Regional wine tastings: the most impressive destinations for a trip to the cellars

Italy is the home of art, culture and, of course, wine. With a wine tradition rooted in Etruscan and Roman times, the Bel Paese offers an unparalleled variety of wine experiences. From north to south, Italy's wine landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltops, vineyards that fade into the horizon and charming villages. Each region has its own distinctive wines, products that reflect the unique character of the soils, climate and local history. Tastings are not only an opportunity to taste excellent wines, but also to immerse oneself in the local culture, meet the producers and listen to stories that speak of passion and dedication.

Abruzzo: Montepulciano and Trebbiano between scenic hills and vineyards

Abruzzo is famous for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a full-bodied and versatile red wine, and Trebbiano, one of the most popular Italian whites. The province of Chieti is home to some of the best-known wineries, such as Cascina Zaccagnini and Masciarelli, which offer guided tours and immersive tastings among spectacular hills. An unmissable experience is the wine route along the Costa dei Trabocchi, where you can taste local wines with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic.

Basilicata: Aglianico del Vulture, the king of volcanic wines

In the volcanic lands of Vulture, one of southern Italy's finest wines is produced: Aglianico del Vulture. This wine is appreciated for its intense and structured character. Wineries such as Paternoster and Cantine del Notaio offer routes that combine history, tradition and innovation. A curious fact? Some vineyards are cultivated in areas that were once lava flows, giving the wine a unique flavour.

Calabria: Cirò, the wine of Magna Grecia

Cirò, the most representative wine of Calabria, has its roots in Magna Graecia. This wine, produced from the Gaglioppo grape variety, is one of the oldest in Italy. The Librandi e Ippolito 1845 are mandatory stops for those who want to discover the history and flavour of this region. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the vineyards overlooking the Ionian coast, an experience that combines wine and breathtaking landscapes.

Campania: the charm of Greco di Tufo and the vineyards of Vesuvius

Campania is a treasure trove for wine lovers, with Greco di Tufo and Falanghina standing out among its excellence. Among the most famous wineries are Feudi di San Gregorio and Mastroberardino, both famous for the quality of their wines and the tasting experiences they offer, immersed in the vineyards. A curiosity? The vineyards cultivated on Vesuvius benefit from the volcanic soil, which gives a unique minerality to the wines.

Emilia-Romagna: Lambrusco and Colli Piacentini, between tradition and innovation

Emilia-Romagna is the home of Lambrusco, a sparkling wine perfect for informal toasts, and the fine wines of the Colli Piacentini. Wineries such as Cleto Chiarli and La Stoppa are known for their unforgettable wine tours and tastings. The Colli Bolognesi also offer experiences that combine wine and culture, with guided tours of historic villages and centuries-old vineyards.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Collio's signature whites

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is famous for its refined whites, such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Sauvignon. The Jermann and Livio Felluga cellars are unmissable destinations for discovering wines of the highest quality. In Collio, tastings are often accompanied by fascinating stories about the region's wine tradition. A particularity? Many wineries offer tours that end with a breathtaking view of the vineyards that stretch into Slovenia.

Lazio: Cesanese and Malvasia in the Castelli Romani

Just a stone's throw from Rome, the Castelli Romani are home to vineyards that produce Cesanese del Piglio and Malvasia Puntinata, Lazio's iconic wines. Wineries such as Casale del Giglio and Marco Carpineti offer comprehensive tours with guided tastings. A curiosity: some of the wine cellars are located inside ancient Roman villas, making the experience even more evocative.

Liguria: Vermentino and Sciacchetrà, jewels of the Cinque Terre

Liguria is famous for its fragrant white wines such as Vermentino and the sweet and rare Sciacchetrà, produced on the steep terraces of the Cinque Terre. Among the best-known wineries are Bisson and Cantina Cinque Terre, which offer tastings with breathtaking views of the sea. An experience not to be missed is to stroll along the terraced vineyards and discover how the local winegrowers face the challenges of ‘heroic’ production.

Lombardy: Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese, the bubbles of Italy

Lombardy is the heart of Italian wine bubbles with Franciacorta, a sparkling wine produced with the classic method, and the wines of Oltrepò Pavese. Wineries such as Ca' del Bosco and Bellavista are icons of Franciacorta and offer exclusive tours with personalised tastings. A curiosity? In Franciacorta you can take part in hot-air balloon flights over the vineyards, making the experience even more magical.

Marche: Verdicchio and the Conero hills

Le Marche is the home of Verdicchio, one of Italy's most awarded white wines. The hills of the Castelli di Jesi and Conero are home to renowned wineries such as Umani Ronchi and Garofoli, which offer comprehensive vineyard tours and guided tastings. An interesting fact is that Verdicchio, besides being an excellent table wine, is also used to produce classic method sparkling wines.

