1. Lombardy
Are you visiting Milan and Como? Extend your stay one more day to explore the incredible Brescia Region. Brescia is the 2nd largest wine producer near Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. The region is well known for its Franciacorta wine. Franciacorta is a white or rosé sparkling wine made in the Champagne Method. This means that the fermentation process produces the fine bubbles unlike Prosecco, which has its bubbles pumped into the bottle. If sparkling wine is not your taste, indulge in the fuller bodied red wine of the region known as Garda Rosso Superiore, a bold red wine perfectly paired with heavier dishes like ragùs and meat courses. If you do not want to rent a car for this adventure, no worries, there are small group tours and private drivers that can assist in taking you into the countryside.
2. Puglia
The trendy Italian region not only boasts gorgeous architecture and beaches, but it has incredible local wine that oozes of warm sunshine and salty breezes. Primitivo, or as us Americans know it, Zinfandel, has a long history in the region. Some historians regard it as a newer variety brought to the region by pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Others believe that it is actually much older and dates back to the Greek colonization of Italy also known as Magna Grecia. Salento is where these grapes grow to perfection, and they pair beautifully with lamb, pork, and heavier pasta courses. Many wine bars in Puglia offer these local gems, and if you want to visit the wineries, Salento should be on your list of places to visit.
3. Campania
Are you visiting the Amalfi Coast? There is way more to see and do than Pompeii and the Blue Grotto. If you love discovering new wines and really want to dive into Italy's long viticultural history, think about doing a day of wine tasting. Mount Vesuvius's fertile soil has been enjoyed for millennia. There are multiple wineries set along Vesuvius's majestic backdrop and two wines that I highly recommend. Falanghina, a white wine, balances floral and mineral notes and pairs nicely with the seafood of the coast. If you prefer red wine, try the Vesuvio Lacryma Christi, or the Tears of Christ, made from the local Piedirosso or Sciascinoso grapes. If driving in Southern Italy is intimidating, think about a small group tour or a private driver to get you to the vineyards.
4. Veneto
Are you visiting Venice for more than 3 days and want to get off the beaten path? There are two areas that boast incredible wines: Valdobbiadene and Valpolicella. Valdobbiadene is home to Prosecco, but not just your run-of-the-mill grocery store Prosecco, but a more sophisticated cousin: Prosecco Superiore. Grown on the foothills of the Dolomites, the wine is fresh and fruity while the views are absolutely stunning. This area is not touristy so a rental car will probably be the easiest way to venture north. If you want to head south or if you are staying in Verona, try a wine tasting excursion to the Valpolicella region. This light-bodied red wine is the perfect sip with lighter meat courses and local pasta dishes. It also pairs beautifully with a cheese course to end your meal.
5. Umbria
Although the region is most popular for the hilltop towns of Orvieto and Assisi, its wine is truly amazing. Its topography is very similar to Tuscany and therefore the quality of wines produced is exceptional but with a lower price tag. Sagrantino grapes were originally grown by Franciscan monks. This makes a lot of sense considering the pervasive Franciscan sites and trails that snake throughout the region. Don't let Assisi be your only stop. Head south to Montefalco and visit the Arnaldo Caprai winery. There you can taste the best Sagrantino as well as their Montefalco Rosso, a hybrid of Sangiovese and Sagrantino grapes. These wines are made to pair with the local truffle dishes that include tagliatelle with truffle and lentils with pork.
If you are visiting any of these 5 regions and want to explore more than the sites, add wine tasting to your itinerary. When adventuring out into the countryside, try not to limit yourself to Tuscany. If you are on a return trip to Italy, get off the beaten path and try new experiences and new wine!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Franciacorta and how is it different from Prosecco?
Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from Lombardy made using the traditional Champagne Method, where fermentation happens in the bottle to create fine bubbles. Prosecco, by contrast, has its bubbles added through carbonation. This makes Franciacorta more complex and refined.
Which Italian wine region is best for red wine lovers?
Puglia is excellent for bold red wines, particularly Primitivo (known as Zinfandel in America). Umbria's Sagrantino is another outstanding choice for those who enjoy full-bodied reds with local food pairings like truffle dishes.
Can I do wine tasting near the Amalfi Coast?
Yes! The Campania region around Mount Vesuvius offers excellent wine tasting opportunities. Try Falanghina (white) or Lacryma Christi (red). Many tours offer private drivers so you don't have to navigate the challenging roads yourself.
What wine should I try near Venice?
Visit Valdobbiadene for Prosecco Superiore, a more sophisticated version of the popular sparkling wine. Alternatively, head to Valpolicella near Verona for light-bodied red wines perfect with pasta and cheese.
References
- Franciacorta DOCG production regulations and traditional method sparkling wine classification.
- Historical documentation on Primitivo grape origins in Puglia and its connection to the Zinfandel variety.
- Vesuvio DOC wine appellation information including Lacryma Christi designation and permitted grape varieties.
- Prosecco Superiore DOCG regulations for Valdobbiadene and Conegliano production zones.
- Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG history and the role of Franciscan monasteries in early cultivation.