Italy Wine Regions and Wines: A Beginners Guide for Foodies

Looking to up your wine game and learn more about the Italy wine regions in time for your next holiday?

Italy has not only given us powerful cinema and amazing food, but it has birthed a tradition of winemaking that is unique to its land and people.

Whether you’re new to the world of wine, a seasoned taster, or just looking for the right red to pair with your favorite Italian cheese, one thing is for sure — nothing beats drinking wine in Italy. 

Italy is home to some of the best food cities in the world, but it is renowned for its array of reds and whites amongst a sea of green.

Be it a leisurely holiday in the countryside or a weekend city break, touring a few of the 20 wine regions in Italy is simply a must-do on any foodie’s Italian holiday.

There’s a lifetime of learning that goes into knowing wine and understanding the subtleties and complexities of growing grapes, making wine, tasting it, and then deciding how good or bad it is.

Have you seen the intensive training that goes into becoming a Sommelier, let alone a Master Sommelier?

We’re writing this article about the very basics you will need as a wine lover traveling to Italy.

Sort of like a pocket-guide to the wines from Italy regions, what grapes to look for, what wines are produced in the 20 Italy wine regions, and what kind of wine tour might be right for you.

All in 3,000 words!


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What’s in This Article:

Wine in Italy

Italian Wine Glossary

Italy’s Climate Zones And Wines

Italian Wine Labels and Designations

Italy Wine Regions

Italian Wine Types

Wines of Northern Italy

Wines of Central Italy

Wines of Southern Italy

Taking a Wine Tour in Italy

 
“In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine.”
— Robin Leach

Wine in Italy

Italian wine dates back more than 4,000 years. It was a part of everyday life even before the coming of the Greeks, who then named the region ‘Oenotria’, or the land of wine.

Wine in Italy set the stage for ancient Romans to host wild festivals. Capable of rivaling any modern-day rave, these served as an inspiration to the grand gestures we see in the culture of today, where — as Robin Leach famously said about Italian food and wine — “In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine”. 

This hereditary craft has been carefully preserved by changing rulers and consolidated by Catholicism, which viewed wine as a holy sacrament.

Over the years, techniques of winemaking have improved and cemented Italy’s name internationally.

If you are looking to spend your next vacation in the original Wine Country, then keep reading.

You’ll find everything you need to know about Italy’s wine regions, types of Italian wines and where to find them, and must-visit Italian wine tours in this guide.

Glossary for Italian Wine

Let’s begin with some basic terminology for understanding the different wines and wines regions in Italy.

There’s more below on understanding Italian wine labels but here are some basic terms to help you in ordering wine in a restaurant or DIY your own wine tour.

To go a little deeper, here is a good guide we found on wine terms.

  • Vino bianco: white wine

  • Vino rosato: rosé wine

  • Vino rosso: red wine

  • Classico – classic, often used in reference to a historic wine region or a traditional style. Sometimes a geographic territory designation.

  • Superiore – superior; a wine of a somewhat higher standard—most commonly slightly riper grapes

  • Riserva – reserve; a wine of longer aging and usually higher quality

Italy’s Climate Zones And Wines 

Italy’s climate is geographically that of the temperate zone. However, owing to the shape of the country, each region faces different climatic conditions.

Northern Italy

The northern bit attached to Europe with the Alps and the Apennines produces a mountainous climate that is mostly cold during winters and mild or damp during summers.

Vineyards are planted across northern Italy in different areas ranging from sea level in eastern Emilia-Romagna (characterized by a salinity that pairs well with seafood) to around 4,200 ft above sea level in the mineral-rich Aosta Valley.

The Piedmont of northern Italy is one of the country’s most famous wine regions. It stretches north to the Aosta Valley and south into the Ligurian sea and is surround by the Alps which hold the moist air from the south in its grasp for hours each day, and produces such high-quality grapes in lots of small, exclusive micro-zones. 

Long autumns and foggy winters in northwestern Italy create the perfect conditions for late-ripening Nebbiolo grapes that take on the flavor of the soil they are grown in to produce powerful yet light blends with a fruity aroma. 

Due to the sharp difference in temperature found in this part of the country, many of the wines produced here, like the beloved Pinot Grigio, retain distinct floral and citrusy notes. 

