Wine lovers, take note – there’s a deliciously exciting world beyond Bordeaux, Tuscany and Rioja. Across Europe, lesser-known wine areas are quietly pouring world class vintages, all surrounded by gentle hills, medieval villages and boutique stays that haven’t made it onto the tourist trail. Yet. Autumn is the perfect time to explore – golden vineyards, crisp air and just enough sunshine to sip outside without the crowds.
We start our journey in Portugal’s sun-soaked Douro Valley, where steep terraces cascade toward the Douro River and vines cling to granite slopes in gravity-defying patterns. Best known for Port, the region also turns out stunning reds and whites. Visit in autumn and you’ll catch the valley ablaze with colour – hop on a scenic train from Porto (a two-hour journey away), take a lazy boat ride or explore by car. Six Senses Douro Valley is the place to stay, a 19th-century manor reimagined as a serene haven, with a world-class spa and an unrivalled wine programme.
Heading northeast to eastern France, the Jura lies between Burgundy and the Swiss border. This is a land of forested slopes, misty valleys and small-scale producers making wines you won’t find anywhere else. Here you’ll find Vin Jaune, Crémant du Jura and a whole lot of character. Easily reached by train from Paris or a quick drive from Geneva, it’s readily accessible yet blissfully quiet. Check into Château De Germigney, a romantic, ivy-draped manor with fine dining, roaring fireplaces and just the right touch of French flair.
Further east, Kamptal is nestled between Vienna and the rolling hills of Lower Austria and is a postcard-perfect corner of steep vineyards, medieval castles and charming towns like Langenlois. The cool climate and loess soils produce some of the country’s most refined whites, including crisp Grüner Veltliners and mineral-driven Rieslings, and the area is conveniently reached by car or train in under two hours from Vienna. Base yourself at LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort, where sleek modern design meets vineyard views, and expert-led tastings are just part of the experience.
Moving southeast to Slovenia, the Vipava Valley is one of Europe’s best-kept wine secrets, a windswept corridor between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, where artisanal producers craft expressive, food-friendly wines from both native and international varieties. Expect elegant reds, refreshing whites and orange wines with real character. It’s only an hour from Ljubljana (or easily reached from Trieste) but feels a million miles from anywhere. Stay at Majerija, a beautifully restored farmhouse with underground cellars, rustic-chic rooms and a menu built around seasonal local ingredients.
Finally, in Hungary’s historic Eger region, just over 90 minutes from Budapest by car or train, rolling hills give way to historic vineyards, baroque town squares and atmospheric cellars carved deep into volcanic rock. The wine country’s bold, spicy reds – especially the famed Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) – are steeped in centuries of tradition. Stay at the Erla Villa Boutique Hotel, a gracefully restored mansion with just a handful of artfully designed rooms, a garden-fringed pool and a thoughtful seasonal menu. This is where you’ll find the kind of intimate luxury that feels completely unforced – sophisticated, local and utterly relaxing.
