The Best Wine Tourism Destinations in Italy 2023

This region is known for three things above all else: the sweeping Alps mountain range, the various lakes, and, of course, wine production, with over 1 million hectoliters produced per year. Lombardy’s history of wine can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who traveled from Athens to the Po river where they traded the beverage with Tuscany. There are 13 main wine regions within Lombardy, Valtellina arguably being the most historic, being rooted in the 5th century. Valtellina limits how much wine it produces since the vines usually only last five decades. For quality and quantity, Oltrepò Pavese produces over 50% of Lombardy’s wine. While Lombardy offers a variety of wines, sparkling is its specialty and no region does it better than Franciacorta. Lombardy is known for its cheeses and meats as well, which pairs beautifully with a glass of wine while enjoying the mountain or lakeside views.

Distinguished by its hilly landscapes, you can immediately tell that Marche is a lush region for wine production. The vineyards account for almost 40,000 acres of the region. At least part of Marche’s greenish yellow hue can be attributed to the grapes that give us Verdicchio wine. Marche is the main supplier of Verdicchio, producing this wine since the 14th century at least. This region also produces Trebbiano, the grape behind one of the most widely consumed wine styles in Italy, and is believed to be the original source of the Pecorino grape, which is used for over 20 types of wine. While Mache is primarily associated with white wine, it appeals to red wine lovers as well, with Montepulciano and occasionally Sangiovese. With the region being nestled on the shoreline, Marche is tailor-made for those who enjoy kicking back with a bottle of wine on the sandy beach.

Tuscany is among the most prosperous wine regions with several standout spots. The hill town of Montalcino may not be Tuscany’s largest wine producer, but it’s grown exponentially over the past 60 years. During the 1960s, Montalcino had just 11 winemakers. Nowadays, there are more than 200 to be found. Montalcino is best known for manufacturing Brunello di Montalcino, a red wine derived from Sangiovese grapes with roughly 330,000 cases released annually. In 1980, Brunello was awarded DOCG status, becoming one of the first three wines to receive this honor. This gave Brunello a prestige quality that comes with a high price tag. You’ll feel like royalty sipping on a glass of Brunello with Montalcino’s medieval architecture adding to the illusion. As grand as the scenery is, Montalcino’s small size makes it ideal for a walking tour, stopping here and there to admire the vineyards.

The Veneto region consists of cities such as Venice and Verona, making it a cornerstone of Italy’s culture. So, it’s not surprising that Veneto is one of the country’s foremost wine suppliers, as well as the region that produces the most DOC wine. There’s an amble variety for red and white wine enthusiasts alike. The red wine crowd will be drawn to the garnet hue of Valpolicella, the dry texture of Bardolino, or the flavorful scent of Amarone. White wine lovers can drown themselves in the fruity blend of Soave, Prosecco, or Gambellara. While Veneto is well-suited for a wine getaway, it’s also a prime destination to learn about wine. The town of Conegliano includes the oldest and most respected wine school in Italy. The curriculum consists of cultivation, harvesting, vinification, and marketing, guaranteeing you’ll leave a wine professional.

There’s just something about drinking wine on an island that makes the experience all the more special. Sardinia stands out as the Mediterranean’s second-biggest island and one of Italy’s premier producers of wine. The white sand beaches pair perfectly with a nice white wine, be it Nasco or Malvasia. The turquoise waters also compliment red wines such as Monica, and Bovale. Of course, no red wine on the island can top Cannonau di Sardegna, which the law requires to be made at least 90% from native Grenache. As you can tell, Sardinia takes its wine very seriously. Whichever tickles your fancy, there’s nothing like taking a bottle and your significant other out on a boat for a romantic toast against the sunset. Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket of local cheese and olive oil as well.

San Gimignano, Tuscany

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When in Tuscany, you can’t limit yourself to only one wine region. San Gimignano is famous for its tower houses, hilltop locale, and, of course, its wine. No wine is more intertwined with the town’s identity than Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This white wine marked Italy’s first entry into the DOC in 1966. 27 years later, Vernaccia would join the DOCG club. The Vernaccia grape can be traced as far back as 1276. By planting this historic grape in sandstone, a dry, crisp taste is achieved. Although San Gimignano is predominantly associated with white wine, red wine is produced as well with Sangiovese making up most of the blend. There are several local wineries that provide fetching views of the neighboring Romanesque and Gothic buildings. While enjoying your wine, order a slice of Golden Ham, which San Gimignano is also renowned for.

Bordering Marche, Abruzzo produces Cococciola, Passerina, and various other wines that’ll go nicely with a platter of cheese, olive oil, and salami. However, two wines reign over all others. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC is a white wine with ties to Bombino Bianco and Trebbiano Toscano, creating a fruity sentiment with a hint of almond. The only wine in Abruzzo that commands more esteem is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, which was upgraded from DOC to DOCG twenty years ago. This red wine provides a rich fusion of flavors consisting of tobacco, oregano, and black fruits. There are four main wineries in Abruzzo that make up most of production, although there are smaller wineries if you’re looking for something more intimate. Whether skiing during the winter or taking in the national parks on a spring afternoon, a warm glass of wine always hits the spot in Abruzzo.

How do you top tasting wine in Sardinia? By taking a wine tour on the Mediterranean’s largest island. Sicily’s vast size reflects its variety, being one of the largest wine producers in all of Italy. 23 wines in Sicily have achieved DOC status, but Cerasuolo di Vittoria rises above the competition as the island’s only DOCG. This dry wine is comprised of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, two of the three essential red grapes, the third being Nerello Mascalese. If you’re more of a white wine person, Catarratto is the most common grape in Sicily and Carricante is also in indigenous to the island. For a balance of white and red wine, the Etna region has Nerello and Carricante grapes to go around. You couldn’t ask for a more enchanting locale in Italy to indulge in a glass while lounging on the beach, keeping an eye out for Jennifer Coolidge.

If you’re up for another round in Tuscany, head over to Chianti for one of Italy’s most atmospheric wine experiences. This rocky region is settled between Florence and Siena, offering a splendid view of the surrounding mountains to go with your wine. Although you’ll want to spend part of your trip drinking under the Tuscan sun, no visit to Chianti would be complete without checking out a wine cellar where the magic happens. As for what’s on the menu, the region naturally shares the same name as its most popular wine. Chianti wine is not only distinguished by its inimitable flavors and high quality, but by the admittedly old-fashioned tourist-friendly bottles wrapped in straw baskets. Usually, we’d suggest recycling empty bottles. When it comes to Chianti, though, it’s worth keeping the empties as a souvenir to remember your Tuscan wine tour.

Few regions in Italy have a better reputation for wine production than Piedmont, which is saying a lot. This Northwest region has over 40 DOC wines and almost 20 DOCG wines. For red wine drinkers, in particular, you’re in for a rosy treat. Piedmont is practically synonymous with Barolo and Barbaresco, which are crafted from the indigenous Nebbiolo grape. If you visit Piedmont in October, you’ll arrive just in time for the annual Nebbiolo harvest. The real reason to visit this time of year, though, is for the autumn scenery, which goes splendidly with the exquisite appeal of the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco. For something sweeter, you’ll also find wines made of Barbera and Dolcetto, the latter of which translates to “little sweet one.” You shouldn’t sleep on Piedmont’s white wine selection either, Arneis being a favorite in the Roero area. Whatever your drink is, you won’t leave without toasting, “Here’s to Piedmont.”