If you are looking for the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience, you are in the right place! Keep reading, pick your next destination, and get ready to enjoy a glass of wine and delicious food!
Who doesn’t like to enjoy a glass of wine paired with delicious food while traveling? Well, I sure do! And if you are reading this article, I believe you do too. So get ready to discover the best wine and dine destinations to add to your bucket list for foodies!
Growing up in France, I’ve always seen people drinking wine while eating delicious food. Once I was old enough and started doing it too, I quickly understood why people love it so much! So if you haven’t tried wine pairing yet, I highly suggest you do!
Keep reading to discover the best foodie cities in the world to travel to for a wine and dine experience!
This blog post is all about the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience!
Best Foodie Cities In The World For A Wine And Dine Experience!
MY FAVORITE WINE AND DINE DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST FOR FOODIES
As I’ve been living in France for about 20 years, I’ve mainly traveled around Europe. And as much as I loved all the countries I’ve visited outside the continent, there is one thing we can’t deny… Europe is one of the best wine and dine destinations in the world.
It wasn’t easy to choose between all the places I have visited… But here are the five top foodie cities in Europe to add to your bucket list for foodies if you want to drink delicious wine while enjoying your food!
PARIS: One of the best foodie cities in Europe
Paris… the City of Lights, love, and fashion… but also one of the top foodie cities in Europe, especially if you enjoy pairing your meal with delicious wine!
Keep reading to discover the best dishes and wine pairings to try on your trip to Paris, the most popular vineyards to visit in the surrounding areas for tastings and learning about the winemaking process, the best places for wine sipping in the French capital, and much more!
Take notes and start planning your next foodie trip!
Famous Parisian dishes and wine pairings
- Boeuf Bourguignon: One of my favorite French dishes ever. It just reminds me of cold winter Sunday family lunches… Not only is the beef literally cooked for hours in red wine, but it also pairs perfectly with a glass of red Bourgogne.
- Coq au Vin: A real classic of French cuisine, it consists of chicken and vegetables braised with wine. The perfect drink to go with it? A glass of Pinot Noir.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: I know, I know… Snails are a really French thing to eat. But believe me, when cooked in butter with garlic and parsley, they are just delicious. To make your experience even better? A glass of Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Cheese: Cheese is not typically from Paris, but it is the most popular French food… That’s why you can’t possibly travel to France and not have some. Different cheeses go with different wines… And there are hundreds of different kinds of cheese all around the country. So if you want the perfect pairing, ask your waiter or waitress; they will be more than happy to help!
MUST-visit wine regions around paris
Did you know that some of the wine regions around Paris are among the most famous in the world? Yes, the entire world! That’s another reason to add it to your list of the best wine and dine destinations.
- Champagne: I believe everybody knows the famous Champagne… just delicious! Then you’ll be happy to know that this wine region is located only an hour away by train from Paris. A perfect day trip, indeed! Don’t miss out on Reims and Epernay to discover the most famous Champagne houses!
- Bourgogne: Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wine region is one of the most popular in France and their wines are often used in Parisian cuisine. Can you imagine a better pairing than food cooked in wine and drinking a glass of the same wine? Well, I can’t…
- Loire: Last but not least of the must-visit wine regions around Paris, the Loire! You might already know it for its numerous castles… Well, now you have another reason to visit! This region offers a huge variety of wines. Whether you are into white or red wine, you will find something to make you happy!
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BEST WINE BARS IN PARIS
Finding a wine bar in Paris that also serves delicious food shouldn’t be too complicated. After all, you’ll be in the capital of France where wine and food are a huge part of the culture… But if you are looking for recommendations to add to your bucket list for foodies, here they come!
- Le Barav: Located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, this wine bar is famous for its natural wines and cured meats. Believe me, it offers one of the best food and wine pairings you could ask for!
- La Cave de Belleville: A warm and welcoming place in the 19th arrondissement where wines can be paired with cheeses and pâtés.
