5 Places In Europe For A Wine Holiday

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 and vast estate, which offers tastings and pairings, workshops, barrel room tours and more. For something under the radar, head to Hacienda El Ternero 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 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. 

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 offers a two-hour tasting at its family run estate, while Sandeman's Quinta do Seixo 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 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 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.