For decades, the wine world has bowed to France and Italy. But the latest ranking from European Best Destinations flips that script. The organization evaluated more than 90 wine territories across the continent, weighing heritage, grape diversity, landscapes, food, hospitality, sustainability, and how easy it is to actually get there. The result? A Slovenian region took the crown, and it's not one you've heard of.
Štajerska in Slovenia claimed the top spot for 2027, followed by Italy's Langhe-Roero-Monferrato and Spain's Ribeira Sacra. The full top 12 spans seven countries, from Austria's Kamptal to Greece's Naoussa. These are places where wine tasting naturally blends with local food, history, and countryside walks.
The Full Top 12 Wine Regions for 2027
- Štajerska, Slovenia
- Langhe-Roero-Monferrato, Italy
- Ribeira Sacra, Spain
- Kamptal, Austria
- Chianti Rufina, Italy
- Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, France
- Etna, Italy
- Saumur and Anjou, France
- Wachau, Austria
- Valle d'Aosta, Italy
- Alentejo, Portugal
- Naoussa, Greece
Why Štajerska Won
Štajerska isn't just a pretty vineyard region. It's a living archive of winemaking history. In Maribor, a vine over 450 years old holds the title of the world's oldest. Wine cellars stretch beneath the city center, while the surrounding hills are quilted with vineyards. Nearby Ptuj preserves Zlata trta, a 1917 vintage considered Slovenia's oldest surviving wine. And Gornja Radgona is where the country's first sparkling wine was born in 1852. These aren't just stops on a tour; they're chapters in a story.
Beyond the towns, country roads connect family-run wineries and hillside villages. One of the most photographed spots is the heart-shaped bend at Špičnik, where the road curves through rows of vines. In Jeruzalem Slovenija, sunny slopes and cool nights create ideal conditions for white grapes like Šipon. Haloze offers a steeper challenge, with vineyards clinging to demanding hillsides. Keep an eye out for klopotci, wooden wind-powered contraptions that clatter to scare birds away from the grapes. Tastings range from historic urban cellars to modern estates, so you can experience the region's wine culture from every angle.
Italy and Spain Take Silver and Bronze
Second place goes to Langhe-Roero-Monferrato in Piedmont, where vineyards share the landscape with hazelnut groves, castles, and medieval villages. This is the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape. But there's more to explore: Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato offer a wider palette. Food is just as important here. Local cheeses, hazelnuts, and Alba's white truffles pair perfectly with the wines. Autumn is the standout season, when truffle season peaks and the vineyards turn gold and crimson.
Ribeira Sacra in Galicia took third place, and its setting is pure drama. The Sil and Miño rivers have carved deep canyons, and vines grow on narrow terraces cut into the steep hillsides. The main red grape, Mencía, produces aromatic wines shaped by altitude and slate soils. Small wineries and ancient monasteries dot the landscape, offering stops between tastings and hikes. You can also explore the rivers by boat or follow walking trails through the terraces, making this a wine trip that's as much about the outdoors as the glass.
Austria and Tuscany Round Out the Top Five
Kamptal in Austria finished fourth, with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner leading the charge. Around the town of Langenlois, historic family estates sit alongside cutting-edge wineries. Vineyard trails invite you to wander between cellar visits, and traditional Heurige taverns serve local wines with hearty food. The mix of old-school winemaking and modern architecture gives the region a distinct character.
Fifth place went to Chianti Rufina, a compact wine area northeast of Florence. Its vineyards climb into the Apennine foothills, where cooler temperatures and higher elevations shape Sangiovese wines. Visitors can combine tastings with walks through vineyards and olive groves, and stay at agriturismi for a true farm experience. Florence is close enough to pair a city break with countryside wine tasting, making it an easy addition to any Tuscany itinerary.
From Slovenia's ancient cellars to Galicia's vertiginous terraces, this ranking proves that Europe's wine map is far more diverse than France and Italy alone. The appeal goes beyond the liquid in your glass. It's about the landscapes, the food, and the communities that give each region its soul. If you're planning a wine trip for 2027, consider starting in Slovenia. You might just find your new favorite vintage.