- Le Verre Volé: A blend of bar and restaurant located in the 10th arrondissement of the French capital, serving natural wines and seasonal dishes. You’re going to love it, I promise!
a few tips for your food and wine pairing trip to Paris
- Visit During Shoulder Seasons: Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Paris. The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded, which will make your gourmet travel experiences even better!
- Make Reservations: Make sure you book tables at popular wine bars and restaurants in advance, especially for weekend nights or special bank holidays… You don’t want to be disappointed and miss out on these places you’ve been looking forward to visit!
- Attend Food and Wine Festivals: Every year, Paris hosts various food and wine festivals. Two of the most populars are “La Foire aux vins de Paris” in February and “La Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre” in October. Don’t miss these opportunities to discover new wines and add these two events to your bucket list for foodies right now!
Florence: One of the BEST PLACES FOR FOOD AND WINE in Italy
Capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is not only a beautiful city full of history but also one of the best food destinations in Europe if you are into wine!
If you are a foodie, I believe you are into Italian food… Who isn’t, really? And if you learn how to pair your dish with the perfect wine, your experience will only get better, I promise!
So don’t wait another minute and add Florence to your bucket list for foodies right now! Here come all the reasons why!
Famous florentine dishes and wine pairings
- La Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The dream for all meat lovers. A juicy, thick steak that pairs perfectly with a glass of Chianti Classico.
- La Ribollita: Most people aren’t into soups, but I promise you that this thick soup made of vegetables and bread will change your mind forever. Accompany it with a Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a Tuscan white wine, and you will ask for more – of the soup and probably the wine too.
- Le Pappardelle al Cinghiale: How can we talk about Italy without mentioning pasta? Pasta, wild boar sauce, and a glass of Brunello di Montalcino… You are in for a treat!
- Cantuccini con Vin Santo: If you have a sweet tooth, you are going to love these crunchy almond biscuits. It might seem weird, but they are often dipped into Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. Don’t say no before trying it!
MUST-visit wine regions around Florence
Did you know that Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in Italy? Here are the three most important ones to visit on your next foodie adventure travel!
- Chianti: Who’s never ordered a glass of Chianti before? Well, I sure have! And while you are in Florence, you should definitely head to this wine region. Not only will you have the chance to taste some of the most prestigious Italian wines, but you will also enjoy breathtaking views.
- Montalcino: Have you heard of Brunello di Montalcino? If you haven’t, it’s time to head to Montalcino and try it for yourself!
- Montepulciano: The Nobile di Montepulciano is often compared to the Brunello… So why not try them both and decide for yourself which one you like best?
BEST WINE BARS IN FLORENCE
If you are traveling to Florence to enjoy the best wine and dine experiences, here are three places that you should definitely add to your bucket list for foodies and try to visit while you are there!
- Le Volpi e l’Uva: Located next to the Ponte Vecchio, this wine bar is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine and eat delicious antipasti.
- La Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: One of the most famous restaurants in Florence, it is located in front of the Pitti Palace. Whether you are looking for a wine tasting or a wine and dine experience, you will be in the right place.
- Il Santo Bevitore: Local Tuscan food and a great wine selection—what more could you possibly need if you are looking for gourmet travel experiences?
a few tips for your food and wine pairing trip to Florence
- Best time to visit Florence: I believe this applies to any destination in Europe, but I’ll keep saying it… If you can, visit during the shoulder seasons. The weather will be nice, the vineyards will be active, and there will be fewer tourists!
- Make reservations: Reservations are important, especially if you are traveling with a large group or if you are visiting on busy days. You wouldn’t want to miss a place on your bucket list for foodies just because you forgot to book a table.
- Food and Wine Festivals: The two most notable wine events in Florence are the “Florence Wine Event” in May and the “Chianti Classico Collection” in February. If you are in the region during these times, don’t miss out and enjoy these food and wine festivals!
Bordeaux: One of the must-visit wine regions in FRANCE
How could we possibly make a list of the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience without mentioning Bordeaux? I am pretty sure that all of you have heard of—or even drunk—Bordeaux wine.
