The index evaluates each country’s potential based on five key categories:
- vineyard surface area,
- vineyard area dedicated to PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) wines,
- number of registered wines under these designations,
- total production volume, and
- international awards received.
Data sources include Eurostat, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), EU registries, and the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025.
Top-ranked destinations
- France leads with a score of 85.2 out of 100, supported by the highest number of international awards. Its renowned wine regions include Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux, each offering globally recognised wine tourism experiences.
- Italy, in second place, has the largest number of protected designations and remains Europe’s leading producer. Regions such as Tuscany, birthplace of Chianti and Montepulciano, and Piedmont, home to Barolo and Barbaresco, remain strong attractions for international visitors.
- Spain ranks third, with more than 900,000 hectares of vineyards, 97% of which are dedicated to PDO and PGI wines. From the reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to Andalusian sherry and Lanzarote’s volcanic whites, Spain offers remarkable diversity.
- Portugal comes fourth, distinguished by its high number of award-winning wines. The Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and river cruises, remains a prime wine tourism destination.
- Greece ranks fifth, leveraging a winemaking tradition dating back to the Mycenaean civilisation. Native grape varieties such as Assyrtiko in Santorini and Liatiko in Crete are drawing international attention, supported by wine tours that blend heritage, landscape, and gastronomy.
Also read → Global Conference on Wine Tourism celebrates heritage and innovation
Emerging destinations
The Index also highlights less traditional markets gaining visibility:
- Germany (6th) for its celebrated Rieslings,
- Romania (7th) for powerful reds from Dealu Mare,
- Hungary (8th) for Tokaj’s UNESCO-listed sweet wines,
- Austria (9th) for Wachau Valley’s PDO wines along the Danube, and
- Bulgaria (10th), with a winemaking history rooted in ancient Thrace.
The European Wine Tourism Index demonstrates how wine heritage is increasingly becoming a driver of destination branding and visitor diversification strategies. With younger travellers (aged 18–44) showing the strongest interest in wine and food-related activities, destinations and operators have an opportunity to design experiences that combine authenticity, culture, and gastronomy to capture a growing market segment.
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