 

Southern Italy

The southern end of the country, surrounded by the Mediterranean, has a mix of warm and chilly temperatures. 

Sicily and Calabria have higher temperatures than the north and produce wines with reasonably higher alcohol content.

As a result, their wines are identified by a meaty structure that wines of the north (which are typically sparkling or light) miss out on.  

The slow transition from summer to winter in these parts ensures that grapes are allowed enough time to ripen. Their flavor profiles are characterized by a classic sweetness, which comes as a result of the greater development of their natural sugars.

One of the best examples of this is Calabria’s Greco di Bianco, a type of dessert wine.

Warm flavors and sharp citrus tones are each a result of the climate, while soils produce spicy or briny profiles that are the best accompaniment to local cuisine. 

Italian Wine Labels and Designations

As you stare at countless names and labels of wines in the store, it’s easy to get confused between the many ways that the labels are classified. Honestly, who can blame us for picking whatever cool and clever label strikes our aesthetic?

But wine isn’t about art, though crafting it is certainly an art (and a science).

So, just which wine is premium and which is ordinary? How can you tell how a bottle of Italian wine has been produced? These are natural questions that any curious wine taster may ask. 

In Europe, especially, wine-producing regions classify each bottle to reflect the quality of the wine. Similar to the strict food guidelines and designations of DOP and IGP, Italian wine types are similarly classified as DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin), DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), IGT, and VdT. 

While DOC and DOCG indicate strict rules of production (type of grape varietal, harvest, aging), IGT implies the usage of foreign grapes or non-strict production, and VdT refers to table wines that are assumed to be of the lowest quality. 

Wine Regions in Italy

Spread across the 20 wine regions of Italy are 7 white and 14 red grape varieties that are widely used in the making of Italy’s wines. 

Each region produces its own unique type of wine that has different flavor profiles dating back several hundred years. Like the administrative divisions, the 20 wine-producing regions stretch across the geography of the country: 

At the moment, there are about 350 official Italian wine varieties. Italy also produces a huge amount of table wine, Vermouth, and cooking wines (such as Marsala).

That being said, there are 3 major regions that produce high quality table wines and they are: Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont.

Italian Wine Types

Despite the major regions of Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont producing the bulk of wines that are exported to the US, every other region is Italy produces wine as well, and some of these wines are getting noticed, diverting travelers from the typical wine regions to other parts of the country, like Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, and Campania.

Part of the fun of tasting wine in Italy is all the amazing wine you will taste produced (with love) by small producers.

The good news for you wine travelers is all the amazing wine you get to enjoy. And the place and scenery just add to the enjoyment!

The bad news, however, is that you won’t be able to find these wines or producers when you get home.

So buy as much as you’re willing to bring home, join their wine clubs, or get their information so you can order a case or more after you’re home!

Northern Italy Wine Region and Wines

Veneto

Veneto is famous for its Gothic architecture, Verona — the city of love — and of course Venice, the capital city which welcomes millions of tourists every year, many of them coming for the food and wine.

It is also one of the most prolific Italian wine regions known for the bubbly Prosecco and other incredible wines.

Set on the plain that swoops down from the mountainous Alps into the Venetian lagoon, the wines produced here are mineral-y and crisp, pairing nicely with the seafood and small Venice cicchetti bites the Imperial city eats every day.

The lagoon island of Sant’Erasmo grows much of the grapes of Venice and boasts the only winery in Venice, Orti di Venezia. Interestingly, the wines produced here are stored and aged underwater in a secret location in the lagoon.

Grapes found in Veneto include: Chardonnay, herbal Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenére, and the vibrant Malbec, a grape most often associated with the wine regions of Chile and Argentina in South America. The regional Garganega is the white grape used to produce the renowned Soave wine.

Wines produced: You can’t be in Veneto without a visit to the wine-growing areas of the Prosecco Hills and a tour of the Valpolicella area. Here you will get to try the exclusive dry red Amarone della Valpolicella; the white Soave Superiore of the Verona area; and the Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, produced on the hills of Treviso; as well as the Bardolino Superiore, a red wine typical of Lake Garda. 

Emilia Romagna

A network of art cities and charming little villages, Emilia Romagna is Italy’s agricultural center, and one of the most fertile regions in the country.

Because of this and the food produced, it’s also considered Italy’s capital of gastronomy, producing cured meats like the famous aged prosciutto hams, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and aged balsamic vinegar.