Bordeaux is a rather big city located in the southwest of France. Not only is it famous for its wine, but also for its delicious food. Believe me, you are going to have a blast there whether you are in for a wine and dine experience or some city sightseeing.
Famous dishes and wine pairings FROM BORDEAUX
- Duck breast: Grilled, confit, or even with a pepper sauce, the duck breast is an incontournable dish from this region of France. And to make your experience even better pair it with a glass of red Médoc.
- Arcachon Bay’s oysters: One of my favorite foods ever! You can’t imagine how many oysters I have eaten when I was living in Arcachon… With a glass of dry and fruity white wine, like an Entre-Deux-Mers, it is the perfect pairing!
- Ribeye steak with Bordelaise sauce: What’s better than a thick and juicy ribeye steak served with wine sauce and accompanied by a glass of red wine? My recommendation: a glass of Pomerol!
- Canelés: For the sweet treats lovers, a few canelés with a glass of Sauternes—a sweet white wine from Bordeaux—will become your favorite afternoon snack!
MUST-visit wine regions around BORDEAUX
If Bordeaux is on your bucket list for foodies, there are a few must-visit wine regions surrounding the city. Not only are the sceneries beautiful, but the wine tastings will leave you wanting more! Here are the most popular ones to add to your itinerary:
- Le Médoc: Probably one of the most renowned regions in Bordeaux, Le Médoc is famous for its grands crus classés. Make the most of your time there and try some of these famous red wines!
- Saint-Émilion: If Médoc isn’t the most popular wine region near Bordeaux, then Saint-Émilion is! I’m sure you’ve heard of it before and probably enjoyed a few glasses too. Mostly made from Merlot, if you love rich and complex red wines, this is the place you have to visit!
- Le Sauternais: Remember the Sauternes that pairs particularly well with canelés? Well, that’s where it’s made. If sweet wine is your thing, don’t miss out on adding Le Sauternais to your bucket list for foodies!
BEST WINE BARS IN Bordeaux
As Bordeaux is a bustling city, you won’t have any trouble finding cool bars and good restaurants to enjoy new gourmet travel experiences. But if all the options leave you feeling confused, here are some of the most popular ones that you might want to add to your bucket list for foodies:
- The Wine Bar at the Cité des Vins: This bar is literally located inside the wine museum of the Cité des Vins. How could it get any better? Learn about the beverage and then enjoy a few glasses to taste the products you’ve just learned about! And don’t worry, they also serve delicious local cuisine there.
- L’Avant Comptoir du Palais: A welcoming wine bar offering a wide selection of natural wines and small plates of appetizers to pair with!
- Le Wine Bar: What could be more French than drinking wine while eating cheese and cured meats? To fully experience this, head to the historic center and grab a table at Le Wine Bar!
a few tips for your food and wine pairing trip to Bordeaux
- Best Time to Visit Bordeaux: Bordeaux is beautiful year-round, but winters can be cold and summers hot. If you can visit during spring or autumn, the weather will be nicer and the wineyard landscapes will be stunning.
- Make Reservations: Same as for Florence or Paris, I highly recommend making reservations to make sure you can visit all the spots from your bucket list for foodies.
- Wine Fairs: Bordeaux hosts several wine fairs annually, but the two most popular are “Vinexpo” and “Bordeaux fête le vin”, both happening in June.
BARCELONA: one OF THE BEST wine and food pairing destinations
Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia in Spain, is a dynamic city that not only has a ton of tourist attractions and activities to offer but is also one of the best wine and dine destinations in the world. With delicious food and renowned wines, if you are looking for a foodie adventure travel destination, you are going to have a blast there!
Famous dishes and wine pairings in barcelona
- Paella: Although originally from Valencia, paella is also very popular in Barcelona. Pair it with Cava—a fizzy Catalan wine—and your belly will thank you!
