Are you feeling overwhelmed by the long list of summer vacation ideas? Do you want to combine your love for travel and wine tasting but don’t know where to start? European Countryside Wine routes offers some of the most breathtaking countryside that could be just what you’re looking for.

One amazing route is The Alsace Wine Route in France. This 170 km journey takes you through charming villages like Colmar, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr. They are straight out of a fairy tale!

This blog will guide you through seven stunning European wine routes perfect for summer trips. From exploring medieval towns to sampling world-class wines, you’ll discover unique experiences on each route.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

  • Explore the Alsace Wine Route in France and visit charming villages like Colmar and Riquewihr.
  • Taste world-renowned Port wines in Portugal’s Douro Valley while enjoying terraced vineyards.
  • Discover La Rioja’s historic cellars and modern wineries, sampling Tempranillo in Spain.
  • Traverse Tuscany’s scenic hills on the Chianti Classico Wine Route, savoring robust reds.
  • Wander Germany’s Palatinate region to sample unique varietals like Rieslaner and Dornfelder.

The Alsace Wine Route, France

Alsace’s wine route offers picturesque views and delightful tastes. Visitors can enjoy local varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer in charming villages.

Explore medieval villages like Colmar and Riquewihr

Stroll through the medieval villages of Colmar and Riquewihr on the Alsace Wine Route. These fairytale towns, set along 170 km of vineyards, charm visitors with cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses.

Colmar, known as “Little Venice,” offers canals lined with flowers while you sip on a glass of Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

Colmar is a gem in the crown of Alsace.

Riquewihr keeps its original medieval architecture intact, making it feel like stepping back in time. Both villages are perfect spots to enjoy the rich history and renowned wines of Alsace.

Wander through ancient alleyways and savor local flavors at quaint cafes or wine cellars.

Sample famous varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer

Discover the Alsace Wine Route and taste some of the best white wines in Europe. Try Riesling, a crisp and aromatic wine loved worldwide. Enjoy Gewürztraminer, known for its bold flavors and spicy notes.

Visit charming villages like Colmar and Riquewihr to find these exquisite wines. The region’s unique climate helps produce top-quality grapes. Don’t miss out on tasting these famous varieties during your trip!

The Porto Wine Route, Portugal

An important but lesser known European Countryside Wine route is the Porto Wine Route in Portugal. The route offers a stunning journey through the Douro Valley. Visitors can savor world-famous Port wines while soaking in the breathtaking views of terraced vineyards.

Discover the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley

Venture to Portugal and uncover the beauty of the Douro Valley. This stunning region boasts terraced vineyards etched into steep hillsides along the Douro River. Travelers can enjoy tastings of world-renowned Port wines, which are sweet and full-bodied.

Explore historic quintas (estates) dotting the landscape, where grape pickers harvest in a tradition dating back centuries. Summer offers river cruises that wind through these picturesque plots.

Enjoy serene views with each sip of wine while taking in one of Europe’s most breathtaking wine-growing regions.

The valley is like a beautifully painted canvas, inviting every visitor to explore its history and flavors.

Enjoy tastings of world-renowned Port wines

Taste the finest Port wines in Portugal along the Porto Wine Route. Visit famous vineyards in Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through scenic terraces and sample different varieties of this sweet wine.

Feel the rich history as you sip from ancient cellars and modern tasting rooms alike. Each glass tells a story rooted deep in Portuguese culture.

The Rioja Wine Route, Spain

Expect to be captivated by the beauty of La Rioja’s vineyards. Engage in wine tastings featuring renowned wines like Tempranillo and Garnacha.

Visit historic cellars and modern wineries

Rioja offers an intriguing mix of historic cellars and modern wineries. Imagine on this European Countryside Wine route stepping into centuries-old cellars where wine has matured for ages. Then, visit state-of-the-art facilities that showcase innovative techniques in winemaking.

Tour the famous La Rioja Alta or Bodegas Muga. These places offer tastings and take you through their fascinating history. Enjoy vibrant local tapas as you sip on world-class Tempranillo.

This European Countryside Wine route is a must for any wine enthusiast looking to explore Spanish wine culture deeply while enjoying breathtaking countryside views.

Experience the vibrant tapas culture

Savor delicious tapas at local Rioja bars. Try Spanish classics like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and gambas al ajillo. Pair these small bites with wines such as Tempranillo or Gran Reserva.

Join the locals in their evening tradition of hopping from bar to bar, enjoying an array of flavors.

Feel the lively atmosphere as you share plates with friends or make new ones along the way. This region’s unique combination of food and drink creates unforgettable memories. Traverse the scenic hills next on The Tuscan Wine Route, Italy.

The European Countryside Wine Route, in Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscan Wine Route offers picturesque views and rich history. Taste exquisite Sangiovese wines in the center of Tuscany, Italy.

Traverse the scenic hills and ancient vineyards

Traverse the scenic hills and ancient vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. This European Countryside Wine route, traverses a region is famed for its rolling landscapes and historical estates. Rich Sangiovese-based wines flow freely here.

These include Chianti Classico, which delights many wine lovers.

Explore picturesque villages like Colmar and Riquewihr along the Alsace Wine Route in France. This 170 km route is dotted with charming medieval towns and lush vineyards. Sample world-renowned varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer as you marvel at the stunning countryside views.

