Places To Visit In Europe For Great Food and Wine

Europe’s gastronomic landscape tells the story of its diverse cultures, traditions and regions through every bite and sip. While Paris and Rome often dominate culinary conversations, the continent harbours lesser-known food and wine paradises waiting to be savoured. From northern Spain’s pintxos culture to the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, these five destinations offer unforgettable culinary experiences that will have food lovers booking return trips before their first visit ends!

San Sebastian, Spain

Nestled along Spain’s Basque coast, San Sebastian might be the world’s dreamiest food city. This elegant seaside town boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in Europe, but its true gastronomic heart lies in its Old Town’s narrow streets lined with pintxos bars.

The pintxos culture here isn’t just about food – it’s about social connection. The small plates that crowd bar tops look like edible art: anchovies draped over crusty bread with roasted peppers, croquetas oozing béchamel sauce, and gilda – the iconic skewer of olive, anchovy and pickled pepper that pairs perfectly with txakoli, the Basque region’s slightly sparkling white wine

While three-star temples like Arzak create culinary magic with modern techniques, humble spots like Bar Nestor serve what many consider the world’s perfect tortilla española – so coveted they only make two per day!

During your trip, arrive at pintxos bars around 8:30pm and stand, never sit – part of the experience is hopping from spot to spot, collecting toothpicks along the way!

Bordeaux, France

The name Bordeaux has been synonymous with fine wine for centuries, but only recently has the city itself emerged as a culinary destination. This UNESCO-listed port city offers an elegant base for exploring what might be the world’s most famous wine region.

Wine naturally takes centre stage here. The stunning La Cité du Vin, a glass museum resembling a wine decanter, offers interactive exhibits explaining Bordeaux’s wine heritage. But the real treasures lie in the surrounding regions: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves and Sauternes, where prestigious châteaux open their cellar doors for various tasting experiences.

Bordeaux’s dining scene exceeds expectations, from traditional bistros serving classic entrecôte bordelaise to innovative chefs reimagining local ingredients. Don’t miss canelés, the city’s signature pastry with a custardy rum-infused centre.

The ideal visit to Bordeaux would be during harvest months, September-October, when the countryside buzzes with activity and seasonal menus highlight freshly gathered mushrooms and game.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ dazzles with beauty, with its medieval walls, limestone streets and vibrant azure waters. Beyond the Game of Thrones filming locations lies a varied and deeply rooted food scene.

Dubrovnik’s cuisine represents a blend of Italian, Eastern European and Mediterranean flavours. Seafood dominates menus and is often prepared with breathtaking simplicity. At harborside konobas, traditional Croatian taverns, grilled fish arrives drizzled with nothing more than local olive oil and lemon.

The surrounding Dalmatian coast produces exceptional wines from indigenous grapes like Plavac Mali and Pošip, which pair perfectly with seafood. Many family-run wineries welcome visitors to hillside tasting rooms with sweeping Adriatic views. For authentic experiences, venture to villages like Ljuta for peka, which is meat and vegetables slow-cooked under an iron bell covered with embers.

When it comes to accommodation, there are many villas in Dubrovnik to rent for group escapes. These handpicked properties offer exceptional facilities, including private pools, spacious living areas and plush interiors for an exclusive stay. 

Paros, Greece

While Santorini and Mykonos capture a lot of attention, culinary travellers increasingly turn to Paros for a more authentic taste of the Cyclades. This island offers Greece’s quintessential charms alongside a buzzing food scene.

Here, the focus stays firmly on fresh seafood, local ingredients and generational recipes. In fishing villages like Naoussa, octopus dries in the sun before being grilled over charcoal and drizzled with lemon.

What distinguishes Parian cuisine is its connection to the island’s surprisingly fertile landscape, producing exceptional vegetables, honey and dairy. Don’t miss the island’s famed cheeses – xinomizithra and kefalotyri – sometimes simply drizzled with local thyme honey for a perfect sweet-savory dessert.

Small-scale vineyards produce distinctive grape varieties like Monemvasia and Mandilaria, with tasting rooms often run by winemakers combining traditional and modern methods for a unique flavour.

For those looking to stay in Paros, there are some incredible Paros luxury villas available. These villas are the perfect place to unwind, with direct beach access and idyllic views, providing the perfect peaceful escape. 

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is the heartland of Italian wine and food, earning its place in the gastronomic world through its top-quality ingredients, straightforward preparation and respect for tradition.

Beyond Florence’s tourist centres lie rolling hills, producing Italy’s most coveted wines.Chianti Classico’s territory offers Sangiovese-based wines and agriturismi farmhouses where visitors can participate in seasonal activities like olive harvesting. The Val d’Orcia produces the famed Brunello di Montalcino, while nearby Montepulciano offers its distinctive Vino Nobile.

Base your stay in smaller towns like Pienza, famous for pecorino cheese, or San Gimignano, venturing to rural restaurants where recipes remain unchanged for generations. From hearty wild boar ragu to refreshing panzanella with Tuscan bread, there are many authentic dishes to choose from.

Early autumn brings harvest festivals celebrating everything from wine and olive oil to truffles and chestnuts, with special menus and community celebrations that welcome visitors into Tuscany’s continuing culinary story.

Final Thoughts 

Europe is a treasure trove of delicious food and wine, making it a hotspot for culinary tourism. From the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux to the quiet seafront of Paros and the historical Old Town of Dubrovnik, each destination promises a unique charm, and plenty of delicious things to bite into, sip and order again and again!