The Burrow
Sep 26, 2025
Wine tourism has grown significantly in recent years, with the global market expected to reach US$358.6 billion by 2035.1 More travellers than ever are choosing to spend their holidays in vineyards and wineries, and it’s not hard to see why. These trips go beyond what’s in your glass, offering the chance to explore breath taking landscapes, learn about centuries-old traditions, and create lasting memories along the way.
To guide wine enthusiasts, Compare the Market’s travel experts analysed more than 50 wine regions worldwide, ranking them on measures that reflect both visitor experience and wine quality. This index highlights the world’s most exciting oenotourism hotspots to visit in 2025.
From a cellar-door wine tasting in Tuscany to a vineyard tour in the Barossa Valley, these experiences are shaping the way people explore the world.
To see the results for our 2022 study, click here.
Our analysis covered more than 1,700 wineries and vineyards across renowned regions around the world, using five key factors:
More than half of the wine regions in our index are in Europe, with Italy, Spain and France leading the way thanks to their centuries-old traditions, diverse climates, and global prestige. The United States also stands out, with multiple entries showing the strength of its wine tourism industry beyond Napa Valley. Together, these destinations highlight why Europe and North America continue to dominate the global oenotourism scene.
Tuscany takes the crown with an index score of 86.18. Home to rolling hills, medieval towns, and some of the world’s most famous wines, it boasts 60 top-rated venues with an impressive average rating of 4.79. Visitors can explore Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans, each showcasing centuries of winemaking tradition.
In second place with a score of 70.22, Piedmont is Italy’s proud home of Barolo and Barbaresco. With 33 highly rated venues and an average rating of 4.79, this region blends rustic charm with world-class wines. The Nebbiolo grape dominates here, producing wines beloved by critics and travellers alike. Piedmont is a bucket-list stop for anyone chasing both quality and authenticity.
Rioja ranks third at 68.92, powered by 32 top-rated venues and a particularly strong average review count (348.54). Famous for its bold red blends, Rioja perfectly merges tradition and modern innovation. Travellers are drawn not only to the quality of wine but also to the sheer variety of experiences, from small family-owned bodegas to expansive, architecturally stunning wineries.
Scoring 67.57, Napa Valley is America’s flagship wine region and sits comfortably at number four. With 34 top-rated venues and a global reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa offers polished visitor experiences, luxury tasting rooms, and vineyard tours. Its high critics’ score of 94.6 reflects the calibre of its wines, making it one of the most prestigious destinations outside Europe.
Rounding out the top five, Veneto secures a score of 67.20. With 36 standout wineries and strong global popularity (particularly for Prosecco), Veneto offers diversity in both wine styles and travel experiences. From Amarone to Soave, it remains a region where history and innovation coexist, drawing travellers seeking both world-famous labels and hidden gems.
While the top-ranked wine regions offer incredible choice, our vineyard index shows it’s the quality of each cellar door that really matters, not just where they’re located.
What we found is fascinating: some wineries in places like Sicily, Mendoza, and New York’s Finger Lakes truly shine. In fact, a few even outscored venues in the world’s highest-ranked regions. It’s proof that exceptional wine tasting experiences can be found outside the most established hotspots.
If you’re planning your next oenophilic adventure, this vineyard-level ranking provides a richer, more granular guide. Whether you follow Europe’s storied routes or explore rising wine tourism destinations across the Americas and further afield, there’s a whole world of wine waiting to be discovered.
With an impressive index score of 92.59 and a 4.9 rating from more than 900 reviews, Carmelo Patti ranks among the world’s best wineries. This boutique Mendoza producer is renowned for its hand-crafted methods, with wines made in small batches that reflect a true artisan’s touch. Visitors praise the authenticity of the experience and the chance to discover age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Even though Mendoza didn’t place in the overall top five regions, Carmelo Patti proves why Argentina remains an unmissable stop in global wine tourism.
With an index score of 92.27 and a near-perfect 4.9 rating across 898 reviews, Alagna Vini showcases the best of Sicilian winemaking. Based in the city of Marsala, the family-run estate specialises in the region’s renowned fortified Marsala wines and in native grapes like Nero d’Avola and Grillo, which thrive in the Trapani province’s unique coastal microclimate. Visitors praise the winery for blending tradition with innovation, producing wines that reflect the island’s rich character and history.
With a flawless 5.0 rating from 782 reviews and an index score of 91.00, Azienda Agricola La Lastra shows why Tuscany sits at the top of the regional rankings. Known for its intimate tastings, organic practices and welcoming hosts, this boutique winery offers an authentic Tuscan experience away from the crowds, making it a must-visit for travellers seeking both charm and quality.
We know Rioja is a powerhouse of Spanish wine, and Bodegas Riojanas stands out with a 4.8 average rating, nearly 1,000 reviews, and an index score of 89.09. With over 125 years of history, and recognised as a centenary winery, it delivers a rich visitor experience combining heritage, innovation, and a deep respect for the region’s winemaking legacy.
Champagne Gardet shines with a 5.0 average rating from 720 reviews and an index score of 88.18. Located in France’s most prestigious sparkling wine region, this house offers both excellence and accessibility, giving visitors a taste of Champagne at its finest.
Australia may not have made the top five wine regions in our index, but it still boasts some standout wineries that ranked among the world’s top 25. You don’t need to travel halfway across the globe to enjoy incredible wine tourism experiences while Australia’s cellar doors continue to impress on the international stage.
Here are some of Australian wineries that made the top ten:
From Tasmania’s cool-climate Pinot Noir to Margaret River’s bold Cabernet Sauvignon, these destinations offer unforgettable wine tasting experiences right on Australia’s doorstep.
Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, notes how wine tourism is an exciting new angle to base your holiday around.
“Exploring vineyards and enjoying a glass of wine is one of the most rewarding ways to experience a country’s culture. Our index shows that while classic destinations like Italy, Spain, France, and the USA continue to lead the way, emerging regions such as Argentina and Croatia are also making their mark with world-class wineries.
With so many destinations offering unique wine experiences, there’s something for every wine lover, no matter your preference for red, white, or sparkling.
If you’re planning a wine-tasting holiday, it’s important to secure travel insurance. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement so you understand the limits and exclusions, particularly around alcohol consumption, to ensure your trip is as stress-free as possible.”
This index ranks over 50 global wine regions on their quality as wine tourism destinations, drawing on data from more than 1,700 wineries and vineyards worldwide. Each region was scored across five factors:
With higher values indicating stronger performance. These were weighted to reflect both visitor experience and wine quality, then combined into a final score out of 100.
Alongside the regional rankings, a supplementary vineyard index was created to highlight standout individual wineries. This combined Google Maps ratings (60%) and review counts (40%) to identify the most acclaimed cellar doors across the top regions.
All data was collected and cleaned using strict eligibility rules, with only wineries and vineyards holding 100+ reviews and clear relevance included. While rankings reflect the data sources used, they may not capture every real-life detail, but every effort was made to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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