Europe’s Most Beautiful Vineyards

Europe is famous for its wine, with regions like Champagne, Bordeaux, and Tuscany producing world-class varieties of grapes. But Europe’s vineyards aren’t just renowned for creating delicious wines – they’re also home to some of the continent’s most stunning sights.

To find the most picturesque vineyards, we researched over 500 of the most highly rated vineyards across Europe, noting the frequency of keywords like “beautiful” and “scenic” in Google reviews. We ensured these terms were directly related to the vineyard’s environment, allowing us to assign each vineyard a beauty score. We also created a vineyard satisfaction score which analysed the sentiment of reviews to determine visitors’ overall enjoyment. The satisfaction and beauty scores were combined, resulting in a ranking of Europe’s 10 most beautiful vineyards.

From near-perfect beauty scores on the Croatian southern coast to historic French chateaux in the famous Burgundy countryside, find out more about the top vineyards below.

Nestled in the picturesque Croatian countryside, Vinarija Rizman is perfect for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The vineyard is owned by the Štimac family, whose great-grandfather, known by the nickname “Rizman”, planted the very first vines and began a decades-long tradition of winegrowing in the family.

Now, the organic estate features 23 hectares of new vineyards and 1,700 olive trees, all of which are pruned and harvested by hand. The winery also has an outdoor terrace, allowing visitors to admire the vines against the stunning sea view while sampling speciality wines like the Rizman Pošip, a dry white wine with “aromas of ripe yellow fruits, wildflowers and citrus notes”. Wine tasting is open every working day between April and November, and visitors can choose from several tasting experiences complemented by local delicacies. Guests can also stay onsite in one of the newly opened rooms this year.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Poggio del Moro is a boutique winery with 14 hectares of vineyards. Red and white grapes grow here, which are hand-picked when ripe. Varieties include Merlot, Sangiovese, Trebbiano Procanico, and Grechetto. While some wineries alter or mix the soil for their vineyards, Poggio del Moro plants its vineyards following the natural profile of the hills without mixing the soil. The vineyards are divided into 10 main plots, with seven of them bordering a serene lake.

Poggio del Moro’s philosophy embraces nature as each harvest is picked by hand just as it’s ripe, ensuring freshness and flavour. Visitors can tour the vineyards and enjoy wine-tasting sessions for up to 12 people, perfect for groups of wine-loving friends. The vineyard also produces its own extra virgin olive oil, jams and honey, which guests can sample during their visit.

Situated in the Tuscan countryside, San Giorgio a Lapi is a family business that offers vineyard tours, wine tasting and even horse riding. The large estate is also home to the Church of San Giorgio, which has stood on the grounds since 1109. Although originally dilapidated, the family restored it and uncovered a fresco painting of St George slaying a dragon, believed to have been painted by the Nasini family of painters. This blend of history, art and winemaking makes San Giorgio a Lapi a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy San Giorgio a Lapi’s traditionally made wines, including the Lapi D’Autunno, which the winery says encapsulates “the taste of autumn in Tuscany in a bottle”. Wine tastings take place on the panoramic terrace in the Tuscan hills where guests can try any of the estate’s wines alongside a platter of authentic Tuscan food.

Abaia Winery is a new addition to Albania’s wine scene, cultivating its one-hectare vineyard in 2019 and beginning wine production in 2021. A 20-minute drive from coastal city Durrës, the winery is set inside two bunkers constructed during the Communist Era. Guests can tour the bunkers to see the wine’s fermentation process before exploring the vast vineyard along paths lit by twinkling lights, where they might even spot a peacock or two.

Abaia Winery uses two types of grapes: Shesh i Zi and Shesh i Bardhë, translating to “black field” and “white field”, respectively. Both wine grape varieties originate from Albania. The winery also produces Raki, a traditional Albanian drink with an ABV of 45-50% that’s typically enjoyed alongside mezze in the company of friends and family. The winery’s restaurant, opened in 2023, is the perfect place to enjoy Albanian culture with loved ones.

Located in Santenay, Burgundy, Château de la Crée estate has a rich history. It dates to the 15th century and covers 25 acres of land. The estate grows two types of grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Forty percent of its grapevines are planted in Premier Cru sites, which have excellent conditions for growing high-quality grapes.

Château de la Crée has a variety of offerings for visitors, from cooking classes to tours of its 15th-century vaulted cellar. Guests can explore the vast estate on foot or by electric bike, with the latter offering a “fun and lively” experience that you may not find in other vineyards. Château de la Crée is also associated with Domaine Serene, a producer of award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Oregan, USA. This collaboration brings together the French winemaking tradition and modern innovation, resulting in a truly unique visit.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Dover to Calais, then drive through the rolling hills of the French countryside to Burgundy.

France has some of the richest wine history, producing world-best wines, from Merlot to Chardonnay. Learn more about wine regions in France in our essential travel guide.

Earning the title of France’s most beautiful vineyard is Château de la Crée, which also placed fifth in Europe overall. Boasting over 25 acres of flourishing grape vines, the vineyards are a remarkable sight and should be a bucket list destination for wine lovers. Next is Château de Minière, a historical walled vineyard in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation region.

How to get there: Take one of our ferries to France, setting sail from Dover to Calais or Newhaven to Dieppe and wind your way through the country to visit France’s beautiful vineyards.

There is nowhere more romantic to say “I do” than a vineyard. We’ve gathered the most picturesque European vineyards that are perfect for hosting this unforgettable day.

In first place is the English Oak Vineyard in Poole. This vineyard offers a unique space for couples to tie the knot, where they can celebrate in the traditional oak barn overlooking rows of vines. Next is Tsiakkas Winery in Cyprus. Located in the heart of the mountains, the vineyard stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a gorgeous wedding setting. In third place, Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room owes to its stunning views of the Asterousia Mountains. Located in Crete, which is often referred to as “Little Tuscany”, this vineyard guarantees a memorable wedding location.

In fourth place is Sonberk Winery in Czech Republic. Set against the UNESCO-recognised Pálava Hills, Sonberk is a picture-perfect location. Lastly, Vineria Del Carmine in Italy ranks fifth. The recently restored 16th-century farmhouse boasts rustic charm and elegance, serving as a stunning wedding venue in the historical province of Perugia.