Fancy learning more about the wines of Europe? Just interested in the tasting part of the tour? We’ve got the top spots for all wine-lovers. Prepare for a sparkling escape and as many grape jokes you can take…

Porto

Famed for its sweet, fortified port wines and riverside-sipping views, Porto is the escape for brewing sommeliers and already-experienced connoisseurs alike. A tasting along the Douro River, where old cellars bring history and wine together, is basically a rite of passage here. Or, better yet, take a day trip to the Alto Douro wine region, a UNESCO-listed site where wine has been produced for over 2,000 years!

South of France

Think France, think wine? Us too. There’s no other place we’d rather uncork the ground-to-glass secrets than South of France and you’ve got choices within the region too! Provence’s refreshing rosés are a big hit, but if you’re more of a red-head, head straight to the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux. Surrounded by five major wine regions, it should be a bucket-list destination for all grape gurus.

Lanzarote

Ever sipped wine from volcanic soil? Oh yes, that’s a thing. The cratered terrain works wonders for the local Malvasia grape. Vines are planted in deep pits so they can be naturally fertilised by volcanic soil and ashes. This cultivation is unique to Lanzarote — a quirky sight and an even better taste! If your trip aligns with the island's annual Wine Run, don’t miss it either – the tasting stops fuel not only runners but spectators too.

Tuscany

Views of the cinematic rolling vineyards, sleepy rural villages and some serious wine magic – that’s the line-up of Tuscany. The Italian answer to the likes of Bordeaux greets grape enthusiasts with a glass in hand and bewitching scenery as a side – who wouldn’t want a piece of that? Taste the merlot-like chianti as you embark on one of the many vineyard tours around here.

Croatia

Quietly winning our wine hearts with its plavac mali reds and refreshing Pošip whites, Croatia invites its visitors to wine and dine along the Dalmatian Coast. Fancy an event with some sweet notes? The island of Hvar throws wine-filled harvest festivals, while the Istrian Wine Run lets you sip as you sprint past vineyards. And who doesn’t like a glass of red with their cardio?

Santorini

Need another reason to visit Santorini? Add grape-grown goods to the list. Santorini’s vineyards are volcanic wonders, producing crisp wines with citrusy undertones. The island's wine festival in Pyrgos village has Greek dancing, live music and bottomless pours under the stars. And just imagine the sunsets featuring some top drops… it’s a date.

Budapest

Been there, done that? Uncork another hidden gem on your escape to Budapest. The must-taste tipple here is tokaji – sweet-like-honey dessert wine that’s often referred to as ‘wine of the kings’, but there are other varieties for all meals and occasions. Insider’s tip: consider visiting this old-meets-new city in September – that’s when Buda Castle hosts a wine festival and it’s a biggie. Plus, you can hop between ruin bars and wine cellars for a boozy blend of modern and ancient.

So, what do you say – ready to wine down?