Molise: Tintilia, Italy's best kept secret

Molise, although small, has a wine jewel all its own: Tintilia, an indigenous grape variety that produces an elegant and intense wine. Wineries such as Di Majo Norante and Cantina Cianfagna represent the excellence of the region. Here the tasting experiences are both intimate and authentic, perfect for those seeking genuine atmospheres far from mass tourism.

Piedmont: Barolo and the Langhe, a story of excellence

Piedmont is synonymous with great wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, often referred to as the ‘kings’ and ‘queens’ of Italian red wines. The Ceretto and Marchesi di Barolo wineries are among the most famous and offer detailed tours through vineyards and historic cellars. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place where wine and landscape come together in unique perfection.

Apulia: Primitivo, Negroamaro and the farms of Salento

Puglia is the land of Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro, full-bodied and intense wines that reflect the warmth of the south. Among the most celebrated wineries are Tormaresca and Leone de Castris, which offer immersive experiences among vineyards and ancient masserie. A curiosity? Some wineries organize evening tastings with traditional Apulian music to celebrate wine and local culture.

Sardinia: Cannonau and Vermentino between Nuraghi and the sea

Sardinia is famous for Cannonau, a red wine rich in history, and Vermentino, a fresh and aromatic white wine. Wineries such as Argiolas and Sella & Mosca are must-sees for wine lovers. A unique experience is to visit the vineyards that stretch near the Nuraghi, ancient megalithic constructions, combining history and winemaking tradition.

Sicily: Etna and Marsala wines, an enological treasure.

Sicily offers a unique variety of wines thanks to its volcanic terrain. Etna wines, such as those produced by Planeta and Firriato, are prized for their minerality and freshness. In Marsala, wineries such as Florio tell the story of one of Italy's most celebrated fortified wines. Don't miss wine tours on Mount Etna, where you can admire lunar landscapes while tasting extraordinary wines.

Trentino-South Tyrol: mountain wines and breathtaking views

Trentino-South Tyrol is the home of elegant wines such as Gewürztraminer and Lagrein. Wineries such as Abbazia di Novacella and Elena Walch offer wine experiences with spectacular views of the Dolomites. A curiosity? Many vineyards in this region are cultivated at high altitudes, making their wines unique and characterized by exceptional freshness.

Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello and Vernaccia in the hills of Tuscany

The rolling hills of Tuscany are home to legendary wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Historic wineries such as Antinori in Chianti Classico and Biondi Santi offer tastings that combine elegance and authenticity. A unique experience? Take part in a wine tour in Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Umbria: Sagrantino di Montefalco, the red wine of great events

Umbria is famous for Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerful and structured red wine. Wineries such as Caprai and Scacciadiavoli are among the most renowned and organize guided tours that include vineyard walks and in-depth tastings. An interesting detail is that this wine, due to its longevity, is perfect for storing and celebrating on grand occasions.

Aosta Valley: heroic wines at the foot of the Alps

La Valle d’Aosta è nota per i suoi vini “eroici”, coltivati in piccole quantità su ripidi pendii. Tra i vini più noti ci sono il Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle e il Torrette. Cantine come Les Crêtes offrono degustazioni esclusive in contesti unici, dove la natura alpina fa da protagonista. Una particolarità? Molti vigneti qui sono tra i più alti d’Europa.

Veneto: Amarone, Prosecco and the hills of Valdobbiadene

Veneto is one of the best known wine regions in the world thanks to Amarone della Valpolicella and Prosecco di Valdobbiadene. Wineries such as Masi and Nino Franco offer tasting experiences of the highest caliber, accompanied by stories about the region's long wine tradition. An unmissable experience is a tour of the Prosecco hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to recognize a quality wine during a winery visit?

During a winery visit, recognizing a quality wine is not only a matter of taste, but also of observation and awareness. Pay attention to the color and clarity of the wine, which can tell a lot about its age and preservation. Aroma is key: a quality wine has a complex and harmonious bouquet. Finally, on the palate, look for balance between acidity, tannins and alcohol. Don't hesitate to ask producers to tell you about the winemaking process: transparency is always a positive sign.

The charm of glamping near Italian vineyards

To experience a wine and food trip at its best, glamping is an ideal choice. You can stay overnight in luxury tents or cozy lodges, just a short distance from vineyards and wine villages. This option will allow you to enjoy wine tastings and wine tours during the day, and then relax in a comfortable setting surrounded by the quiet countryside. It is the perfect option for those seeking a vacation that combines authentic experiences and comfort.