While there are hundreds of fascinating wine destinations in Europe, only a few offer the perfect combination of enchanting hills, beautiful vineyards and pleasant climate. It is at these destinations that you can not only sip exceptional wines, but also learn how they are produced and immerse yourself in the local culture. From Portugal to Italy, France and Germany, read on to discover the best wine regions in Europe.
Douro Valley, Portugal 
Credit: bigstock.com Cruising the Douro Valley, Portugal
Douro Valley, Portugal (hotel prices and photos)
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest wine regions in the world, where you will find enchanting valleys and steep slopes that make it a major wine destination. A short distance from Porto and its famous port wine aged in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, crossed by the river, the Douro Valley is home to grapes that produce sweet red wines. Travel from Porto to Pocinho for a scenic train ride.
Bordeaux, France 
Credit: bigstock.com Chateau and vineyard in Margaux Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France (hotel prices and photos)
Located in south-western France, Bordeaux is one of Europe's largest wine regions. The captivating combination of history, medieval culture and delicious local cuisine make it popular with wine enthusiasts, while those wishing to enjoy a glass of wine are spoilt with the region's elegant blends. Winemaking grapes since the 8th century, it is possible to take guided tours on foot, by boat or bicycle through the picturesque wine region producing sweet white wine.
Piedmont, Italy 
Credit: bigstock.com Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, Italy (hotel prices and photos)
Piedmont is a beautiful wine region in the north-west of Italy, where important names such as Barolo and Barbaresco dominate the region. Surrounded by the Alps, Piedmont offers views of picturesque valleys, cultivated hills and vineyards dotted with charming towns and historic castles. Asti and Alba are the two main cities in this wine region, and are a perfect place to pair the delicious regional cuisine with its famous Italian red wines.
Champagne, France 
Credit: bigstock.com Champagne
Champagne, France (prices and photos)
Known the world over for its quality vineyards and wineries, Champagne is a popular day trip from Paris. Spend your days going on tastings and tours, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the cellars dug under the city centuries ago. There are many Champagne houses to explore in both Reims and Epernay, including prestigious names such as Veuve, Clicquot and Tattinger. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is considered the historical heart of Champagne production.
Mosel, Germany 
Credit: bigstock.com Mosel, Germany
Mosel, Germany (hotel prices and photos)
While many associate Germany with beer, wine production in the Mosel region has generated some highly sought-after bottles. Take a ride along the riverfront between Cochem and Koblenz for a scenic drive, then wander the cobblestone streets of Mosel to discover a picturesque wine village known for its Riesling grapes. Both Cochem and Trier are excellent home bases for exploring the impressive wine region, where you can sit in picturesque cellars and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.
Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary 
Credit: bigstock.com Ripe grapes in the vineyard
Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (prices and hotel photos)
With over 1,000 years of wine-making experience, Tokaj-Hegyalja in Hungary is an ideal destination for wine lovers. While you will find 22 wine regions in the country, this area is known for its UNESCO World Heritage status and the world's oldest botrytised wine. Start your exploration at the foot of the Zemplen Mountains, where you can stop at historic cellars and taste its famous sweet full-bodied dessert wine, Tokaji Aszu.
Tuscany, Italy Credit: bigstock.com Vineyards and olive groves in Tuscany
Tuscany, Italy (prices and photos)
With a collection of individual wine regions, the countryside of Tuscany is an enchanting area to explore. See its towns built atop imposing hills, admire the lush landscapes and discover why wine connoisseurs flock to this area from all over the world. Spend your time sampling its delicacies in the wine villages between Florence and Siena, including the region's famous Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano.
Rhone Valley, France 
Credit: bigstock.com Rhone Valley, France
Rhone Valley, France (hotel prices and photos)
An underrated wine destination nestled between vineyards and mountains, the Rhone Valley boasts deep, dark wines dominated by Syrah. Be amazed by its rugged hilly landscapes where Cotes du Rhone, Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Beaumes-de-Venise are produced and learn about the prestigious Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Explore the northern sub-region to taste its famous white wines from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grapes, while the southern sub-region boasts blends of reds, whites and roses.
Catalonia, Spain 
Credit: Angela Llop Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia, Spain (hotel prices and photos)
Catalonia's pleasant climate is ideal for growing grapes and is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Spain. It consists of several regions, each of which has its own identity when it comes to wine. Here, winegrowers are mixing old wine traditions with the new to create impressive wines, using red grape varieties such as Garnacha and Carignan. The region is also famous for the production of cava, the famous sparkling wine of Spain.
Istria, Croatia 
Credit: bigstock.com Istria, Croatia
Istria, Croatia (prices and photos)
If you prefer small, family-run wineries, Istria in Croatia might be the perfect destination for you. Located on Croatia's north-western peninsula, exploring the wine region of Istria is a pleasant experience thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and excellent climate. Here you will find Istrian Malvasia, a white grape that produces a fresh, fruity wine, while Teran creates a rich, earthy red. Take your time immersing yourself in beautiful landscapes with hilly terrain and gentle slopes on a day of sipping the region's specialities.
Santorini, Greece 
Credit: Bigstock.com wine, Santorini
Santorini, Greece (hotel prices and photos)
While most travellers visit Santorini for its spectacular views and world-class accommodation, it is also one of Europe's finest wine regions. Visit this enchanting destination to taste the fresh Assyrtiko grapes that are used in single-varietal and blended wines and Nykteri and Vinsanto, which is the island's sweet white wine. Take a guided tour of Europe's oldest vineyard to find out why Såantorini uses a unique wine-growing technique called koulara, which protects the grapes from strong winds.
Moravia, Czech Republic 
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Moravia, Czech Republic (hotel prices and photos)
Another country that is known for its beers, the Czech Republic is also famous for the Moravian region. Take in the wine, culture and history of Moravia by exploring the picturesque town of Znojmo, just five hours from Prague. If you want to see the country's largest wine-growing region, head to Velke Bilovice and taste the light, crisp wine that comes from the Muller-Thurgau grape variety.