Popular reds include Sangiovese, Merlot, and Sangiovese-based blends that incorporate Sagrantino, a native grape that's unique to Umbria. Umbria has 13 sub-regions where you'll find both red and white wines. Like Tuscany, Umbria is an accessible wine region to visit from either Rome or Florence, either by tour or independently.
Umbria Orvieto, in Italy's wine region of Umbriaīordering Tuscany and Lazio, green Umbria is characterized by its quiet forests-where delicious truffles sprout up in fall, shaping seasonal cuisine-and medieval hill towns that are just as charming to view from afar as they are to wander through. Staying a few nights? Basing yourself in Langhe, home to many B&Bs and wineries, or splurge on a stay in a grand castle-turned-hotel like Castello di Pavone.Ĭheck out this eight-day food and wine-themed tour of Italy for more ideas and inspiration. Having a rental car will allow you the freedom to discover some of Piedmont's cultural highlights, including historic Fenestrelle Fortress, overlooking the village of Fenestrelle, or the Santuario of Vicoforte, a medieval sanctuary in Cuneo. Book a tour or explore the region's many wineries independently. Turin is the region's capital, though wine production centers around Alba and Asti. Piedmont, in Italy's northwest near the border of France and Switzerland, is renowned all over the world for its fruity red wines, including Dolcetto, Gattinara, and, of course, Barbera and Barolo-you'll also find dry white wines like Cortese and sparkling varieties like Moscato d'Asti. Piedmont Sunset over the vineyards, BaroloĬome for the Barbera and Barolo, stay for the leisurely "slow food"-style meals and the beautiful mountain scenery. Then check out this one-week itinerary around Tuscany, which includes many of the region's key cultural attractions. If you're going to spend a few days, base yourself in Montepulciano, a town famous for its red wine of the same name, and don't miss a drive to the Tuscan coast and the mountains of the Garfagnana, near Lucca.įor more on discovering Tuscany's hill towns, read this article.
Wine maps of italy by regions driver#
Tuscany is wonderful to explore on your own, too-or with a guide and a driver if you're planning to taste more than a few wines. Many travelers experience the region on an organized day tour. Wine production here dates back as early as the 7th century BCE today, popular varietals include Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Carmignano, as well as so-called "Super Tuscan" blends that are made with several different grapes. Extending from Italy's west coast through the hilly inland, encompassing medieval cities like Siena and charming hilltop villages like San Gimignano, Tuscany is easy to reach from Florence or Rome. If you have time for just one wine region in Italy, Tuscany is an excellent choice.
Tuscany Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's wine-producing capitals Read on for an overview of six of the country's most popular regions for wine-tasting. Whether you're interested in sipping crisp white wine by the beach or strolling through ancient vineyards surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, there's an Italian wine country destination waiting for you. Since Italy is small and destinations are relatively close together, it's possible to travel to try wines in several areas of the country on a single trip. International visitors usually focus on one or two: Tuscany and Umbria are popular destinations, as they're easily accessible from major cities like Rome and Florence, while Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino-Alto Adige can be added on as side trips from Milan or Venice.