5 places wine lovers should visit in Italy

The Italians, guided through methods handed down by generations, produce a huge number of different varieties all over the country. In Italy, drinking wine is treated like an everyday custom; Italians love to pair a glass with a hearty meal. For wine lovers, a trip to Italy is a real delight - here’s five of the best places to enjoy wine in Italy.

Nestled in the north of Italy, Barolo in Piedmont whisks you away to dramatic mountain views and verdant green vineyards with vivacious vino. The town of Barolo is a gastronomic paradise with rich pasta dishes and white truffles that really bring out the flavour of recipes, a fantastic accompaniment to the bold, complex flavours of a Barolo. Visit each of the five towns where Barolo wine is produced: Barolo, La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto and enjoy a tasting. Barolo utilises the Nebbiolo grape which is among the most popular for use in the world's top restaurants. Barolo is known as the “King of Wine” for its rich, deep flavour. This is no easy or quick feat with it taking 38 months to mature.

San Gimignano is a lovely medieval town in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. With pretty cobbled lanes and tall ancient towers that offer unparalleled views across the famous rolling green hills, this town has lots to be explored. For a history lesson, pay a visit to Rocca di Montestaffoli, once a fortress and a convent, where you can learn all about the history of this fascinating town. The quality of this regions wine needs no introduction for lovers of Italian wine. Producing millions of bottles annually, this wine is sold all over the world. In 1966, Vernaccia di San Gimignano was awarded the first DOC in Italy and then in 1993, obtained Italy’s highest award for wine, DOCG status.

Orvieto is the most famous wine in all of Umbria. The city of Oriveto dates back to the Etruscan times and is one of the most important historic cities in Italy. There is a whole underground city to discover with caves, cellars and tunnels giving a deep dive into the past. Orvieto can be found on a volcanic stone meaning that the soil is mineral rich which creates favourable growing conditions for the grapes. Orvieto DOC wine dates back to the Middle Ages and comes in a range of sweet and dry varieties making use of Prociano and Grechetto grapes which were highly admired by popes and princes.

The South of Sicily is home to Vittoria, a wine producing region that is one of the best in all of Italy. Vittoria is known for embroidery which dates back many years and is still an art form today. Make sure you see the remains of Camarina’s Greek colony while you are here. Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes produce a bright, red wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which was awarded DOCG status in 2005. The name ‘Cerasuolo’ translates as cherry and comes from the deep red colour of the grapes.

The Amalfi Coast is home to three wine areas: Ravello, Furore and Tramonti. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most mesmerising coastlines in the whole of Italy with bright coloured houses, blue waters and of course, the famous Amalfi lemons. The first local producers came from ancient farming and fishing rituals and today vineyards that have DOC status spread across the whole hilly area of the Amalfi Coast. Grapes such as Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Piedirosso and Aglianico are popular here. Be sure to try Fiorduva, a white wine made from three varieties of grapes.

Are you a wine lover and ready for a tour and tasting in Italy? Citalia are the UK’s leading Italy specialist with over 90 years' experience in tailoring holidays to Italy. Experts are on hand every step of the way to ensure you make memories to last a lifetime. It’s never too late to start planning your Italian escape!

Visit citalia.com to discover the real Italy on your next adventure. Andiamo! 

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