Top Wine Tourism Destinations in Italy
Autumn is one of the best times of year for a wine trip to Italy. The weather is no longer oppressively hot, and summer crows have largely disappeared. Visiting one of these spectacular wine regions offers a scenic countryside escape. Many small towns organize food and wine festivals in September and October, where visitors can mingle with locals and experience their foods, wines, and traditions.
Terre di Pisa Wines (Tuscany)
Terre di Pisa is a relatively new DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) that is waiting to be discovered. Established in 2011, the appellation includes reds, white, and roses. Most of the reds are made with 95% Sangiovese, the kind grape of the region. To learn more: Discover Terre di Pisa
And: Visit the Art Cities
While you are there, make a point of visiting the colorful art cities of Ghizzano and Peccioli, also in the province of Pisa.
Chianti Rufina Wines (Tuscany region)
Less well-known than Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina wines have a deep red color and fruity aroma due to their high elevation and location farthest from the sea. To learn more: Visit Chianti Rufina
Custoza Wines (Veneto region)
Close to Verona and Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda, the municipality organizes a Gran Gala Vino Custoza DOC festival each September with wine-tasting stalls, specialty dishes, and more. To learn more: Discover Custoza
Take a Cooking Class at Monte del Fra
One interesting winery to visit in Custoza is Monte del Fra, a three-generation, family-owned winery and one of the larger producers in the area. This four-season winery offers traditional tastings, cooking classes, and much more.
Ligurian Wines (Liguria region)
Liguria is Italy’s second-smallest wine-producing region, and most of the wines are made by small artisan wineries. Some of the region’s most important wines include DOC Cinque Terre and Vermentino (both dry whites) and Dolceacqua (a fruity, light-colored red). To learn more: A Taste of Ligurian Food and Wine
Dolceacqua
Dolceacqua is one of the most captivating and picturesque villages in Liguria. Its stone bride was captured in a painting by French Impressionist Claude Monet.
Friuli Venezia Giulia Wines (Friuli Venezia Giulia region)
This region with deep wine roots is tucked away in the northeasternmost corner of Italy and shares a border with Slovenia, halfway between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The Strada del Vino E De Sapori wine route offers a range of itineraries and suggestions for “food hotspots” and places to stay. To learn more: Attem Wines: A Taste of Friuli Venezia Giulia
A Perfect Pairing
While in the region, be sure to taste DOP Montasio cheese and San Daniele prosciutto.
The Prosecco Wine Road (Veneto region)
The 50-mile Prosecco Wine Road, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect destination for those who enjoy sparkling wines. This prestigious region offers the perfect growing environment for producing Prosecco, which is made from the Glera grape. To learn more: The Prosecco Wine Road
Visit Valdo in Valdobiadenne
Located in the town of Valdobbiadene, Valdo is a leading producer of sparkling wines and also one of the oldest wine producers in the region.
Umbria Wines (Umbria region)
Called the Green Heart of Italy because it is so fertile, The region has many wine estates and vineyards that offer tastings of different local varietals, including two of the most popular Umbrian wines: Orvieto and Montefalco Sagrantino. The Madrevite winery manually harvests its grapes and invites visitors for farm stays. To learn more: Madrevite: Umbrian Wines Link the Past and Present
Valle d’Aosta Wines (Aosta region)
The smallest of Italy’s 20 regions is sandwiched between France, Switzerland, and Piedmont in the northwestern corner. Due to its size, high-altitude topography, and alpine climate, it is the smallest wine appellation. The best-known of these wines is Torette, which is made from Petit Rouge grapes. To learn more: Wines of the Aosta Valley
When to Visit Italian Wineries
Wine enthusiasts can shape their travel itineraries around tours, tastings, and vineyard stays in Italy.
Although weather varies from region to region and year to year, a visit during September and October usually allows tourists the memorable experience of seeing the grape harvest.
