Updated: December 10, 2024

Portugal takes the crown as the best country for wine lovers – find out more about what makes this captivating country stand out.

The 8th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism has gathered leading stakeholders in the wine sphere to explore innovative strategies to promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism models focusing on highlighting wine heritage and culture.  

Bounce, a travel and luggage company, analyzed official data to show the leading countries in wine production export, wine-tasting experiences, and expansive vineyards to highlight the prime destinations for wine enthusiasts to discover.  

What are the leading destinations for wine connoisseurs? 

 Portugal ranks in prime position, outranking renowned wine countries such as Italy and France. The full list can be seen below.  

  1. Portugal 
  2. Italy
  3. France
  4. Spain
  5. Moldova
  6. Chile
  7. Hungary
  8. Georgia
  9. New Zealand
  10. Australia
  11. Greece
  12. South Africa

Want to go one step further and buy a vineyard in Portugal? Find out how

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Portugal in Pole Position

Portugal took the crown as the best destination for wine lovers for the second year in a row based on wine heritage and affordability, with a score of 8.96 out of 10. The average price for a bottle is around €4.67 per bottle (the cheapest of the top three ranking countries) and the quality is largely exceptional, while Portugal is also a massive wine producer, producing 71.5 liters of wine per person.  

Portugal has a rich history of winemaking, dating back to at least 2000 BC when vines were planted by the Tartessians in the Southern Sado and Tagus Valleys. Today, many travelers head to Portugal Specifically for the wines, with the proximity of wine regions to cities such as Lisbon and Porto perfect for a long weekend, those looking to taste some of the country’s remarkable vintages or enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience. The country’s wine is a key pillar of Portugal tourism.  

Portugal has many different wine varieties, but the Douro region stands out, home to some of the most highly regarded wines in the world, including port and red grape varieties such Touriga Nacional.  

Elsewhere, the Alentejo is also a must-visit, known for its fruitier reds, while in the Minho province, you can find the famous green wine (Vinho Verde), perfect for long summer evenings.  

If you are seeking vineyards for sale in Portugal, then you’ll find many options across the country, with wine tourism an attractive investment option for investors looking to secure a nice return on their investment. More and more tourists are heading to the interior of Portugal to enjoy peace and quiet and enjoy the country’s incredible gastronomy.  

Italy ranked in second position, with a score of 8.68, well known for its extensive vineyards and variety of wine-tasting tours, alongside being the largest wine exporter, exporting 21.366 million hectoliters.  

France and Spain share third place with a score each of 7.92 out of 10. France has a slightly higher price for wine – clocking in at around €7 per bottle and significant consumption (35.8 liters per person), while Spain does very well in wine distribution, exporting more than 20 million hectoliters in the last year. 

Looking for an unrivalled living experience? Want to know where you can find the best villas in Portugal with a vineyard?

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