How to go wine tasting in Italy
Italians know good wine. In fact, 19% of the wine produced in the world was from Italy in 2018. The country has 590 officially recognized wine grape varieties (to date) and over 500 wine regions. It’s integral part of the natural landscape, so it’s no wonder that the nectar of the gods is so deeply ingrained in Italian culture.
Any casual wine lover is likely familiar with some of the varieties cultivated in Italy. A trip to go wine tasting in Italy is a life-long dream for many. But it’s also an integral part of any visit. Sipping a glass of Brunello di Montalcino or Barbera d’Asti while looking over the green rolling hills of the Italian countryside just tastes differently than drinking it from the neighborhood wine bar or your local Trader Joe’s. You’ll find Italians drinking wine in the morning at the local bar, and serving inexpensive carafes at lunch and dinner. But to taste some of the peninsula’s best wines, you need a little planning to make it a rewarding endeavor.
Flight of Tuscan reds
What Can You Expect from a wine Tasting in italy?
Italy is a land of old-world authenticity, so there aren’t too many slick, modern tasting rooms like the kind you find in Napa Valley, for instance. These vineyards are some of the oldest in the world. They were designed to produce astounding wine, not to entertain thousands of visitors a year.
This means space is limited. When you’re seeking out great vintages, you might be tasting wine in a converted barn, an underground cantina, or old guesthouse. It’s all part of the charm of visiting winemakers in Italy.
A small winery in Tuscany
You won’t find employees waiting around to give a tour to whomever walks in. If you want to guarantee your experience at a small winery, in most cases you’ll need to make an appointment ahead of time.
Once you’ve decided where you’ll be traveling, you can then narrow down your favorite varieties. Some areas are known for full-bodied reds, while others excel in bright white wines. Then decide what experience you’d like: do you wish to tour the vineyards and learn about the soil and climate that make a particular wine unique? Are you interested in meeting the winemaker? Are you looking for the best expression of the fruit in that region, or seeking out exceptional vintages and small producers? Or do you just want to have a fun, relaxing day visiting beautiful properties, enjoying lunch, and tasting a variety of different wines?
Fall color during the crush in November
The Winemakers
Wine is a personal experience in Italy, a craft carefully and lovingly perfected over the years. Most vineyards have been family-owned for generations. The winemaker will take the time to give you a tour of the vineyard and the cellars, tell you what makes their grapes special, and explain the process from vine to glass.
The winemakers take time out of their busy days to bring guests on personal tastings through a part of their family home. They are designed for guests who are interested in finding their new favorite wine. It’s expected that you will purchase a bottle of wine afterward. Make sure to save some room in your suitcase or savor it on your hotel balcony later that night. Remember, cash is king in Italy and vastly preferred to cards.
At small, family-run wineries, a few tasty morsels of bread or cheese with olive oil may be served with your wine as a snack. However, don’t arrive too hungry, you won’t be eating a full meal. Either eat beforehand or ask if they offer a full tasting menu when booking.
Wine tasting with a view
Working with a local guide, local driver, or with a travel planner like Prima Italy, can make wine tasting a lot easier. First, local wine experts who knows the territory will help you choose the best wineries to visit based on your interests. We’ll make all your appointments, set up lunch and some other local touring too. A local driver allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery, and not have to worry about those winding roads.
Larger wineries frequently have tasting rooms, and no appointment is usually necessary for simple tastings. At these wineries, such as at Barone Ricasoli in Tuscany, you can pay a small fee to sample a variety of wines by the glass. For more formal or guided tastings, for lunch, or for tasting some of a winery’s more exclusive wines, you will need to book a tour and tasting in advance.
Marchese Antinori’s famous modern winery in Tuscany
Can I take my kids winetasting?
On more than one occasion, I’ve skipped visiting a vineyard when my kids were really young because I didn’t think they’d last too long or find it interesting. However, you can take kids winetasting in Italy (unless the winery indicates an age limit for its tours). It’s generally considered good manners to ask the winery in advance when making your appointment if the visit would be suitable for children. We work with a number of family-friendly winery visits featuring off-roading through vineyards, farmhouse lunches, and even unique visits where parents can sip and savor while kids enjoy activities like pizza making, farm visits, or even an art class.
Prima Italy offers uniquely tailored experiences throughout Italy, including one-off tastings, multi-day gourmet experiences, and family-friendly wine tours. Contact us and we’ll put together vineyard visits to suit your interests and tastes.
Prima Italy creates uniquely tailored travel in Italy and throughout Europe. There are many creative ways to experience Italy, whether as a first-timer or on a return trip. Whatever your interests or your budget, we can help in creating a crafting a custom travel experience just for you.