Interestingly, with these somewhat fatty foods, the wines produced here are lighter and just a tad bit sparkling (frizzante) — a perfect pairing of food to wine.

The best rule of thumb to know about the food and wine of Emilia Romagna is: the foods age, not the wine.

Grapes found here include: Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and sparsely planted Bonarda, originally from Piedmont.

Wines produced: Good wine is a part of the charm in Emilia Romagna. Wines like Gutturnio (produced in the hills of Piacenza), Lambrusco, Sauvignon, and Sangiovese are just some of this region’s popular labels. Excellent frizzante or spumante are also produced from the Lambrusco DOCs. 

One of the most popular frizzante wines found near Bologna is the light, straw-colored Pignoletto made from the Grechetto Gentile grape variety.

Valle d’Aosta

Small but mighty, the historic autonomous region of Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley) in the northwestern corner of Italy is the smallest wine region in Italy.

But it sits nestled between France and Switzerland and contains some of the highest peaks in the Alps. 

Grapes found here include: The rich, red Petit Rouge, Fumin, and Vien de Nus used to create spicy wines, and Petite Arvine (a white grape similar to Pinot Grigio) which are used to make fruity white wines. 

Wines produced: The Aosta Valley is home to more than 20 unique wines including Pinot Noir rosé and other unique regional wines such as Arnad Montjovet, Enfer d’Arvier, Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, and Donnas.



Piedmont

Piedmont is home to the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains), as well as medieval castles that one must visit. The capital city of Turin is a fairly undiscovered food city and well worth a visit.

Grapes found here include: Nebbiolo; a highly-prized grape used in the production of top quality red wine; earthy Dolcetto; and sweet-smelling Brachetto. 

Wines produced: Creator of some of the best red wines exported worldwide, the regions of Piedmont are famed for expert cultivation and crafting some of the best wines in the world.

Known for their Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, its sparkling and sweet Moscato d’Asti DOCG is also one of the much sought-after wines. Barolo is certainly King in Piedmont. But the everyday drinkable Barbera is pretty outstanding as well.

Lombardy

Considered to be a melting pot of art, culture, food, and history, Lombardy has a landscape of grape variations - a prime specimen of the diversity that Italy bears. 

Grapes found here include: Pinot Grigio, fresh Barbera, and the smoky Pinot Blanc.

Wines produced: Some of the most noteworthy names among the fine selection of wine in Lombardy include the wines of Valtellina (Inferno, Sforzato, Valtellina Superiore) and the Pinot Noir wines of Oltrepò Pavese (called Pinot Nero in Lombardy), especially Oltrepò Pavese Metodo classico.

Most of these are high-quality DOCG and DOG labels.

Nebbiolo is popular here through it’s called Chiavennasca, and you’ll also find sparkling wine called Franciacorta, from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc grapes made in the Champagne style.



Trentino Alto-Adige

Home to a predominantly German-speaking population and typically mountainous, Trentino–Alto Adige is Italy’s land of beautiful snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and alpine lakes.

The regional Tyrolean food is rich with cheeses, dumplings, and cured meats and many of the wines here bring balance with lightness and sparkle.

Grapes found here include: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, local grapes such as Lagrein and Schiava, and the sweeter Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau.

Wines produced: Trentino Alto-Adige bears one of the world’s favorite Merlot, prized Cabernet, Pinot, Chardonnay, and the area’s excellent Spumante (bubbly or sparkling wine).



Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Known for its distillates and traditional grape-based brandy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is nestled between a spectacular backdrop of mountains and a river valley, and coastal plains and shallow lagoons. 

Grapes found here include: Tocai Friulano and Ribolla used in the region’s signature white wines, Malvasia, and Glera or Prosecco.

Wines produced: Home to four DOCGs, twelve DOCs, and three IGPs, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an area of high-quality reds, and white wines like Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio.

Central Italy Wine Region and Wine

Liguria

Liguria is an exclusive destination filled with small ports and colorful seaside towns like Portofino and the five towns of the Cinque Terre, as well as the largest city center in Europe in Genoa.

They’re not famous for their wines, but the salt air rolling in from the sea spritzes magic onto the grapes resulting in several unique and delicious white wines to look out for.

