Europe has an extensive wine culture and history, which means wine lovers will not have a shortage of places to visit in the continent. Wine connoisseurs who are looking for the best adventure should check out some European small towns where they can sample various wines, visit breathtaking vineyards and learn the history of winemaking. Which ones should you visit? Check out these small towns.
Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
This small town is only at an hour’s drive from Bordeaux city center and is well-known for producing red wine. The winery primarily uses Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes to make the wine. There are stunning vineyards that you can explore, such as Chateau Figeac and Chateau Canon. The wine-making families in the region have their own estates where you can go wine-tasting. Saint-Emilion should be on your list if you wish to tour well-manicured vineyards and savor some of the world’s finest wines.
Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
The Piedmont region in Italy is renowned for producing wines and this is where the small town Barolo is located. Nebbiolo grapes are cultivated here, which are used for making red wine. A visit to the winemaking families of the region can help you learn about the winemaking traditions of Barolo, such as the Mascarello and the Conterno family. There are also some amazing vineyards on the picturesque hills, including Brunate, Sarmassa and Cannubi. Visit this small town to indulge in the robust flavors and aromas that are a signature part of red wine.
Haro, La Rioja, Spain
Anyone who enjoys the complex aromas and deep flavor of La Rioja wines should schedule a trip to Haro. This small town is where one of Spain’s favorite wines are produced with Tempranillo grapes. There are numerous wine cellars that you can tour to understand the production process of the Rioja wine. The vineyards of Haro are also beautiful and you can take a stroll through them to enjoy the sunshine.
Mosel Valley, Germany
If you fancy Riesling wines, the best place for you to visit is the Mosel Valley in Germany because this is where Riesling grapes are cultivated. People appreciate the wine made in this region for its powerful aromas and unique acidity. There are some picturesque vineyards where you can enjoy the greenery and walk down their steep slopes. You can also visit some of the wineries where you can learn the history of wine production. These include Markus Molitor and Dr. Loosen.
Santorini, Greece
The Assyrtiko wines are a favorite due to their citrusy flavors, vibrant acidity and their unique mineral notes. Santorini is a must-visit for anyone who fancies this particular wine, where you can learn the history of its production. You can visit some popular wineries for wine-tasting, such as Domaine Sigalas, Gaia Wines and Santo Wines. There are also some great vineyards on the island that you can check out and are located on the beautiful volcanic slopes, which include Oia, Megalochori and Pyrgos.
