Italy has four areas among the best wine regions in Europe for 2027, more than any other country.
Langhe, Roero and Monferrato take second place overall, followed by Chianti Rufina (5th), Etna (7th) and Valle d’Aosta (10th). First place goes to a surprise winner: Štajerska in Slovenia.
The ranking was compiled by European Best Destinations, the portal that publishes several of Europe’s most closely followed travel rankings each year.
Langhe, Roero and Monferrato in second place
Langhe, Roero and Monferrato take second place with a score of 18.8/20 and an experience index of 9.7/10. They sit just behind the Slovenian winner and ahead of names such as Spain’s Ribeira Sacra and Austria’s Kamptal.
Since 2014, these vineyard landscapes have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected as an exceptional example of the relationship between people and vineyards built up over centuries.
The area’s wine-making heart lies in Nebbiolo, the grape behind two world-renowned names: Barolo and Barbaresco. The region also produces Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato, among Piedmont’s finest wines.
The secret of the Langhe lies in the connection between wine and food. Family-run wineries sit alongside a deeply rooted food tradition: Alba white truffles, hazelnuts dotting the slopes beside the vineyards, and local cheeses.
Other award-winning wine regions in Italy
With four regions in the ranking, Italy is the best-represented country in the entire top 12. Austria and France have two entries each, while Slovenia, Spain, Portugal and Greece have one apiece.
Chianti Rufina
Tuscany takes fifth place, although it is not Chianti Classico that appears in the ranking but a sub-zone less familiar to the wider public: Chianti Rufina. It lies north-east of Florence, where vineyards climb towards the foothills of the Apennines.
Altitude is what defines the area’s style. The cooler climate gives Sangiovese wines freshness, structure and fragrance, often with strong ageing potential. The Pomino area, with its centuries-old tradition, and estates such as Castello di Nipozzano also reflect the region’s long-standing wine-making heritage.
Etna
Sicily takes seventh place, with the same score as Chianti Rufina (18/20) but a slightly lower experience index (9.2/10). The result confirms just how much Etna has become one of the most talked-about areas in international wine over the past two decades.
Vineyards climb the slopes of an active volcano, planted in dark lava soils and supported by stone terraces. The result is Sicilian wine with a distinctive character:
- Nerello Mascalese: elegant, structured reds, often compared with great Pinot Noir for their finesse;
- Carricante: fresh, savoury whites with pronounced minerality.
Valle d’Aosta
Completing Italy’s entries is Valle d’Aosta, in tenth place with 17.6/20 and an index of 9.1/10. Its terraced vineyards run along Alpine slopes at altitudes that are among Europe’s highest in some areas. Steep inclines, cool mountain air and marked temperature changes between day and night produce fresh, mineral wines.
The real treasure, though, lies in the native grape varieties. Fumin and Petit Rouge for reds, and Prié Blanc for whites are local varieties that are difficult to find elsewhere, making each tasting feel like a small discovery.
Where is the best wine region in Europe?
According to the 2027 European Best Destinations ranking, the best wine region in Europe is Štajerska, Slovenia, with a score of 19.5/20 and a Wine Excellence Experience Index of 9.8/10—the highest of the entire ranking. Here you'll find vineyard-covered hills, family-run wineries, local grape varieties little-known abroad, and a surprisingly rich winemaking history.
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