Grapes found here include: Vermentino, which is used in the production of white wine; and the mildly aromatic Rossese, used in blends with Sangiovese. 

Wines produced: Wine in Liguria takes on the flavors of the briny sea and pairs well with seafood. Raisin wines like Sciacchetrà delle Cinque Terre and Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato Passito are widely treasured and often had with dessert.

Classic reds like Rossese di Dolceacqua Superiore, Rosso Colli di Levanto, and Golfo del Tigullio, and a few other whites are also found here.



Tuscany

Magnificent Florence, historic Pisa, a stunningly scenic countryside, and world-renowned wine make Tuscany one of the best wine regions in Italy and a favorite among wine travelers. 

Grapes found here include: Sangiovese; Ciliegiolo, a native grape used in the Chianti DOC; and Syrah, known for producing strong and full-bodied wines.

Wines produced: Sweet wine called Vin Santo is a Tuscan specialty and one of the most delicious Italian drinks you’re likely to taste, along with the tiny biscotti served with it to dunk!

While a range of grape varieties (Sangiovese, Cab, Merlot, Trebbiano, and Vermentino) produce some of the finest red and white wines available in the region. Sangiovese most notably is the major grape used for making Chianti, and Cab and Merlot grapes are the grape varieties behind the Super Tuscan wines.

The Trebbiano grape is the most produced variety for Tuscany’s white wines.

Wineries to Visit: Salcheto Winery in Montepulciano is a unique example of sustainable and off-the-grid winemaking, and definitely worth a visit for a tour and lunch.

Marche

Originally inhabited by the Gauls and then ruled by the Romans, the Marches contain some major rivers of the region and are rich in viticulture.

Grapes found here include: The region’s iconic Verdicchio grape is most common. Bianchello and Montepulciano are characterized by their strong color and soft flavor.

Wines produced: The white Verdicchio wines produced here are renowned for their heady aroma. The white Falerio dei Colli Ascolani; the red Rosso Piceno; and Rosso Piceno Superiore, a sweet wine stored in wooden casks with a Mediterranean hint of aniseed-flavored liqueur (Annisette). 

Umbria

Boasting one of the largest lakes in Italy and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, Umbria paints a romantic landscape. The fertile soil that yields Italian truffles and other exquisite delicacies serves as a reminder of the ancient Etruscan settlements that were here before.  

Grapes found here include:  Trebbiano; Grechetto, used in many popular DOCs; and Sangiovese. The Sagrantino red grape variety is best known.

Wines produced: Umbria is especially suitable for wine growing and produces top-quality red and white wines. Assisi Grechetto and Sagrantino di Montefalco are among the most well known.

While the former has a nutty profile, the latter is known for its fruity undertones. 

Lazio 

Home of historic Rome, the Pontine islands, and monuments that date back centuries, Lazio may be the ultimate destination on any visitor’s Italian bucket list. Surprisingly though, wine production is relatively small.

Grapes found here include:  Merlot; Sangiovese; and Nero Buono, a dark-skinned red wine grape. The white Grechetto and Malvasia grapes are also grown.

Wines produced: Wine in Lazio ranges from amazing white wines with citrusy hints (Frascati Superiore, Velletri bianco, Colli Albani, and Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone, a blend of a neutral grape variety) to red wines mostly consumed in the capital like Cesanese del Piglio and Cerveteri rosso.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo lies among unpolluted peaks of the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea and is equipped with tourist resorts for winter sports lovers and ski bums. 

Grapes found here include: Montepulciano is the primary red grape, along with Trebbiano, Merlot, and Sangiovese. 

Wines produced: The best and most popular wine of Abruzzo is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, not to be confused with the famous Nobile di Montepulciano made from Sangiovese which is produced only in Tuscany’s Montepulciano.

Sangiovese and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo are also favored for their excellent production process, quality, and price. Abruzzo also contains a number of organic wineries that are must-haves in your itinerary. 

Molise

Molise is part of a partly untouched region that evokes a feeling of wonder, with historic areas and archaeological sites bearing traces of seasonal migration of communities and livestock. 

Grapes found here include: Trebbiano; Montepulciano; and Aglianico, a dark and musty varietal. 

Wines produced: A more recent DOC region, Molise is favored for its Biferno wines (red, white, and rosé) which are crisp and acidic, as well as its Pentro di Isernia wines which come from the dominant grape varieties.

