Did you know that a survey found that the UK consumed the equivalent of 1.77 billion bottles of wine in 2020?
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or are looking to improve your knowledge by visiting a region known for its exquisite wines, these incredible destinations in Europe could be perfect for you.
From the delicious amber wines of Kakheti, Georgia to the brilliant wine festivals of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, read on to discover the top five weekend getaways for wine connoisseurs.
1. Kakheti, Georgia
Georgia is often referred to as the “birthplace of wine”, thanks to its long winemaking history spanning over 8,000 years.
Kakheti is the country’s main wine-producing region. The warm climate on the eastern side of Georgia is home to their iconic native grapes, the dark red saperavi and the unique white rkatsiteli.
The region is also famous for its popular amber wines. These are made from their delicious local white grapes, which are fermented in contact with their skins and stems in a clay amphorae called “qvevri”.
The process is a UNESCO world heritage-listed tradition and is what gives these amazing wines their distinct complex profile and famous colour. On your visit, be sure to keep an eye out for the wineries who are happy to let you observe this ancient technique.
Kakheti is only an hour from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi. In between exploring their beautiful vineyards and enjoying the local wine, you can also visit their historic monasteries and the picturesque Tusheti National Park.
2. Setúbal, Portugal
Portugal has grown in popularity over the past few years, which means their previously underrated wines – from regions such as the Alentejo, the Douro Valley, and Vinho Verde – are starting to get the appreciation they deserve.
However, there are still some wine regions flying under the radar that you can explore.
The Setúbal Peninsula is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon and is known for its fortified wines made with moscatel grapes. The picturesque coastal region also produces amazing dry wines, including aromatic whites made from these local grapes and bold reds from the native castelão.
Beyond tasting their delicious wines or visiting the local wineries, such as Quinta do Piloto, you can also relax on sunny beaches, enjoy delicious seafood specialities, and tour the gorgeous Castelo de Palmela.
3. Bordeaux, France
A holiday to Bordeaux has become a right of passage for wine lovers thanks to its iconic winemaking history.
Bordeaux had already started to earn fame for its wines as far back as the first century AD when the Romans first started to plant vineyards and produce wine, and it remains one of the most popular destinations for wine tourists today.
The two most popular grapes from the area remain the cabernet sauvignon and merlot, but Bordeaux is also home to the world’s finest white wines.
For example, Chateau d’Yquem produces high-quality sweet wines from their sauternes and barsac grapes, which are exported all over the world.
Between exploring the famous Chateaus and stunning vineyards, you can also soak up the rich history of the area by exploring the ruins scattered over the region as well as enjoying a gentle cruise down the river.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
If you fancy a staycation, why not spend a weekend exploring the incredible city of Edinburgh?
Although Scotland isn’t the ideal place to grow the grapes that make your wine, it does have a rich history of creating and distributing wine and other spirits.
Cockburns of Leith is Scotland’s oldest wine and spirits merchant. Founded in 1796, they have bottled and shipped wine and spirits across the UK and the world for over two centuries, and continue to do so today. You can visit their shop or book a wine tasting session to explore their wide variety of delicious wines.
If you’re looking for something more modern, there are also plenty of wine bars for you to explore across Edinburgh.
For naturally made wines, visit Spry for their delicious small plates, knowledgeable staff, and constantly revolving wine list. Or, if you fancy some Scottish tapas alongside your wine, enjoy a delicious experience in The Bon Vivant.
5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The valley of the Maritsa River is where the best winemakers grew their grape varieties 5,000 years ago, and still do to this day.
Plovdiv is a favourite destination for people searching for mouth-watering cuisine to go with their wine. Whether you choose to indulge in their gourmet cuisine or homestyle food, you can rest assured that your meal will be completely authentic and accompanied by a large wine list from the biggest wine region in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is most famous for its ancient wine varieties. The dimyat grape produces a well-structured white wine with a sweet edge, while their mavrud grape – indigenous to the Thracian Valley – produces a spicy, full-bodied wine.
Plovdiv boasts a beautiful Old Town and a fascinating Kapana Creative District, filled with incredible restaurants and shops for you to explore. The city is also gaining popularity for its culinary festivals.
Whether you visit during The Wine and Gourmet Festival in May or The Young Wine Festival in November, you know you’ll get to experience delicious local food and drink.