- Tapas: When I think of Spain and my trip to Barcelona, tapas are the first thing that come to mind—patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, jamón ibérico, and so much more. I personally love to enjoy them with a glass of sangria, but ask your waiter for their best wine recommendations!
- La Escalivada: Grilled vegetables that pair perfectly with a glass of Penedès white wine.
- Crema Catalana: For my fellow sweet lovers, try Crema Catalana—a caramel-based creamy dessert—and pair it with a glass of Moscatel to enhance your experience!
MUST-visit wine regions around Barcelona
Catalonia is prestigious when it comes to wine, which is why when visiting Barcelona, there are a few must-visit wine regions to add to your bucket list for foodies!
- Penedès: Home to the famous Cava—a fizzy Spanish wine—this region is also widely known for its red and white wines.
- Priorat: If you enjoy complex and powerful red wines, you are going to love your visit to Priorat.
- L’Empordà: Close to the French border, this region offers a variety of whites, reds, and rosés. It’s the perfect place to visit if you never know which wine to choose.
BEST WINE BARS IN Barcelona
Here are some of the best places for food and wine in Barcelona. Get ready for new gourmet travel experiences!
- Monvínic: A classy and renowned wine bar in the city that offers a huge selection of Catalan wines (and international ones) to pair with refined dishes.
- Bar del Pla: Located in the neighborhood of El Born, this bar not only offers a great wine menu but also creative tapas to share with your friends for a unique wine and dine experience.
- El Xampanyet: Traditional and relaxed, visit here to enjoy a glass of Cava with a few tapas.
a few tips for your food and wine pairing trip to Barcelona
- Best time to visit Barcelona: Avoid visiting during the summer as it’s typically crowded with tourists and very hot. Winter can be colder, but with proper attire, you’ll be fine.
- Reservations: Don’t forget to make reservations if you plan to visit popular places. Some are fully booked weeks in advance, so keep this in mind when planning your trip to Barcelona.
- Food and Wine Festivals: The two most popular food and wine festivals in Barcelona are the “Barcelona Wine Week” in February and the “Fira del Vi” in April. If you’re visiting the Catalan capital during these times, be sure to add these events to your bucket list for foodies!
ZAGREB: one HIDDEN GEM FOR YOUR BUCKET LIST FOR FOODIES
Last but not least of the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience: Zagreb! The Croatian capital, and the whole country in general, has become more and more popular over the years… And with good reason!
Not only is it beautiful, but the food and wine are also delicious! Believe me, after living and traveling there for three months back in 2022, I can assure you that it is one of the best wine and dine destinations!
If you still need some convincing, keep reading to discover what makes Zagreb one of the best foodie cities in the world!
Famous dishes and wine pairings in Zagreb
Croatian cuisine isn’t very popular around the world, but believe me, once you try it, you’ll quickly understand why I consider Zagreb one of the best food destinations in Europe, and especially if you like wine.
- Štrukli: Pasta stuffed with cheese and traditionally cooked in the oven, it makes the perfect comfort food after a long day visiting the city. For an even better experience, pair it with a local white wine such as a glass of Graševina.
- Sarajevski Ćevapi: Grilled sausages served with onions and pita bread. Maybe it’s my French side, but anything served with bread makes me happy. Accompany it with a glass of red Teran, and all your problems will go away!
- Kulen: Spicy dry-cured sausage—or saucisson for the connoisseurs—that goes perfectly with a glass of strong red wine like Plavac Mali. My foodie tip? Always eat saucisson with fresh bread; it makes all the difference!
MUST-visit wine regions around Zagreb
Not only does Croatia produce a huge variety of high-quality wines, but they are also relatively inexpensive. At least, I found them much cheaper than in all the other countries I have visited. And believe me, cheap prices don’t mean cheap quality when it comes to Croatian wine.
If you are traveling to Zagreb, here are three must-visit wine regions to add to your itinerary!
- Plešivica: Close to Zagreb, this wine region is popular for its fizzy wine, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Taste them all and pick your favorite to bring back home!
