Travel Tips

7 beautiful wine regions in Europe to visit this autumn

From Bordeaux to Tuscany, discover seven stunning wine regions in Europe where the autumn air smells of fermenting grapes and every glass tells a story of the season.

Calling all wine lovers! Autumn brings wine harvest season across Europe, when picturesque vineyards come alive with the rich scents of fermenting grapes and the stunning sights of colorful autumn foliage.

Add to this, fewer crowds and mild weather, and it’s the perfect time to explore scenic wine regions in Europe.

But where exactly should you go?

From intimate cellar tours to tasting rooms tucked in historic villages, we’re walking you through the seven most beautiful wine regions in Europe this Autumn!

In this article

Bordeaux, France: Château tastings and cabernet dreams

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Autumn in Bordeaux is a feast for the senses. Golden leaves rustle beneath workers as they carefully pick ripe grapes, while the rich, earthy scent of fermentation drifts from nearby cellars.

The region’s vineyards are home to world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, which are celebrated during the Bordeaux Wine Festival in October. Visiting Bordeaux during this time will guarantee an endless array of tastings, vineyard tours, and lively local markets.

What’s more, because Autumn sees fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy intimate château tastings and a closer glimpse into Bordeaux’s winemaking process.

Top tip: Pair your tastings with regional specialties like duck confit or a hearty cassoulet.

Nearest international airport: Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)

Stay connected while vineyard-hopping across Bordeaux’s countryside with Holafly’s eSIM for France.

Tuscany, Italy: Slow living and sangiovese

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While Tuscany is one of the most popular summer wine regions in Europe, Autumn is when it’s most pleasant, in terms of both weather and crowds.

Autumn transforms Tuscany from endless greenery into a patchwork of golden and auburn hills, where vineyards and olive groves bask in soft sunlight. By October, the region’s Sangiovese grapes reach peak ripeness, making it the perfect time to taste robust Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines straight from the source.

Autumn also brings lively truffle and wine fairs, such as the San Miniato National White Truffle Market Exhibition in November. This is a fantastic time to be in the area, as you’ll have the opportunity to join in tastings and cooking demonstrations, and try some rustic, artisanal products.

Top tip: Stay at an agriturismo (farm stay) for a full sensory experience of walking through misty vineyards at dawn, sampling fresh pasta paired with local reds, and enjoying warm, hearty meals cooked with seasonal ingredients.

Nearest international airport: Florence Airport (FLR) or Pisa International Airport (PSA).

Holafly’s eSIM for Italy keeps your trip smooth with instant, high-speed data.

Douro Valley, Portugal: River cruises and timeless traditions

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In Autumn, Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards turn fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a breathtaking backdrop against the winding river.

Douro Valley is famed for Port and robust red wines, and during Autumn, you can join in the harvest traditions (vindimas) with grape-stomping tours.

Quaint quintas (wine estates) are open to guests for tastings paired with local cheeses, smoked meats, and freshly baked bread. Many quintas also run B&Bs, so you can stay directly in the Douro Valley and admire the glowing vines from your balcony.

Top tip: Hop on a traditional rabelo boat in Pinhão and take a sunset river cruise through the valley for epic views.

Nearest international airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto.

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Rioja, Spain: Tapas trails and bold reds

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Autumn is the perfect time to explore Rioja, Spain’s iconic wine region, renowned for its bold red wines, such as Tempranillo. The harvest season brings a golden glow to the vineyards and a lively atmosphere in the medieval towns scattered across La Rioja.

It’s a wonderful time of year to wander the cobbled streets of cute towns like Haro, Laguardia, and Briones. Here you’ll find many centuries-old bodegas that offer tastings of their robust reds, from Crianza to Gran Reserva.

Top tip: Pairing wines with tapas is a must! Prepare to indulge in mouthwatering local specialties, including chorizo, aged cheeses, and pintxos.

Nearest international airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO).

Planning your tapas trail or winery route through La Rioja? Holafly’s eSIM for Spain makes it easy to explore and post your favorite pintxos moments without hunting for Wi-Fi.

Wachau Valley, Austria: Amber vineyards and fairytale villages

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The picturesque 36km (22-mile) Wachau Valley is a UNESCO-listed region famous for its Riesling and Grüner Veltliner vineyards. Come October, the vine leaves turn amber and gold, and the crisp air fills with a peaceful ambiance.

It’s a beautiful time to cycle or hike through the valley, visiting quaint villages and exploring medieval castles. A popular trail is the 12.5km Wachau World Heritage Trail, a vineyard walk from Dürnstein to Krems, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for tastings and vineyard tours.

Top tip: Stop into some local heurigers (wine taverns) to sample “Sturm,” the region’s fizzy, freshly pressed wine that’s celebrated every harvest season in Austria.

Nearest international airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE).

Enjoy a seamless cycling trip through Austria’s UNESCO valleys with Holafly’s eSIM for Austria, which keeps your maps and travel guides available even between small towns.

Maribor, Slovenia: Boutique wineries and old-world charm

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As the heart of Slovenia’s wine country, Maribor is another of the best wine regions in Europe. And in Autumn, it comes alive with old-world charm and harvest spirit.

Maribor is home to the world’s oldest grapevine (Žametovka), which is over 400 years old! Every October, locals honor it during the Old Vine Festival, a huge celebration featuring wine tastings, live music, and traditional food stalls where you can sample local delicacies.

The rolling hills outside the city are dotted with boutique wineries, such as Horvat and Ramsak, where you can savor elegant Šipon and rich Pinot Noir, as well as enjoy culinary experiences.

Top tip: Many wineries offer seasonal food pairings like Karst prosciutto or roasted chestnuts, which complement Slovenia’s autumn wines beautifully.

Nearest international airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU).

Holafly’s eSIM for Slovenia ensures you stay connected throughout your Slovenian escape.

Tokaj, Hungary: Castle Cellars, and Golden Hillsides

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Nestled in northeastern Hungary, Tokaj is a historic wine region famed for its sweet dessert wines, particularly the legendary Tokaji Aszú. The terraced vineyards along the Tisza and Bodrog rivers glisten gold, especially as the sun sets over the autumn-hued landscape.

This UNESCO World Heritage region is shaped by a thousand-year-old winemaking tradition, which is celebrated every October during the Tokaj Hills Harvest Days event. The event features a traditional parade, a grape collection ceremony, artisan and craft markets, and live music.

Top tip: Make the most of harvest season by visiting the town’s centuries-old, castle-like wine cellars, like Rákóczi and Hímesudvar. Here you can taste rare vintage wines while learning about traditional Hungarian fermentation techniques.

Nearest international airport: Debrecen International Airport (DEB) or Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

Capture the magic of Tokaj’s castle-cellar tours and share them instantly with Holafly’s eSIM for Hungary.

Seamlessly Sip Your Way Through Europe’s Wine Regions with Holafly

When planning your European trip this Autumn, Holafly is here to help.

With easy-to-install eSIMs that keep you connected in every European country, you can share your tasting adventures in real time, check local harvest festivals, and navigate from one boutique winery to the next without missing a beat.

Check out Holafly’s Europe eSIM here and stay connected wherever you go, even in the most remote vineyard!

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