France tops the ranking with an impressive 85.2 out of 100 points and the highest number of international recognitions. Iconic regions such as Champagne—home to UNESCO World Heritage vineyards and historic cellars—Burgundy, with its more than 1,000 individually recognized “Climats,” and Bordeaux, renowned for tastings at its celebrated châteaux, stand out as prime destinations for travelers seeking immersive experiences that combine wine, landscapes, and local culture.
Italy follows in second place, thanks to its remarkable diversity of wines and extensive network of PDO and PGI labels. As Europe’s leading wine producer, Italy invites visitors to explore Chianti and Montepulciano in Tuscany or the Barbaresco and Barolo vineyards of Piedmont—settings where wine is inseparable from history, cuisine, and scenery.
Spain ranks third, boasting over 900,000 hectares of vineyards, 97% of which are dedicated to PDO and PGI wines, leading Europe in both categories. Its enological wealth is as broad as it is deep: from the bold reds of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the fortified treasures of Jerez and the unique white wines of La Geria in Lanzarote, grown in volcanic soil, Spain offers a rich and diverse wine tourism landscape.
Portugal secures fourth place, distinguished by its high number of award-winning wines. The Douro Valley shines as a highlight, with panoramic river cruises through terraced vineyards paired with tastings of its renowned fortified wines.
Greece rounds out the top five, showcasing an ancient winemaking tradition that dates back to Mycenaean times. Indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko from Santorini and Liatiko from Crete bring a strong sense of place to tastings and guided vineyard tours, where myth, landscape, and culture seamlessly intertwine.
Beyond the top three, the index recognizes other notable contenders. Germany, in sixth place, continues to impress with its refined Rieslings. Romania, seventh, surprises with robust reds from Dealu Mare. Hungary, eighth, boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Tokaj region, famous for its sweet wines. Austria, ninth, offers exquisite PDO wines across more than 46,000 hectares, with the Wachau Valley along the Danube standing out for its scenic beauty. Bulgaria completes the top ten, leveraging a winemaking heritage that dates back to ancient Thrace and is now reemerging as an exciting tourism destination.
More than a simple ranking, this European Wine Tourism Index serves as a roadmap for destinations aiming to strengthen or expand their appeal in the cultural and sensory travel market. It demonstrates that heritage alone is not enough: success requires a blend of tradition, quality, international recognition, accessibility, compelling storytelling, and well-developed visitor infrastructure that can turn a vineyard visit into a complete wine tourism experience. It also suggests that emerging wine countries—those without decades of established prestige—can position themselves as fresh, appealing alternatives if they invest strategically in development and promotion. For Europe’s wine regions, this evaluation is both a challenge and an opportunity to refine their offerings, connect authentic local narratives with global audiences, and tap into the growing appetite for travel experiences that explore roots, flavors, and the art of winemaking.