Southern Italy Wine Region and Wine

Campania 

Campania is the land of music and legend, with Naples, Vesuvius, Sorrento and the picturesque Amalfi Coast at the center of what this region has to offer.

The food of Campania is also legendary with pizza and bufala mozzarella cheese as the leading stars.

Grapes found here include: Aglianico, and Fiano, used in several varietal wines. Aglianico is super high in tannins and traditionally takes around 10 years to age and be drinkable.

Wines produced: Campanian wines including Taurasi, Aglianico, Greco di Tufo, Asprino d’Aversa, Lacrima Christi, and Solopaca, are aged and rustic wines that are often enjoyed in the pleasant climate among good company and quality food.

Puglia

Frozen in time with olive groves, hill towns, and fresh farm produce, Puglia is home to amazing food, picturesque hills, plains, and the vast Mediterranean Sea coastline. 

Grapes found here include: spiced Negroamaro; Primitivo, known for producing tannic wines; and Verdeca, a rare white-wine grape. It’s also a known value region for Chardonnay.

Wines produced: Puglia is also a land of fruit-forward valued wine — Primitivo di Manduria, Negroamaro, Salice Salentino, and Castel Del Monte Aglianico are classified across the world as formidable and supreme. There’s nothing better with a slice of Altamura bread, the DOP pride of Puglia.

Basilicata

Basilicata is surrounded by lush vegetation and filled with alluring villages that provide visitors with a peaceful and idyllic stay. 

Grapes found here include: Like its neighbor Campania, Aglianico is often used along with Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano.

Wines produced: Along with the signature hot pepper and classic lamb dishes, Basilicata produces some fine and unique Aglianico red wines that are made from grapes grown on volcanic soil. These take on a deep and meaty aftertaste.

Calabria

Calabria is every tourist’s dream come true with sandy beaches, rocky crevices, and the crystal clear Ionian Sea making it the epitome of Nature’s greatness. 

The food in Calabria is also another good example of the way Mother Nature balances food and wine. Known mostly for its spicy cuisine flavored with Calabrian pepperoncini, the wines of the Calabrian region pair naturally. And that’s a hefty challenge!

Grapes found here include: Gaglioppo, identified by a flavor of crushed berries; and Greco Bianco, used to produce a range of dry to sweet wines.

Wines produced: Wine in Calabria is a must-try with their famed Calabrian red and the copper-colored Greco di Bianco DOC named after the region's Greek origins.

Some notable winemaking regions here include Bivongi with its rosé blends and dry white wines, and Scavigna DOC with wines made from Bianco, Rosso, and Rosato blends.

Sardinia

Sardinia lies right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and is a region of sharp colors and contrasts. 

Grapes found here include: Vermentino, and Cannonau (Grenache) grapes, which are largely grown in the provinces of Ogliastra and Nuoro and lend a spicy hint to fruity blends. 

Wines produced: The wines in Sardinia come from a variety of native grapes, but most have the distinct color and flavor of sun-dried fruit. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, with high alcohol content and surprising richness, is the most commonly found type of red wine in this region. 

You gotta try Cannonau and Vermentino.

Sicily

Sicily is defined by its art, culture, and natural beauty — splendid mountaintops, beautiful beaches, and historic monuments, placing it second only to Paradise. Much of Sicily’s food is gifted from the sea, and the wines here once again seem to pair perfectly.

Grapes found here include: Trebbiano; Syrah; Chardonnay; and Nero d’Avola, a native grape.

Wines produced: The most famous wines in Sicily are of the red grape variety — Nero D’Avola — originating in southeast Sicily, and the wines produced around Mt. Etna — Alcamo; Moscato di Noto; and fortified wines like Marsala.  

Taking a Wine Tour in Italy

If you’re traveling to Italy for the wine, then a wine tasting tour is sure to be in the cards.

By planning a DIY tour with family and friends, or an organized tour of special vineyards, you can explore a range of Italian wine types through exclusive experiences and make your holiday a memorable one. 

We’ve listed some tours below that you can try out for an authentic Italian wine tasting experience.

 

DIY Wine Tour

A DIY wine tasting tour in Italy involves planning and a lot of prioritizing (so much to see and so less time!). 

