With a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in the world, not to mention its breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Italy is every wine enthusiast’s dream destination.
Wineries in Italy are spread throughout the country, which claims no less than 20 different regions producing world-class wine varietals such as Barbaresco and Barolo from stunning vineyards set among a picturesque countryside from Piedmont in the north to the Mediterranean island of Sicily in the south.
The best wineries in Italy are inarguably located in the regions of Piedmont, Lombardia, Veneto and Tuscany – each with its own individual personality, styles of wine and accompanying local cuisine.
Italian wineries range from small family-owned vineyards to grandiose estates sprawled over hundreds of hectares. Most open their doors to welcome visitors looking to sample wines in situ as part of an incredible experience that will never be forgotten.
At Wine Paths, our local experts can organise private wine tours of wineries in Italy across the country.
Our tours, which can include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, gastronomic meals and unique experiences, can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of before you set foot on Italian soil.
Wineries in Italy will typically allow visitors to explore the vineyards and take tours of the cellars, often accompanied by an expert guide or the owner themselves to explain the history and culture of wine produced in that region.
Of course, this is always followed by the opportunity to sample the region’s premier wines – which are often accompanied by gourmet food pairings featuring local cuisine- another main draw for anyone visiting Italy.
No wine tour of the country would be complete without visiting the rolling hills of Tuscany where you can find some of the best wineries in Italy, sampling exquisite Chianti while enjoying local food specialities such as Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad) or Fagioli Con Salsiccia (beans with sausage).
Italian wineries in Piedmont are rivalling Tuscany as the country’s finest producers, especially those making the famed Barolo and Barbaresco varietals that are revered on the international stage. The cuisine, meanwhile, is a blend of Italian and French styles with dishes including the classic Vitello Tonnato, a tender piece of veal accentuated by a rich tomato and tuna sauce.
Umbria is a lesser-known wine region that bears similarities with Tuscany courtesy of its ancient hillside scenery and medieval towns, the most famous of which is Orvieto. The city centre is perched on the summit of a steep cliff and is where wineries in Italy produce some of the country’s best dry and sweet white wines.
Italian wineries close to Rome are renowned for their Frascati, which dates back to the Roman Empire of 5,000 BC. This wine is produced in either dry or sweet and sparkling or still style, providing the ideal aperitif before exploring the exciting capital city.
The Mediterranean island of Sicily is the southernmost winemaking region in Italy. The only sub-region on the island to be denoted as DOCG, the highest classification for wineries in Italy, is Vittoria where you can find the delectable blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato.
These are only a few of the unique opportunities that a winery tour of Italy has to offer, contact Wine Paths for more information before planning a luxury bespoke trip.