1. Tuscany
Tuscany is synonymous with some of Italy’s most famous wines with its rolling hills and medieval towns. The vineyards of Chianti, known for its Sangiovese-based red wines, and the charming towns of Greve and Castellina, where you can indulge in tastings and admire the countryside, are places you don’t want to miss.
2. Piedmont
Nestled in the northwest, Piedmont is a wine lover’s paradise. It is most known for its elegant and robust red wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco. The Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the villages of Barolo and La Morra are places worth exploring. Sample these prestigious wineries, made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for their complexity, aging potential, and notes of cherries, truffles, and violets.
3. Veneto
Veneto, located in northeastern Italy, offers a range of wines to discover. The Pricescco region, near the town of Valdobbiadene, is where you can visit wineries and taste sparkling wine. The Hills of Soave is where you can continue your journey to the refreshing and crisp white wines made from Garganega grapes. Don’t forget to explore the historic city of Verona, where you can find the backdrop for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
4. Sicily
Sicily tends to surprise wine enthusiasts with its exceptional wines. The region’s warm climate and volcanic soils produce unique flavors. The vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, are where you can taste the elegant red wines made from the Nerello Mascalese grapes. Sample the aromatic white wines from the indigenous grape variety, Grillo, and absorb the beauty of the island’s stunning landscapes.
5. Umbria
Umbria, often referred to as Italy’s “Green Heart”, is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Explore the vineyards around the town of Montefalco, famous for its Sagrantino wines, known for their bold tannins and dark fruit flavors. The charming wine cellars and the hospitality of the winemakers as they share their passion and knowledge for the region’s viticulture is what makes Umbria so unique, and special.
Resources:
Tuscany… SevenFifty
Piedmont… SevenFifty
The Fine Art of Winemaking in Veneto… Seven Fifty
Sicilia DOC… Seven Fifty
Your 2023 guide to Umbira wine region… Winetourism
