Europe is a mosaic of over 250 wine regions, and choosing where to start a journey among glasses and cellars is never easy. The Best Wine Regions in Europe 2027 ranking lends a hand, having selected the 12 most interesting wine destinations on the continent from a pool of more than 90 territories.
The criteria go beyond wine quality: authenticity and tradition, variety of grape types, the availability of wineries and wine routes, the beauty of landscapes, gastronomy, sustainability, and visitor accessibility all count. And Italy, as we will see, certainly stands out.
The Best Wine Region in Europe Is in Slovenia
The top spot goes to Štajerska, in Slovenia, which earns 19.5 out of 20. The jury is won by its ability to concentrate in a relatively small area a unique wine heritage: here lies the world’s oldest vine, the birthplace of the Slovenian sparkling wine, and the country’s oldest wine archive, kept in historic cellars dug beneath the city streets. The vineyards actually begin almost at the city gates.
If you’re already imagining yourself with a glass in hand, know that the region comprises seven destinations: Maribor, Ptuj, Jeruzalem Slovenija, Haloze, Slovenske gorice, Ravno polje and Pohorje. Among the iconic images is the heart-shaped road of Špičnik, which arcs its curve through the rows. In the Jeruzalem area, the terraced hills of Ljutomer-Ormož are ideal for whites like Šipon, while in Haloze the vineyards occupy very steep slopes.
Four Italian Regions in the Ranking
With four territories among the twelve selected, Italy is the most represented country. The best result goes to , ranking second with 18.8 points: a landscape of ridges, hazelnut groves and villages emerging from the morning fog, where Nebbiolo is the undisputed king. Here, family-run businesses, truffle hunters, and long lunches with a view count, especially in autumn.
In fifth place is Chianti Rufina, the most intimate and secluded face of Chianti. The highest elevations and the cool climate grant Sangiovese an elegant profile, to be discovered among agriturismi, cellars in 16th-century farmhouses and strolls from one village to another.
Seventh place goes to Etna, with its vineyards on volcanic soils and wines from Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, to be paired with crater excursions and stays among citrus groves. In the ranking, at tenth place, there’s also Valle d’Aosta, the smallest Italian wine region, with native varieties such as Fumin, Petite Rouge and Prié Blanc grown among castles and glaciers.
The Ranking of Europe’s Best Wine Regions
Beyond Italy and Slovenia, in the top 12 appear France and Austria with two regions each, along with Spain, Portugal and Greece. Among the standout names are the spectacular Ribeira Sacra, with its vineyards perched along Galicia’s canyon walls, and Wachau, where terraces overlook the Danube. Here is the full ranking:
- Štajerska, Slovenia;
- Langhe-Roero-Monferrato, Italy;
- Ribeira Sacra, Spain;
- Kamptal, Austria;
- Chianti Rufina, Italy;
- Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, France;
- Etna, Italy;
- Saumur and Anjou, France;
- Wachau, Austria;
- Aosta Valley, Italy;
- Alentejo, Portugal;
- Naoussa, Greece.
