special.

U.K.

Chapel Down

Tenterden, England

You can enjoy free walks amongst the vineyards at Chapel Down in Kent. Using English grapes in their wine, you can also visit one of the two restaurants located here or the estate store. Chapel Down is also known for its gins. Do a tasting of wines and sample local cheeses. This is a great little place to go to during the day if you get stuck in the classic dreary English weather on a summer day.

Cairn OMohr Fruit Wines

Errol, Scotland

Cairn OMohr is a character of a winery. With bright colors and unique decorations, you will be compelled to stop in and see what it is all about. It is a family-run winery that is just as quirky as its tasting room and fruit wines. You can enjoy your glass with pastries and food served at their caf. If you are in the area in Scotland, this is a must-stop destination to enjoy a summery fruit wine at.

Spain

Bodegas Binifadet

San Luis, Spain

Bodegas Binifadet is one of the best intimate wineries you and your partner could visit while in Spain. Located on the island of Menorca, tours can be done in English and are very affordable. The menu at the restaurant is seasonal and pairs very well with their seasonal wines. This is a great afternoon spot to visit before getting ready to participate in a siesta.

Vivanco

Briones, Spain

Vivanco has a wonderful Spanish wine museum on their property, so you can learn how the Spaniards have treated their grapes and wines over the centuries. You will also learn how to properly taste wine and all about the La Rioja wine-making industry. There are also exhibits and activities geared for just children, so you can enjoy your tasting without worrying about them.

Bodegas Lecea

San Asensio, Spain

Bodegas Lecea is a family-friendly winery, so you are more than welcome to bring any children in tow with you. They even give the children grape juice so they can feel a part of the tastings! Built in the 16th century, the winery’s original cellar can be toured. They have an intimate dining area and recommend reservations if you want to enjoy lunch with them.

Bodegas Muga

Haro, Spain

Bodegas Muga has been in operation for more than two centuries. They offer tours and wine tastings throughout the week, including Segway tours or views from above in a hot air balloon! It is a charming, old-school winery with everything handcrafted on-site, from the barrels to the grapes and wines. It is a wonderful little place to spend an afternoon with your travel partners this summer.

France

Chateau La Coste en Provence

Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade, France

Located in the South of France, Chateau La Coste en Provence is a destination you must visit this summer. The winery’s grounds include hiking trails with giant statues and sculptures throughout and a magnificent lavender field that will have your nose tingling. Their on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Of course, it is recommended that you come in for a tasting before buying a bottle to enjoy with your meal.

Chateau Cantenac

Saint-Emillion, France

Located in the Bordeaux region of France, Chateau Cantenac is a well-known and regarded winery that has been held in high regard since the late 19th century. Children are always welcome to come with you on your visit. The Bordeaux wines that you are provided with in the tastings are refreshing and memorable—you’ll want to take a bottle home with you for sure! 

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