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   ![5 Places In Europe For A Wine Holiday](https://media.slman.com/rGmqs7uru58Lr2ye2m7_tUiC-aw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fwine.png?itok=8toMghho)

  

 

 



 

  Photography: JOHNY GOEREND/UNSPLASH 

 

 

 

 [Holidays](/culture/travel/holidays) 

 



 /  25 September 2024  

#  5 Places In Europe For A Wine Holiday  


 Across Europe, autumn is wine harvesting season – and there’s no better time to be on the ground, getting to know the best local bottles. Here are five of our favourite regions to visit, plus the vineyards and hotels to bookmark for a trip.  
 

 



 

  Photography: JOHNY GOEREND/UNSPLASH 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

 [ ![La Villa Hotel](https://media.slman.com/tszgttBsjjLeC_q0kldRS3GJfNI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fslman-5-wine-staying-destinations-hotel-la-villa-hotel.png?itok=WZkuoh3d)

 

 ](https://lavillahotel.net/) 

La Villa Hotel  


 

 

 

 

 

## BORDEAUX 

### FRANCE 

  

 

In southwestern France, one of the world's most famous wine regions is a great option if you only have a couple of days to play with. A flight from London will get you to the city in under two hours, while the train from Paris takes the same amount of time and is one of the more scenic routes out of the capital. Though Bordeaux is best known for its fine reds – especially blends of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc – you’ll find good whites and rosés on offer too. Autumn is the perfect time to visit, when the ‘vendange’ (harvest) begins and some of the region’s best food is in season. There are plenty of Michelin-starred spots here, but even the most unassuming cafes and bistros have excellent wine lists, with enthusiastic hosts who will recommend a great bottle. The city itself is home to 18th-century buildings, pedestrian-only streets, grandiose squares and several museums worth exploring.

Take a cruise along the river Garonne to visit some of the many vineyards and châteaux that surround it. If you only have time to see one, try [Château Mouton Rothschild](https://www.chateau-mouton-rothschild.com/) for a tour and tasting experience. One of the region's most prestigious wine estates was awarded 'First Growth' status (only given to the top percent in the country) back in the 70s. Go here to try the vintages and sample its full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. [Château Troplong Mondot](https://www.troplong-mondot.com/en/) in the fortified hilltop town of St Emilion is another great day trip from the city. This sustainable wine estate is home to an excellent restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, as well as numerous accommodation options for couples or groups.

**STAY:** [Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes](https://mondrianhotels.com/bordeaux-les-carmes/) has taken over the former Calvet wine cellars in the city centre. The hotel has warm, inviting interiors (by designer Philippe Starck), a Japanese restaurant (when you want a break from classic French fare) and an impressive wellness centre and spa. Just outside the city, [Château Léognan](https://chateauleognan.com/en/) sits on a 70-acre estate. Offering great value for money – rooms start at £150 a night – you’ll get the classic chateau experience here, with added amenities and options for wine tours, workshops and tastings.

 

 [ ![Château Léognan](https://media.slman.com/t7jBdU9Tx6HQHEYVXjLac5R_sbg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fslman-5-wine-destinations-chateau-leognan-small-landscape.png?itok=oVIM4ndy)

 

 ](https://chateauleognan.com/en/) 

Château Léognan  


 

 

 

 

 

 

## PIEDMONT 

### ITALY 

  

 

Often overshadowed by Tuscany to the south, Piedmont produces more DOCG wines (Italy’s top classification) than any other region. Stars of the show include the bold and structured barolo, known as the ‘king of wines’, and the lighter barbaresco. Both are made from the nebbiolo grape, which thrives here. It’s best to hire a car to explore the region’s many towns, rolling hills, medieval villages and harder-to-reach vineyards. Start in Barolo, famous for its bold, full-bodied wines and wineries, before heading to nearby La Morra, which has sweeping views of the Langhe hills. Alba, with its gothic architecture and buzzing culinary scene, is another town worth exploring, as is the village of Barbaresco.

From September to early December, you’ll be travelling during the season’s truffle harvest – the month-long [Alba White Truffle festival](https://www.fieradeltartufo.org/en/) kicks off in mid-October, when some of the region’s best restaurants and markets showcase the bounty of produce available. For an intimate experience at a smaller winery, [Paolo Scavino](http://www.paoloscavino.com/vineyards/) is a revered estate in the Barolo area. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, it's known for its age-worthy wines that reflect the rich heritage of the Langhe region. Brandini in La Morra also has a rich history. As well as a number of reds, it produces craft white wines like Langhe Nascetta, a lesser-known, indigenous variety, and a sparkling brut.

**STAY:** [La Villa Hotel](https://lavillahotel.net/) is an hour’s drive from both vineyards mentioned above. It occupies a 16th-century palazzo surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping countryside views. Husband-and-wife owners Chris and Nicola have given it rustic interiors and added an outdoor pool. Guests can rent bikes to explore the surrounding villages, visit the hotel’s wine cellars, and head to the nearby tennis courts and a golf course.

 

 

 

 [ ![Château Troplong Mondot](https://media.slman.com/bm8Hb4sKzngAilHwobetkTwc_uk=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fslman-chateau-troplong-mondot-full-bleed.png?itok=2-JWsu3d)

 

 ](https://www.troplong-mondot.com/en/) 

Château Troplong Mondot  


 

 

 

 

 

 

## LA RIOJA 

### SPAIN 

  

 

La Rioja in northern Spain is famous for its rich, bold reds, particularly those made from the tempranillo grape. With its rolling vineyards, picturesque villages and centuries-old wineries, it’s a great place for a late autumn break – temperatures hover around a comfortable 22°C in October. The region is divided into three sub-areas – Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental – each with distinct climates and soil types that contribute to the diversity of its wines. The region is steeped in tradition, with many wineries (bodegas) blending old-world techniques with modern innovation.

