10 Best Bike & Wine Cycling Routes in Europe

There’s something a little bit magical about finishing a ride with a glass of something local in hand, especially when that glass comes straight from the vineyard you just pedalled past. Our favourite cycling and wine routes blend epic rides with unforgettable flavours, whether you’re spinning through the sun-soaked vineyards of Tuscany or the lavender-lined lanes of Provence. Of course, we’ve included the classics because no wine tour list would be complete without the best bike tours in France or vineyard pedalling in Italy – but we’ve also thrown in a few surprises. Picture yourself coasting through Slovenia’s rolling hills or sipping Pinot Noir after a ride in New Zealand’s wine region. These are our top ten routes where the cycling is as smooth as the wine and the views are every bit as intoxicating.

Biking and Wine Tours in Provence

Provence is where the joy of cycling meets the charm of sun drenched vineyards, fields of purple lavender, and olive groves that shimmer under the Mediterranean sun. It’s a region that was practically made for two wheels, with laid back roads, hilltop villages, and routes that always seem to lead to something delicious.

Our favourite Provence cycle route begins in the historic city of Avignon, once home to the Popes and now the perfect launchpad for exploring Provence’s rolling terrain. From here, ride into the heart of the Luberon, past ochre cliffs and cypress lined roads, stopping off in fairytale villages like Gordes and Roussillon. Stop in Lacoste, a village that feels frozen in time. Cobbled streets wind their way up to the dramatic Château de Lacoste, once home to the infamous Marquis de Sade, now owned by fashion royalty Pierre Cardin. Continue to Bonnieux and visit Château La Canorgue. If you’ve got time, stop in for a wine tasting and tour and sample their world class organic wines

Further east lies the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. Vineyards grow on its lower slopes and we recommend sampling a Cote du Ventoux, freshly produced from the hillside. Our top tip is to stay away from the big producers and simply look out for smaller wine producing estates, often known as ‘garagiste’ wine producers, with a makeshift wine tasting sign. These are the heart and soul of Provence and whilst might not have a world renowned name, will provide an absolute authentic wine tasting experience in Provence.

Wine Tours in the Istrian Peninsular

The Istrian Peninsula might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of vineyard cycling but it should be. Often called the "Tuscany of Croatia", Istria is a delicious blend of Italian culinary influence, world-class olive oil, exceptional wines, and the prized white truffle. The region is dominated by white grape varieties, with Malvazija Istarska leading the charge, it makes up over half of all vines grown here. With around 250 mostly family-run wineries scattered across rolling hills and coastal plains, Istria is a dream for wine lovers on two wheels.

One of our favourite rides is from Poreč to Buje. You’ll wind through grand towns steeped in history before hugging the Adriatic coast on your way to Višnjan, riding past olive groves and vineyards that scent the breeze. A unique stop along the way? The Višnjan Observatory, one of the world’s top astronomical centres. From there, continue to Umag and into the heart of northwestern Istria, a region renowned for Malvazija Istarska and the sweet, fragrant Momjan Muscat. Be sure to visit standout wineries like Kabola, Kozlović, and Franković.

We also love spinning along the coastline near Rovinj and Pula, where deep red soils known as terra rossa produce bold, full-bodied reds. Wineries like Meneghetti near Bale and Benazic near Pula are local favourites and perfect for a post-ride tasting.

Want to explore it all on two wheels? You can ride this stunning region on our self-guided Istria cycling holiday.

Chianti Wine Tours Through Tuscany

If you're searching for the best wine routes in Tuscany, a ride through the Chianti region is pure perfection. As part of our cycling and wine tours in Tuscany, we always recommend riding to Radda in Chianti, a charming medieval town perched high on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Vineyards have been growing on these Tuscany hillsides for over 2,000 years and this legendary region is home to the Sangiovese grape, the backbone of Tuscany’s bold, earthy reds.

Chianti Classico, with its black rooster seal, is the star here, a wine that perfectly pairs with local pecorino cheese, cured meats, or just a sunset over the hills. Tuscany’s wine scene though is far from one paced. South of Siena, the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano produce two of Italy’s most prestigious wines: Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Both are made from Sangiovese clones and aged with care, resulting in deep, complex reds that are worth every sip.

This area is known not just for its world-famous wines but also for its deep, spicy olive oil – you’ll notice the colour and texture of the land shift as you ride through the heart of wine country.

Bordeaux Wine Tours

When it comes to cycling and wine tours in France, Bordeaux is the perfect place to start. Famed across the globe for its world-class vineyards, Bordeaux offers the ideal blend of scenic riding, historic charm, and exceptional wine. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with grand architecture, leafy boulevards, and a riverside buzzing with cafés and culture. It’s also wonderfully bike-friendly, making it easy to spin straight out of the city and into the vineyards.

Our favourite trip begins in the rolling hills of Entre-Deux-Mers, where peaceful lanes weave through fields and fortified villages like Créon. From here, you can follow the scent of ripe grapes to Cadillac, a charming town surrounded by prestigious vineyards. Your trip will take you onwards to Saint-Émilion, a fairytale village perched above the vineyards and rich in medieval history. This UNESCO gem is the beating heart of some of the region’s most celebrated reds, robust, elegant, and deeply rooted in centuries of tradition. From there, head north through the lesser-known but equally rewarding Côtes de Blaye, where peaceful roads lead you to Blaye’s magnificent 17th-century citadel, standing proudly above the Gironde River.

