Visiting the country of Italy means visiting a land where vineyards cover extensive pieces of land, from valley to mounts, cities to villages. A top destination for wine lovers and romantic getaways, Italy wine regions holds wonders at all levels.
Want to know more about vineyards in Italy? Discover with us what are the top Wine Regions in Italy, where you can taste best Italian wines and visit most beautiful cities.
Map of main Italian Wine Regions
1. The most well-known: Tuscany
It’s no wonder Tuscany is a coveted destination for honeymoons and romantic wine holidays – outstanding dining scenes overlooking endless vineyards where the sun calmly sets each Italian evening. But that’s not all. Tuscany wine region is also the mother of a smaller wine region but all the more popular: Chianti – where the most famous Italian wine in the world is produced from native Sangiovese grape. Check out the best wineries to visit in Tuscany to taste best Italian wines from renown appellation like Montepulciano. As for Chianti and Chianti Classico wines, learn more about the Chianti wine region and what to do there in this dedicated article.
What to visit in Tuscany
Tuscany, Italy, is more than just a wine region: it is where most talented artist, painters and sculptors were inspired to create masterpiece during the Renaissance. Cities like Florence, Pisa and Siena are where you will experience the complete Renaissance experience , but other less-famous cities like Arezzo have just as much to offer. Discover all the top places to visit in Tuscany for a great Tuscan stay!
Top Winery to visit in Tuscany – Tenuta di Capezzana
The Capezzana family has been celebrating art, culture, olive oil and wines for generations, in the heart of Tuscany, northwest of Florence. Dedicated to making wine tourism in Tuscany a unique and memorable experience, they offer wonderful activities to share their story and wine wonders.
Whether you are staying in Florence, Siena or Arezzo, don’t hesitate to book several wine activities for your wine trip in Tuscany!
2. The gastronomic one: Piedmont
Part of the northern Italy wine regions, Piedmont wine region is not to be unnoticed. Home to the Langhe wine region, a UNSECO World Heritage site due the region’s natural beauty, you will meet winegrowers that produce the finest Italian red wines – those of the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Perfect climate conditions to grow the delicate Nebbiolo grape, vineyards where the King of Wines is born will charm you. In other words, if you like your Italian red wines, the wine region of Piedmont is the one to eplore! Find out what you can do in Barolo village and its surroundings!
What to visit in Piedmont
At the foot of the Italian Alps, cities of Piedmont benefit from incredible views and beauty, like Turin, Alba and Asti. Whether it’s for the amazing wine or the stunning beauty, there are so many reasons why you should consider visiting Piedmont and its treasures. Discover things to do in Alba and all the great places to visit in Piedmont region!
Top Winery to visit in Piedmont – Sordo Giovanni
In the heart of Barolo region, the family-run winery of Sordo Giovanni has been producing wines for centuries. Today, the Sordo family exploits up to 53 hectares spread over several municipalities including Barolo, and create 8 different Barolo Cru wines – powerful and with great aging potentials. Visit their estate and you will be spoiled for choice! From guided tastings of several Barolo wines, to cellar visits into this authentic Langhe winery, this wine experience is full of surprises.
To be more immersed into Piedmont wine region, go visit several wineries in the region!
3. The most romantic: Veneto
Located north east of Italy, the Veneto vineyards are part of the country’s most productive wine regions. Among the most extensive wine regions in Italy, the terroir of Veneto is very diversified because it benefits from several microclimates thanks to this large area. As a result, many different grape varieties can be grown and benefit from optimum climate conditions, which gives birth to many high-quality wines. For example, Veneto is home to the famous Amarone red wine, the Soave wine, and of course Italy’s most renown sparkling wine, Prosecco.
What to visit in Veneto
On top of being a top Italian wine region, Veneto is rather underrated as a tourist destination. If you like outdoors and sports activities, you’ll adore Lake Garda and all the hikes you can do around the surrounding mounts (Malcesine, Pai di Sopra, Gardola, Monte Baldo, Riva del Garda…). As for sight-seeing and discovering beautiful Italian cities, Verona is part of these most beautiful, charming, fairy-tail and authentic towns in the country.