The best time to visit is during the grape harvest in late September and October, when the region comes alive with wine festivals and harvest activities. Fans of Campo Viejo should visit its impressive [subterranean winery](https://www.campoviejo.com/en-uk/winery/) and vast estate, which offers tastings and pairings, workshops, barrel room tours and more. For something under the radar, head to [Hacienda El Ternero](https://elternero.com/?lang=en) at the foot of the Obarenes mountains. The 600-acre estate dates back to the 11th century and its high-altitude vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate.

**STAY:** [Hotel Santa María](https://santamariabriones.com/en/) is a design-led property in the small village of Briones. It sits within a 16th-century building that has had its original stone walls and wooden beams restored. The tapas restaurant comes highly recommended, while the friendly team can help with everything from dinner reservations to vineyard tours.

 

 

 

 

 [ ![Hotel Santa María](https://media.slman.com/ABsBniFLktKcklP0QYTSRiM9Z7U=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fslman-5-wine-destinations-hotel-santa-maria-full-bleed.png?itok=s6TPWegs)

 

 ](https://santamariabriones.com/en/) 

Hotel Santa María  


 

 

 

 

 

 

## DOURO VALLEY 

### PORTUGAL 

  

 

Beautiful countryside and world-class wine have been attracting tourists to the Douro Valley for decades. Just a 90-minute drive from Porto, this is one of the world’s oldest winemaking areas. The river Douro snakes its way through rolling hills, with the towns and villages dotted around it offering different kinds of wine, port and cuisine. The roads zigzag up and down the hills, so travelling by train or boat might be preferable. Peso da Régua is home to a few vineyards you can pop into for tastings before getting back on a boat to cruise along the river. [Quinta Seara d'Ordens](https://searadordens.com/) offers a two-hour tasting at its family run estate, while Sandeman's [Quinta do Seixo](https://www.sandeman.com/port-wine/visit/quinta-do-seixo-douro/) has wineries set over 250 acres of land.

The Douro Valley is all about settling into a slower pace of life, so you won’t find an abundance of attractions. It’s more about sampling the local food and drink (think port, crisp whites and rich reds full of stone fruit flavours), cruising along the river and taking in the views. Many of the luxury hotels offer private excursions, so if you’re not relaxing by the pool, you could be enjoying a cookery workshop, or heading on a mountain bike ride. Food-wise, the region is home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as smaller spots run by locals serving rustic dishes.

**STAY:** Octant has built eight boutique properties in Portugal over the last few years, all focusing on food, wine and local experiences. [Octant Douro](http://douro.octanthotels.com/) sits on the edge of Castelo de Paiva. The modern decor of the rooms, suites and interiors complements the great views over the river and Ilha dos Amores (Lovers’ Island). There’s also a spa and a panoramic outdoor swimming pool. [Six Senses](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/douro-valley) also has a property in the area. The eco-friendly resort is set in a 19th-century manor house, with rooms overlooking hills or the nearby lake. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining and wine tasting at the Vale de Abraão restaurant, and book experiences like cooking classes, river tours and more.

 

 

 

 ![Douro Valley](https://media.slman.com/uVOG4ipvmY-NwPGjvQeDvu0VKoQ=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fslman-5-wine-destination-holidays-rach-sam-unsplash.png?itok=52CIe4fW)

 

 

Douro Valley  


 

Rach Sam/Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

 

## BURGUNDY 

### FRANCE 

  

 

Burgundy’s most famous red is medium bodied and lighter than those produced in Bordeaux, for example, but with an equally complex profile. This region in east-central France comprises five winemaking areas: Chablis (the most famous), Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Côte de Nuits and Mâconnais. All mainly produce pinot noir and chardonnay wines. Towns like Beaune, at the heart of Burgundy’s wine culture, offer cellar tours and tastings in medieval surroundings, while Nuits-Saint-Georges is famous for its robust reds. Other must-visit spots include the picturesque villages of Pommard and Meursault, known for world-class vineyards like [Château De Pommard](https://www.chateaudepommard.com/), a vast biodynamic estate that still uses horses to harvest its produce. Guests can book private tastings and even hire the estate’s vintage car to move around the surrounding villages. Another favourite among locals is [Domaine Jean Collet Et Fils](https://domaine-collet.fr/) in Chablis. The same family have owned the estate for over 200 years, producing the excellent ‘[Little Chablis’](https://domaine-collet.fr/produit/petit-chablis/).

**STAY:** There are endless B&amp;Bs and rustic homestays to choose from here. For something a little smarter, [Château de la Resle](https://chateaudelaresle.com/) near Chablis is a contemporary option. Full of modern artwork, the Dutch-owned hotel has just ten rooms, spread across the main château, a nearby farmhouse and a gardener’s cottage. There’s an outdoor pool, a spa and a destination restaurant showcasing regional produce.

 

 

 [ ![Château De Pommard](https://media.slman.com/ysb5k-OM6z3VniVQRzPx1DJUh9c=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F09%2Fchateau-de-pommard.png?itok=oNYVFnW9)

 

 ](https://www.chateaudepommard.com/) 

Château De Pommard  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

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