This review talk highlights current spectrographic capabilities of the VLT in the context of exoplanet science. It provides an overview of the science conducted in the field with current ESO facilities, from planet detection to the detailed analysis of atmospheres, from ultra hot planets on small orbits, to cool planets beyond 10 au. In light of the conference scope "VLT beyond 2030", I then present a few windows of opportunity from an exoplanet perspective where the uniqueness of the VLT can truly shine in the 2030s, from the VLTI to polarimetry and beyond.