The final stretch of this cycling and wine adventure sees you hop on a ferry across the Gironde to the Médoc, where world-renowned châteaux line the route. This is the land of Bordeaux’s heavyweights, Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe and it’s a dream for wine lovers and history buffs alike.

Burgundy Bike & Wine Tours

We are back to France on or list of the best cycling and wine tours in Europe and have arrived at Burgundy. Explore this cycling and wine favourite and you will ride between the legendary Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, pedalling past some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world. Think Clos de Vougeot, Chambolle Musigny, Vosne Romanée, and Gevrey Chambertin, names that roll off the tongue as smoothly as the Pinot Noir they produce.

Your journey begins in Beaune, the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy. It is a beautiful town with cobbled streets, colourful tiled rooftops, and a deep connection to the region’s wine history. After a warmup ride through the lush forests of Bouilland and along the peaceful Rhoin River, you will return to Beaune via the Hautes Côtes de Beaune vineyards. Head north into the famed Côte de Nuits where you will discover the Grands Vins de Bourgogne, including the fabled Romanée Conti, arguably the most prized red wine on earth. Along the way, stop in at Château du Clos de Vougeot and admire the historic estates that have been shaping wine history for centuries.

Then it is time to explore the Côte de Beaune, home of buttery whites and stately villages like Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, and Pommard. Following a scenic cycling path known as the Voie Verte, you will cruise through vineyard after vineyard, soaking up the flavours and views. Do not miss the fairy tale Château de la Rochepot, with its patterned glazed tile roof, before rolling into the lovely village of Nolay.

Douro Valley Bike & Wine Rides

Discover the rich heritage of Portugal’s most iconic export, Port wine, as you ride through the stunning Douro Valley, the oldest officially demarcated wine region in the world. This is a place where centuries of tradition are etched into every terraced vineyard, and the landscape tells the story of generations who have shaped the hills in search of the perfect pour. Cycling here is like stepping into a living postcard, where nature and craftsmanship blend seamlessly in one of Europe's most enchanting wine regions.

Your journey begins in Porto, a vibrant and hilly city that charms with its mix of medieval streets, tiled façades, and riverside cafés. Porto is world famous for its fortified wine, and every glass of Port tells a story of the Douro Valley’s sun-drenched vines. Grapes are grown on steep, dramatic slopes along the Douro River, then transported downriver to the city where they are aged and bottled in the historic wine lodges that line Vila Nova de Gaia.

As you cycle deeper into the Douro, you will pass century-old quintas, majestic castles, and tiny villages steeped in winemaking traditions. This is a region that feels untouched by time, where every climb is rewarded with sweeping views and every descent leads to a well-earned tasting. From bold ruby reds to aged tawny Ports with layers of spice and dried fruit, the wines here are as memorable as the roads that connect them.

Cycling & Wine Rides in Puglia

Cycling through Puglia and Basilicata offers a perfect blend of scenic adventure and rich wine culture. As you pedal past ancient olive groves and medieval castles, you’ll enter the Vulture area, home to the renowned Aglianico wine. This volcanic-soil region, known since Roman times, is dotted with vineyards and historic cellars, offering opportunities to stop for tastings and immerse yourself in the local winemaking tradition. A highlight includes cycling through chestnut woods to a countryside wine store near Melfi, where you can sample bold reds amid breathtaking landscapes.

The route from Trani to Matera takes you through golden hills, quiet villages, and valleys lined with vines producing varietals like Castel del Monte, Aglianico, and Primitivo. Each day on the saddle brings new culinary discoveries, from rustic agriturismo meals to local wines paired with traditional dishes. Whether resting in Venosa surrounded by Roman ruins and vineyards or coasting through the Bradano Valley’s timeless scenery, this cycling tour connects the joy of exploration with the flavours of Southern Italy’s finest wines.

Biking & Vineyards in New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island might be best known for its jaw-dropping scenery, but it also offers a few delicious surprises along the way, especially for wine lovers. One of the standout moments of the Alps to Ocean cycling adventure is a visit to Ostler Vineyards in Kurow, an award-winning cellar door nestled in the Waitaki Valley. After a day’s ride through glacier-fed lakes and mountain-backed trails, there’s nothing better than sipping a cool-climate Pinot Noir crafted right where you’ve been riding. The valley’s unique limestone-rich soils and crisp alpine air make for wines full of character and elegance. With a glass in hand and the Southern Alps behind you, it’s easy to understand why wine rides in New Zealand are growing in reputation. This is a journey where the cycling is epic, but the local flavours and the wine make it truly unforgettable.

Cycling & Wine in Umbria

Umbria may be Tuscany’s quieter cousin, but when it comes to wine and cycling, it more than holds its own. One of the highlights of a biking and wine route in Umbria is the town of Torgiano, a hilltop gem surrounded by vineyards and home to the renowned Lungarotti estate. Here, wine is not just something to sip, it is woven into the culture, with a brilliant wine museum and tastings that showcase Umbria’s full bodied reds and crisp whites. Riding through the sunlit valley from Montefalco to Bevagna, you will pass the vineyards responsible for Sagrantino di Montefalco, one of Italy’s most powerful and age worthy wines. It is a region where every village tells a story and every glass reflects the land you have cycled through, from high ridges with sweeping views to gentle lakeside paths. This is slow travel at its finest, best enjoyed with a post ride pour in hand.