Start from the north and witness the majestic Alps slowly fade into lush green valleys and make your way to the coast.

Plan a trip around the food of Italy pairing the local cuisine with the best wine that region has to offer — dry white wine or even a bold red with seafood; and a Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style beefsteak) with a Super Tuscan, for just the right amount of spice.

These are combinations that you simply cannot miss. 

Planning your DIY Wine Tour in Italy

Planning a DIY wine trip to Italy is a great idea, but we suggest limiting your Italy wine trip to one, two, or three regions (max), depending on how much time you have. Any more will simply be overwhelming.

One or two regions are perfect for an immersive, deep dive into that region — Tuscany or Veneto are two good regions for that. Tuscany and Bologna also make a good pairing with two very different wine styles. Piedmont and Lombardy are best friends for a reason, so that’s another good pairing.

Three regions can be done with more time and if they are close in proximity to each other. Veneto with Lombardy, Piedmont, or Trentino Alto-Adige; or Sicily with Basilicata and Calabria.

Map your trip to focus on major wine-producing areas near the cities you want to visit. Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Sicily, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia offer some of the most popular wine regions and are famous for their wine tours.

All it takes is one day, and you’ll have covered almost an entire region.

The coolest part about DIY tours? Do things your way, and on a budget!

The best approach to a self-designed tour is to directly contact local wineries and inns beforehand to schedule a visit. Most wineries usually do not have large tasting rooms or commercial packages but are open to visitors.

Keep in mind that visiting popular wine regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, and Lombardy during the harvest fall season needs extra time to plan, as you’ll need to call months ahead to schedule tastings and winery accommodations.

With a rental car, you can drive through the countryside, mingle with local wine lovers and makers, and mix culture with a drink to have the experience of a lifetime! 

Organized Italy Wine Tours

 Slow Travel Wine Tours

Slow travel tours in Italy take you to small producer wineries where you often meet the owner or winemaker themselves, and they’re often one and the same.

Talking with them over lunch and a good bottle of wine is an example of the in-depth, immersive experience slow travel is known for.

We’ve taken several slow food and slow travel tours in Tuscany and Veneto this way, and always come away with a deeper appreciation for the land, soil, and time it takes to craft wine.

Family-Oriented Tours 

Adventure tours

Finally, an awesome tour that offers two of Tuscany’s coolest things to do — riding a Vespa and tasting wine! You’ll see so much of the countryside on this 6-hour Tuscany Vespa tour and it includes lunch and a wine-tasting tour!

Private Wine Tours in Italy

Private wine tours in rural Piedmont include wine tastings in Langhe, at boutique estates in Monferrato, and Roero Gavi, along with visits to premium Barbaresco and Barolo estates.

The tour features daily excursions and tastings coupled with a host of traditional cheeses and truffles to captivate your taste buds.

And a meal at one of the oldest restaurants in the world, the Del Cambio in Turin, is the perfect ways to end your day.  

Several Tuscany wineries specialize in private family tours — where you can leave the whole day’s planning to them and sit back and relax.

This Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour is one of the best in Tuscany — and includes luxury transport all day, visits to three different wineries, including an organic winery and a small family-run estate, an amazing Tuscan lunch and a private guide.

Many tours along the coast take it a step further by combining the wine tour with dinners by the sea and special cruises.

Some Amalfi Coast packages even include a stay at the indulgent Hotel Santa Caterina where the ancient Greek and Roman wine and traditional cuisine make it oh-so dreamy. 

 

Solo Wine Tours

One great way to spend your next vacation is by taking a solo trip to Italy. Rent a bike and make your way around the smaller wine-producing areas. 

You can start your bike tour from Florence, explore the Colli Fiorentini, and arrive in Chianti Classico through the stunning Val d’Elsa. Follow the route towards Volpaia and Radda in Chianti that will lead you to incredible spots such as the Brolio Castle or Greve in Chianti.

***

There’s nothing quite like backpacking across the country; solo, as a couple, or as part of a group.  Plan your next getaway across the vineyards of Italy and bask in a changing landscape that will call you back again and again — Neapolitans call it the Siren’s song.

We hope this guide helps you better understand the unique Italy wine regions and the amazing wines they produce — now it’s time to enjoy. Salute!

Drinks Wine and Cocktails, Italian Food CultureLori Sorrentinowine tastingComment