Italy has nearly 400 grape varieties, each providing delicious and unique wines and is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. So, what better place for a wine tour than the Bel Paese? Come on a journey with us as we delve into the best wine tasting regions in Italy and what wonderful experiences you can enjoy.

Italian wine regions and experiences

Discovering the best wine tasting venues in Italy means immersing yourself in a journey through historic vineyards, prestigious wineries, and authentic flavours. This article explores must-visit destinations for wine lovers, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the volcanic lands of the south, offering a food and wine experience that celebrates Italian quality and wine tradition.

Tuscany: rolling vineyards and exquisite wines

The Sangiovese grape is the most widely grown grape in Tuscany and produces high tannin and acidic garnet red wines such as the Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the Brunello di Montalcino. Tuscany is a wonderful location for any wine lover as there are many wineries that offer exceptional tastings, tours of their wine cellars and more. A great place to ‘taste- your-way-around Tuscany’ is at the well-loved winery Antinori Chianti Classico. Enjoy an immersive experience with cooking classes, tastings, and tours at Badia, a renovated monastery in the heart of Tuscany.

Lombardy: a forgotten treasure

The region of Lombardy boasts 5 distinguished DOCGs and 21 DOC appellations making it a great location for an absolutely wonderful wine tasting experience in Italy. In recent years, many new, quality and terroir focused wineries have popped up and are making Lombardy a popular destination for wine lovers. If you want an immersive wine tour in Italy surrounded by nature, then Tallarini is a great option. If you want to combine wine tasting with a luxury spa experience, then try out The Cobue Wine resort at the foot of Lake Garda.

Piedmont: beauty and taste in every sip

The best renowned wines from this delightful region are Barolo and Barbaresco made from the Nebbiolo grape, as well as the Asti spumante made from the sweet Moscato grape. Visit the tasting rooms at the co-op Produttori del Barbaresco, famed for its unique style of Nebbiolo. For something a bit different head south to Chionetti or Pecchenino for some delicious Dolcetto wine.

Veneto: centuries of tradition

Among Veneto’s best loved creations are Prosecco, Soave and Amarone. The region has 15 DOCG and 29 DOC regions so there is plenty to explore. The region mainly grows grapes for white sparkling wines such as the world famous Prosecco. If you love Prosecco, then there is the renowned Prosecco Superiore Ring, a 15 km circular route offering an infinite number of vineyards, wineries, and historic villages. If a rich red is more to your taste, then head to Tenuta Santa Maria Di Gaetano Bertani, where you can savour the full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella. Venture to Verona to try the dry zesty white wine Soave at wineries such as the beloved Rocca Sveva or the picturesque Coffele Viticoltori.

Sicily: a land rich in minerals

The mosaic of terroirs and the different microclimates make the island of Sicily the perfect location for producing distinct wines. The vineyards located on the foothills of Mount Etna are often showered with lava and minerals giving the wines an unusual aromatic flavour. There are many opportunities for tastings on the island at renowned wineries such as Alta Mora an eco-friendly winery that specializes in the light Carricante and the red Guardiola Etna Rosso. Another must visit is the Tenuta di Castellano, who use zero-impact methods in their underground winery as per traditional Aeolian island methods.

Italian wines at Fiumicino airport: take a taste of Italy home with you

If you feel like taking home a little taste of Bella Italia then you can buy a bottle or two  on Shop&Fly with -10% discount: order online and pick up at the dedicated Duty Free counters on the day of departure. From light and elegant reds such as the Campo Ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino or the aromatic Zonin Valpolicella Superiore to dry and well balanced whites such as the lemony Gavi Docg Del Comune Di Gavi.

Italy is renowned for its excellent wines and with it the best wine tasting experiences. Visit the Tuscan hill towns for some delectable Chianti; head to Veneto for a fantastic Prosecco tasting experience or make your way to the foothills of Mount Etna for an aromatic array of wines. Wherever you decide to venture for an Italian wine tasting experience you are bound to be enchanted by the sheer volume and quality of the different wines available. Immerse yourself in the generations of history and craftmanship that go into every bottle.

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