Top Winery to visit in Veneto – Le Bignele Cantina & Alloggio
Between Lake Garda and splendid Verona, you can meet the Bignele winery for an incredible Valpolicella wine experience. The Aldrighetti family has been cultivating the Valpolicella territory for over 5 generations, and are more than happy to meet you and guide you through their cellars, commented wine tastings and amazing food pairings!
Find plenty of great wine tastings and tours in Veneto vineyards!
4. The most authentic wine region: Emilia Romagna
The land of Parmigiano Reggiano is also one of the best wine regions in Italy, where Lambrusco was born, back in the Etruscan times. Emilia-Romagna is a very fertile region, where its 55,000 hectares of vineyards are well exploited for producing top quality Italian wines, thanks to a true heritage of know-how from Etruscans and Romans. While the whole country of Italy is a paradise for foodies, Emilia-Romagna still stands out as being an idyllic destination for wonderful food & wine experiences – tasty meat dishes, creamy lasagna, and of course, most excellent Parmigiano you have ever tasted, right from Reggio Emilia’s local producers.
Top Winery to visit in Emilia-Romagna – Palazzo di Varignana
For a terrific Lambrusco experience, go to Palazzo di Varignana. The cellar and the vineyard wind through a wonderful natural amphitheater, an exceptional location that has already hosted various events related to the world of wine tourism, such as concerts and open-air cinema with tasting.
5. Did you say Dolce-vita? Discover Sicily
Not only is Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean, but it’s also the region with most vineyards in Italy. While Sicilian wines are not the first ones you think of wines from Italy, the island benefits from abundant sunshine, moderate rainfall and very fertile soil – which greatly contributes to perfect grape-growing and high-quality wine-making. You have probably heard of the sweet Marsala wine or Zibibbo wine – but the most peculiar and outstanding wine produced in Sicily is of course Etna wines. The volcanic territories of Sicily give birth to unique volcanic wines, some that are very few to exist in the world.
What to visit in Sicily
Sicily is one of the best places for wine destination, but also a coveted spot for anyone whole loves glamorous beaches, ancient Greek temples, sublime historical monuments, art, and splendid cities like Palermo and Messina. Find out more on what to during a trip to Sicily!
Top Winery to visit in Sicily – Alessandro Di Camporeale
Right at the foot of Mount Etna, the Alessandro Di Camporeale winery welcomes you for Food and wine pairing tasting.
To discover more about Sicilian wines, check out the best wineries to visit in Sicily!
Other wine regions to discover in Italy
- Lombardy
- Trentino Alto Adige
- Marche
- Valle d’Aosta
- Basilicata
- Campania
- Linguria
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Sardinia
- Umbria
- Molise
- Puglia
- Lombardy
- Lazio
- Abruzzo
- Calabria
FAQ & Useful resources
What is the most famous wine region in Italy?
Among Italy’s several wine regions, Tuscany is the most famous of all.
Where are the most beautiful vineyards in Italy?
Italy is home to many countless beautiful regions, recognized as UNESCO Word Heritage sites like the Langhe region.
Where are most Italian vineyards?
Sicily is the region that gathers more vineyards than any other region of Italy. Altogether, Italy is divided into 20 main wine regions that each count several subregions and vineyards. Most well-know Italian vineyards are in: Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Sicily.
Where are most wineries in Italy?
Tuscany and Sicily are wine regions where there are countless wineries.
What region in Italy has the best red wine?
The best red wines depend on personal taste. Some will prefer Chianti over Barolo, while other will adore Etna wines. However, wines from Tuscany are recognized for producing top class red wines, from Chianti, Barolo and Barbaresco terroir – which explains why most expensive Italian wines are from Tuscany. For example, the top 4 most expensive wines are: Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – all 4 from Tuscany.
What is Italy’s largest wine region?
If you look at the Italian wine map, you’ll notice that Sicily is the largest wine region of Italy. Not far behind Veneto is also a very wine region where there are many different microclimates.
What city has the best wine in Italy?
Italy is home to countless beautiful cities, and since the land of the Italian land is almost entirely covered by vineyards, the all offer great wine experiences. To mention most popular ones, we can rank in the top 5: Verona, Palermo, Montalcino, Barolo and Florence.
