These are the best wine regions in Europe, with Slovenia claiming top spot above France and Italy

A recent ranking unveiled Europe's premier wine regions, with Slovenia taking the top spot ahead of France and Italy. The esteemed Štajerska region, encompassing Maribor, Ptuj, Jeruzalem Slovenija, Haloze, Slovenske gorice, Ravno polje, and Pohorje, surpassed over 90 other renowned wine territories in countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Greece, and Georgia.

The evaluation considered various factors such as grape variety diversity, wine styles, cellar and tasting room count, landscape beauty, sustainability, and accessibility.

Štajerska earned its top ranking due to its "remarkable wine stories," said Maximilien Lejeune, director of European Best Destinations. This region embodies the qualities sought after by modern European travelers, including authenticity, breathtaking landscapes, a rich wine culture, exceptional expertise, and a strong regional identity. From the world's oldest vine in Maribor to historic wine cellars in Ptuj, wine roads, vineyards, and the people preserving these traditions, wine in Štajerska is more than just a product.

Italy's Langhe-Roero-Monferrato secured the second position, with its Nebbiolo red wine grape variety and truffles in autumn highlighting the area. Ribeira Sacra in Spain, praised as one of Europe's most dramatic wine landscapes with terraces carved into canyon walls of the Sil and Miño rivers, claimed the third place. Riesling and Grüner Veltliner enthusiasts will appreciate Kamptal in Austria, which landed the fourth spot.

Lastly, Chianti Rufina in Tuscany, considered the "quieter, more intimate sibling of Chianti Classico," rounded out the top five.