- Slavonia: This wine region is known for its white wines, especially Graševina. So if white wine is your thing, you know where to go next!
- Istria: Although this region is not very close to Zagreb, it produces excellent red wines. If you are a red wine enthusiast and have time to travel there, you should definitely add it to your bucket list for Croatia!
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BEST WINE BARS IN ZAGREB
If you are looking for the best places for food and wine in Zagreb, I’ve got you covered! Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list for foodies and enjoy your trip to the Croatian capital.
- Bistro Apetit: A rather chic restaurant that would be a perfect addition to your gourmet travel experiences. With local and international wines to accompany a gastronomic cuisine, it’s the perfect place for a special occasion to celebrate!
- BORNSTEIN Wine Bar: Located in an actual historic wine vault, this place offers a large variety of local wines served with cured meats and cheese. A complete experience!
- Vinodol: One of Zagreb’s most popular restaurants for an authentic Croatian dining and wine experience! Don’t forget to book a table, they are usually pretty busy…
a few tips for your food and wine pairing trip to Zagreb
- When to Go to Zagreb: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Zagreb as the weather is pleasant and wine festivals are coming to the city!
- Reservations: Try to make reservations if you want to dine and wine at specific places. It would be a shame to miss out on a spot that’s been on your foodie bucket list.
- Wine Festivals: In November, Zagreb hosts the “Zagreb VINOcom,” and in March, the “Vinart Grand Tasting.” These are the two main food and wine festivals happening in the capital, so try not to miss out!
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MORE DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST FOR FOODIES IF YOU LIKE WINE
To make this guide on the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience even more complete, let me share with you five destinations that have been on my bucket list for foodies for years, but that I haven’t been able to explore yet. Who knows, maybe it will give you even more ideas for your upcoming foodie adventure travel!
Mendoza, Argentina
Not only have I been wanting to go to Argentina for years because of its renowned scenery, but I also know that their food and wines are famous all over the world. Living in Ecuador, I’ve been able to drink my fair share of Argentine wines and taste some of their food. But honestly, I am dying to travel there and discover their culture and ways of living!
The region of Mendoza is famous for producing Malbec—a fruity and robust red wine—and pairing it with delicious food like asados or empanadas. So, do you think Mendoza has its place among the best foodie cities in the world for a wine and dine experience?
Stellenbosch, South Africa
I honestly don’t know a lot about South Africa, but ever since I heard about the town of Stellenbosch, I’ve been dying to visit!
It’s said that Stellenbosch, and the entire vineyard region of the Western Cape, is a dream destination for wine and food lovers, thanks to its award-winning vineyards and diverse cuisine. I can’t wait to visit one day and finally see for myself if it really is one of the best foodie cities in the world!
Napa Valley, USA
Call me crazy—or ignorant—but I have only recently discovered Napa Valley. Did you know that this region produces some of the best wines in the world? Just knowing this fact gives me the urge to visit!
Picturesque vineyards, an ideal climate, guided tours of wine caves, award-winning restaurants, and farmers markets—Napa Valley seems to have it all when it comes to wine and food pairing. Who knows, one day I might be able to cross it off my bucket list for foodies!
PORTO, PORTUGAL
Growing up in Europe and living there for most of my life, I’ve been able to try the famous Porto wine more than once… But I’ve never been to Portugal—although I should be able to visit later this year—and visited the city of Porto.
Other than the wine, Porto is also known to be one of the best places for food in Europe… Fresh and local food paired with local wine… How could it not make it to the best foodie cities in the world?
Melbourne, Australia
Australia has always been a dream and a mystery for me… Such a huge country with so many different wonders, landscapes, and things to see. I honestly don’t know much about Australian food, but when it comes to wine, I’ve heard wonderful things!
Melbourne, also known as the culinary capital of the country, is close to the Yarra Valley region, which produces award-winning wines such as pinot noirs and chardonnays. Knowing this, how could it possibly fail to be among the best foodie cities in the world for a dine and wine experience?