Romantic Getaways For Food and Wine Lovers

Couples who enjoy good food and wine have plenty of options in Europe. Winter or summer, the continent is packed with regions where you can take it slow, enjoy a meal, and taste wine straight from the source. 

These trips aren’t about ticking off attractions or doing everything at once. They’re about wandering through streets, stopping at markets, and sharing a bottle with the right view. A romantic getaway in these spots doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs time to taste, explore, and talk.

 Here are five destinations where meals and wine make the trip, rather than just being part of it.

Bordeaux, France – Vineyards and Local Flavours

Bordeaux is quiet in winter, which is perfect if you want to focus on wine without the crowds. You can explore with Bordeaux wine tours that take you through small vineyards outside the city. Many of them are family-run, and the people running them are happy to talk about their process while pouring a few glasses. 

There’s also the city itself: small cafés, bakeries, and local markets where you can pick up bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Walking along the Garonne River or through the old town, it’s easy to find spots for lunch or a casual tasting. 

The pace is slow. You can take your time moving between tastings, linger over meals, and simply enjoy the region without any rush. Bordeaux isn’t just a beautiful city; it serves good wine and food consistently, which is perfect for true foodie couples.

Tuscany, Italy – Rolling Hills and Hearty Meals

Tuscany is always a good idea if you’re into rustic food and local wine. In winter or early spring, the hills are calmer, and you can see the way vineyards and olive groves spread across the landscape. 

Local trattorias focus on dishes you’ll remember: pasta with fresh ingredients, slow-cooked meats, and cheeses from nearby farms. Wine flows naturally at lunch and dinner, often accompanied by a simple plate of bread. 

There’s no need for reservations in small towns – just walk into a place that looks lived-in and sit down. Driving or cycling through the countryside is part of the experience: stop at a farm, taste the oil and wine, and continue. 

Tuscany isn’t about flashy experiences. It’s about being in a place where the food and wine belong to the land and the people, and where sharing a meal feels effortless.

Monaco – Elegant Streets and Quiet Indulgence

Monaco isn’t all casinos and yachts. There’s a side that’s much quieter, with narrow streets, small cafés, and terraces overlooking the harbour. If you’re planning a getaway around an event, it makes sense to choose F1 tickets in the Monaco Grand Prix season, but there’s plenty to do in winter too. 

You can wander past luxury shops without feeling pressured, find bakeries with fresh pastries, and stop for seafood at local restaurants. Wine and small plates are easy to enjoy at almost any hour. Walking along the coast, you’ll notice how the city curves around the water, offering quiet spots to sit and look at the view. 

Monaco’s charm isn’t loud. It’s the small details, like the light on the water, a plate of fresh seafood, a well-poured glass of rosé, that make it feel like a romantic escape.

Douro Valley, Portugal – River Views and Wine Houses

The Douro Valley is quiet in winter, which makes it easy to enjoy the vineyards without crowds. Rivers curve through the hills, and wineries still welcome visitors for tastings and small tours. You’ll find staff ready to pour, explain, and let you move on at your own pace. 

Many estates have rooms if you want to stay overnight, so you can enjoy a long lunch with wine right next to where it’s made. Walking along the vineyards is simple and satisfying. You notice the colours of the hills, the way the vines are pruned, and the occasional worker tending the soil. 

The pace here is slow and flexible. Meals and tastings feel natural rather than like part of a schedule. It’s a place to taste and observe, not to rush, which suits couples looking for calm and flavour.

Champagne, France – Bubbles and Local Eats

Champagne is easy to enjoy in the off-season. Houses outside Reims or Épernay welcome visitors who want to taste the product at the source. Lunches often include local bread, cheese, and charcuterie, paired with glasses of sparkling wine. 

Touring isn’t about crowds or performance; it’s about seeing where the grapes grow and how they become Champagne. Small producers let you walk the vineyards and cellars, explaining the process casually while you taste. 

Even in winter, the region is alive with people who care about what they produce, and it shows in the wine and the food. Town cafés offer simple meals that feel local rather than touristy. It’s not flashy. You walk, taste, and eat at your own pace. 

That makes Champagne feel approachable – a quiet and satisfying choice for couples who enjoy wine with a side of relaxed discovery.

Which Destination Is Calling Your Name?

Romantic trips for food and wine lovers don’t need to be busy or overplanned. Bordeaux, Monaco, Tuscany, the Douro Valley, and Champagne each offer meals and wines that fit the season and the pace you choose.

Sharing a glass or a plate in a quiet café, walking through vineyards, or sitting by a river are the moments that matter. A trip like this is less about ticking boxes and more about enjoying food and wine together, at a pace that feels natural and easy.