Indulge in Sangiovese-based wines

Explore the rich flavors of Sangiovese in Tuscany. Sample Chianti, with its bold character and hints of cherry and plum. Visit wineries nestled in scenic hillsides, offering stunning views alongside exceptional wines.

Savor Brunello di Montalcino, known for its depth and aging potential. Each glass tells a story of tradition and passion. Don’t miss the chance to taste these robust reds on your Tuscan journey this summer.

The Chianti Classico Wine Route, Italy

The Chianti Classico Wine Route offers a captivating journey through Tuscany’s wine country. Tour the lush vineyards and savor renowned Chianti wines.

Delve into the heart of Tuscany’s wine country

Delve into the heart of Tuscany’s wine country. Tour ancient vineyards and rolling hills. Enjoy Sangiovese-based wines, known for their rich flavors. Visit small family estates that produce Chianti DOCG wines.

Experience picturesque landscapes dotted with olive groves and cypress trees.

Indulge in local cuisine paired with robust reds. Join estate tours to learn about traditional winemaking techniques. Engage in wine tastings at renowned wineries boasting Super Tuscans and other fine varietals.

Embrace the warm Tuscan sun while exploring scenic routes through medieval towns like Montepulciano and Montalcino.

Enjoy robust reds and scenic estate tours

Italy’s Chianti Classico Wine Route presents a delightful mix of history, landscape, and bold red wines. Visitors can explore Tuscany’s rolling hills dotted with ancient vineyards and charming estates.

Savor Sangiovese-based wines while basking in the beauty of scenic countryside views.

In this renowned wine region, estate tours offer unique experiences such as walking trails and tastings under the warm Italian sun. Enjoy robust reds like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon produced by local wineries that blend tradition with modern techniques.

Scenic drives through Tuscan villages make every sip memorable.

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Route, Italy

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Route in Italy offers an exceptional experience for wine lovers. You can savor the flavors of one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines while enjoying the beautiful landscape.

Explore the prestigious vineyards of Montalcino

Discover the prestigious vineyards of Montalcino, like Molino Sant’Antimo. Nestled in Tuscany, these vineyards produce some of Italy’s finest wines. Stroll through picturesque landscapes filled with endless rows of grapevines.

Wine enthusiasts can sample Brunello di Montalcino, a famous wine known for its rich flavors and aging potential.

Taste these acclaimed wines right at the source in historic cellars or modern tasting rooms. Experience the local culture as you sip Sangiovese-based wines and learn about traditional winemaking methods.

Next, let’s wander through Germany’s second-largest wine region….

Taste the highly acclaimed Brunello di Montalcino wines

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Route, Italy.

Explore the prestigious vineyards of Montalcino and taste the highly acclaimed Brunello di Montalcino wines. Crafted from Sangiovese grapes, these wines offer rich flavors with notes of cherry, leather, and earth.

Visit in summer to see the rows of vines under clear blue skies. Stroll through ancient cellars and learn about traditional winemaking methods.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. It holds the distinguished DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Pair your tasting with local Italian dishes for an unforgettable experience.

Enjoying this wine route offers a blend of culture, history, and exceptional wine quality.

The Palatinate Wine Region, Germany

The Palatinate offers stunning landscapes and top-notch wines. Visitors can sample unique German varietals and explore charming villages.

Wander through Germany’s second-largest wine region

Wander through Germany’s Palatinate wine region. Sample unique German varietals like Rieslaner and Dornfelder. Enjoy the area’s lush vineyards and scenic views. Visit during harvest season to experience grape picking festivals.

The region has picturesque villages, castles, and rich history. Taste local wines while walking along beautiful trails. This second-largest wine region in Germany offers an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts from around the world.

Sample unique German varietals like Rieslaner and Dornfelder

Explore the Palatinate Wine Region in Germany. Sample unique German varietals like Rieslaner and Dornfelder. Try Rieslaner, a rare sweet wine that balances acidity with sweetness. Taste Dornfelder, a deep red known for its rich fruit flavors and full body.

Next up is enjoying robust reds and scenic estate tours along The Chianti Classico Wine Route in Italy.

Conclusion

European wine routes offer unique experiences. You can stroll through quaint villages in Alsace or savor Port wines in Douro Valley. Visiting these regions is practical and adds rich culture to your summer plans.

Taste world-class wines while enjoying scenic views. Start planning your trip today and create lasting memories!

FAQs

1. What are some of the top European wine regions to visit this summer?

Some top European wine regions to explore include the Bordeaux wine region, the Champagne region, and the Douro Valley in Portugal.

2. Which wines can I taste along these routes?

You can taste a variety of wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and sparkling wines like Crémant d’Alsace.

3. Are there any notable French vineyards on these routes?

Yes, you will find many notable French vineyards in areas like Côte de Beaune and Pomerol.

4. Can I visit specific estates for tastings?

Yes, many wine tours offer visits to famous châteaux and wine estates where you can sample Bordeaux wines or Burgundian wines.

5. Is it possible to experience local culture during these tours?

Absolutely! Wine tourism often includes exploring Alsatian villages or enjoying traditional foods paired with regional specialties like Muscat or Tokaji Aszú.

6. What other activities can be enjoyed besides tasting?

Besides tasting fine vintages such as Santenay or Pinot Blanc from Burgundy Wines;you could also learn about viticulture practices during harvest-season or take scenic drives through beautiful landscapes like Santorini in Greece.