Discovering the Charm of Italian VineyardsItaly is well-regarded for its wines, and a visit to an Italian vineyard can be very rewarding even if you are not a serious wine enthusiast. Almost every region in Italy produces wine, and no matter which area of Italy you plan to visit, you will not be far from a vineyard. Keep in mind, however, that most Italian vineyards do not have regular opening hours or tasting rooms as you expect to find in the Californian wine country; so you'll want to plan your Italian vineyard tour in advance. And if you are interested in establishing your own very small private vineyard, you can examine the various trellising, fencing, and other harvest vineyard supplies in this bountiful wine country to determine what will work best for your own growing needs.
Travelling in the Italian Countryside
If you are a wine enthusiast, you may want to plan your visit to Italy around the annual “Cantine Aperte” (or “Open Cellars”) event. Cantine Aperte takes place on the last Sunday in May each year, and it is the one day of the year that Italian vineyards throughout the country open their doors to visitors both local and afar. During this Open Cellars event visitors will see how the wine is made, and can sample the wine and other local products like cheeses and olive oils.
Due to its temperate climate year-round, Italy has twenty major wine growing regions and over 2000 grape varietals. Planning ahead will ensure a most enjoyable experience, and there are many day trips, as well as wine-and-food tours available, or you can rent your own car and spend several days vineyard hopping on your own. For a day trip, be sure to contact the winery ahead of time as many Italian vineyards limit the days and hours that they receive guests. And if you enjoy good food with your wine, you should consider a vacation designed around the food and wine specialties of Italy. There are several shorter, three to four day first-class tours available for a quality experience.
Perhaps the most adventurous way to experience the Italian wine country is to rent a car and journey down the Via Chiantigiana, which connects Florence with Sienna, allowing you to experience many Italian vineyards along the way. This route will allow you to pass through the historical Chianti Valley, with its vineyards and wineries dating back to the 1300s. Whether gathering ideas and information for your own private vineyard, or savoring every moment in the charming Italian countryside, the many treasures of Italian vineyards are awaiting your discovery. |
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