Dubbed the ‘Tuscany of Portugal’, Alentejo is lesser known than its Italian wine country counterparts, which is a bonus in itself. Flanked by idyllic beaches, the rugged, sleepy region comes alive with holidaymakers in July and August, while October and November are the best months for making your wine pilgrimage there. November is a particularly good time, as it’s when the Festa da Vinha e do Vinho (festival of the vine and of wine) happens.

Wine with a side of Michelin-starred restaurants (55, to be exact) are waiting for you in Catalonia. Cava’s sparkling whites and rosés, and Tempranillo are all made here, as is some of Europe’s best food. Need a break from all the dining and imbibing? Medieval architecture and the Costa Brava’s sparkling coastline are on hand to recharge you.

Pay tribute to one of the world’s most prestigious wines at its birthplace. With Reims as its capital (there are express trains running from Paris multiple times a day) it’s here where you’ll immerse yourself in the magic of Champagne’s history and it’s complex wine-making process. The relatively small region is home to some of the biggest names in the world: Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Pommery among them. Stunning chateaus and Michelin-starred dining also abounds.

Stretching from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany’s rolling hills and medieval towns are home to some of Italy’s most famous appellations: Chianti Classico, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di san Gimignano – the list goes on. If red wine, slow food (the farmer’s kitchens are out of this world), landscape and art are high on your agenda, Tuscany won’t disappoint.

All self-respecting oenophiles need to make this pilgrimage once in their lifetime. Historic regions like Medoc and the UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion are a must, but there’s plenty of new up-and-comers, too. Whether it’s a prestigious chateaux or one of countless smaller family-owned estates, you can’t really go wrong. As France’s largest wine region, Bordeaux has birthed some of the best and most diverse drops in the world. And that’s not even factoring in the breathtaking beaches, woodlands and architecture.

This heart-shaped peninsular feels separate to the rest of Croatia. It’s famous for producing world-class wines, olive oils, and truffles. While away your days in the coastal resorts of Rovinj, Poreč and Novigrad, or head to the main town of Pula for some top-notch dining. You’ll find native varietals like the full-bodied and fruity white Malvazija, the red Teran, and popular international ones as well.

The cliff-flanked island holiday spot famous for producing the world’s most romantic sunsets is also responsible for some of the most distinctive wines in the Mediterranean. It’s all thanks to aspa, a unique blend of volcanic soil thought to impart a rich minerality into the wines. Popular varietals include assyrtiko and vinsanto, best paired with local cheese. And of course, that magical amber sunset as your backdrop.