Europe is synonymous with fine wine, a legacy built over millennia of innovation, tradition and passion. From the sun-soaked vineyards of Spain to the rolling hills of Italy and the terraced landscapes of Portugal, Europe’s wine culture is as diverse as it is storied.

Such enthusiasm has unsurprisingly resulted in a wave of demand. The European Union is currently the world’s largest producer of wine: In 2020, it accounted for 45% of global wine-growing areas, 64% of production and 48% of consumption.

But what sets European wines apart as some of the best in the world? Here’s what makes this continent a global wine leader.

Geographical Indications

European wines are renowned for their quality and authenticity, thanks in part to stringent labeling systems like the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). 

For example, Italy’s Chianti Classico PDO wines must be produced within specific areas of Tuscany and adhere to strict guidelines, including a minimum Sangiovese content of 80%. Similarly, PGI guidelines dictate that 85% of the grapes used in Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley wines must hail from the area in which the wine is produced. 

These labels guarantee that a wine is produced in a specific region using traditional methods, ensuring high standards and the preservation of cultural heritage. 

Deep Heritage and Diverse Terroir

Across Europe’s various wine industries, history is very much alive and well. Its impact can be seen in even the most innovative modern practices. 

Techniques pioneered by the ancient Greeks and Romans, like amphorae for storage, have evolved into today’s oak-barrel aging, a practice employed from Rioja to Bordeaux and beyond. In the field, vine training methods developed in Roman times laid the foundation for modern viticulture practices throughout Europe. Even earlier, Greek philosophers were among the first to recognize the impact of different soil types on the quality of grapes.

European winemakers continue to invest in centuries-old traditions, whether it be the Champenoise method in Champagne or foot-treading of grapes in Portugal’s Douro Valley for premium Port.

Much of Europe’s winemaking heritage is deeply tied to its diverse terroir, which lends its wines unparalleled complexity. There are too many different climates and soil compositions to possibly name in full here. But suffice to say, if one were to grow the same grape varietal in both the volcanic soils of Sicily and the limestone-rich landscapes of Burgundy, the bottlings produced would prove wildly different. Each European region boasts distinct terroir that lends its wines a true sense of place.

An Eye to the Future

Across Europe, winemakers embrace both new and old techniques, allowing them to craft wines that honor their heritage while embracing quality improvements.

This attitude has led to investments in sustainable viticulture and eco-conscious winemaking. In addition, many winemakers have pursued organic and biodynamic certifications.

“In the Czech Republic, for example, many vineyards are dedicated to organic and sustainable practices, employing methods such as landscape management and natural yeast fermentations,” says wine educator Nicole Muscari. Many wineries are even using renewable energy, like solar power. 

This fusion of tradition and innovation ensures the enduring legacy of European winemaking through a sustainable future.

Lesser-Known Gems

While regions like the Loire Valley and Rioja are household names, places like Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia are home to distinctive wines with unique histories that only continue to earn recognition. 

From Slovenia’s crisp Rebula to Hungary’s golden Tokaji and Cyprus’s legendary Commandaria crafted from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, the European wine landscape’s lesser-known gems are making waves.

Tokaji, in particular, is breaking through to consumers. Google searches for the term hit their highest point in the last five years at the end of 2025. 

“Tokaji is a scenic region known for its renowned Tokaji Aszú, a wine made from grapes affected by noble rot, producing intense flavors, deep color, and remarkable aromatic qualities” says Muscari.

Many other European wines are gaining steam with consumers. They include sparkling wines such as pét-nats from Portugal, red sparkling Lambrusco PDO from Mantovano in Italy and Crémant de Bourgogne PDO from France. 

For rosé enthusiasts eager to explore beyond Provence, Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley, Greece’s Naoussa and Germany’s Württemberg regions deliver exceptional options.

Fans of orange wine can look to Slovenia’s PDO Štajerska Slovenija, while those craving crisp, refreshing whites might explore Morava PDO from Czechia, Kamptal PDO from Austria and Spain’s Getariako Txakolina PDO. Red wine lovers can dive into Greece’s Μακεδονία-Macedonia PGI, Slovakia’s Dingač PDO or Croatia’s Skaramuča.

These diverse and vibrant regions reflect a growing trend of wine enthusiasts seeking new flavors in unexpected places.

Discover More

Europe’s wines are more than just beverages—they are stories in a bottle, waiting to be discovered. To delve deeper into the world of European wine, visit the website at More Than Food. 

For even more, explore the podcast series European Tasty Tales with storyteller Nicole Muscari to uncover fascinating stories behind Europe’s winemaking traditions that take you from the bustling markets of France to the quiet vineyards of Austria.

To stay updated on European culinary delights and wine offerings, follow @MoreThanFoodUS.​

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