{"id":952,"count":12,"description":"","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/italy\/umbria","name":"Umbria wine region","slug":"umbria","taxonomy":"category","parent":819,"meta":{"winalist_lat":"43.1122","winalist_lng":"12.3888"},"acf":{"short_region_name":"Umbria","region_id":35,"h1":"Visit the Umbria Wine Region: 13 Wines and Appellations to Know","subtitle":"A Guide to Umbria Wine Region","term_author":null,"term_co_authors":null,"term_published":null,"term_last_updated":null,"tldr_title":"The essentials for visiting Umbria","tldr_content":"<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Ideal stay<\/strong>: 3 days covers Montefalco and Orvieto; 4-5 days adds Torgiano, Assisi and Lake Trasimeno's vineyards at a relaxed pace.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Must-sees<\/strong>: Montefalco, Orvieto, Torgiano, Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Lake Trasimeno, Bevagna vineyards, Todi hillsides.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Local cuisine<\/strong>: truffle tagliatelle, cinghiale (wild boar) rag\u00f9, torta al testo, all paired with Sagrantino, Grechetto or a glass of passito.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: 2 hours by car or train from Rome, around 1.5-2 hours from Florence via the A1, closest airport is Perugia's Sant'Egidio.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: comfortable weekend for two from roughly 350-500 euros; a premium multi-day stay with tastings and a ch\u00e2teau-style hotel from 900 euros up.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","link_to_wl_landing_page":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/umbria","override_cta_in_quick_access":"Best wineries to visit in Umbria","intro":"<p>Umbria gets filed under \"the region next to Tuscany with the hilltop towns,\" and that undersells what's actually in the glass here. This landlocked patch of central Italy, Italy's green heart, carries two DOCG wines: tannic, powerful Sagrantino di Montefalco and the more restrained Torgiano Rosso Riserva, backed by 13 DOC wines led by Orvieto's Grechetto-Trebbiano whites. Tastings run 10 to 30 euros, and a proper wine trip needs 3 to 4 days.<\/p>","best_hosts_title":"The Umbria vineyard: appellations and grape varieties","best_hosts_content":"<p>Umbria's vineyard covers a modest surface by Italian standards but punches well above its weight in diversity: two DOCG appellations (Montefalco Sagrantino and Torgiano Rosso Riserva) and 13 DOC wines spread across volcanic hills near Orvieto, limestone slopes around Montefalco and the lakeside terraces of Trasimeno. The signature red grape is Sagrantino, thick-skinned and famously tannic, joined by Sangiovese and the softer Ciliegiolo, while Grechetto and Trebbiano (locally called Procanico) drive the region's dry whites. Estate visits typically run 10 to 30 euros for a guided tasting, sometimes paired with local cheese or salumi. You'll find the region's best-rated addresses gathered on our page dedicated to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/umbria\">wineries in Umbria<\/a>, organized by appellation and tasting style.<\/p>","things_to_do_content":"<h2>13 wines and appellations to know in Umbria<\/h2>\r\n<p>The region's wine identity splits cleanly into a handful of families: the tannic reds of Montefalco, the mineral whites of Orvieto, the softer reds of Torgiano and Trasimeno, and a scatter of lesser-known DOC wines worth tracking down. Here's how to taste your way through all of it.<\/p>\r\n<h3>1. Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG<\/h3>\r\n<p>The region's flagship red, made 100% from the Sagrantino grape on the clay-limestone slopes around Montefalco. Expect a dense, tannic wine with notes of blackberry, black pepper and dried fig, often aged 30-37 months including time in oak. A bottle from a Montefalco estate typically runs 20-40 euros, more for riserva bottlings.<\/p>\r\n<h3>2. Montefalco Rosso DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>The more approachable sibling of Sagrantino, blending Sangiovese with a smaller share of the tannic red and sometimes Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. It's softer, with cherry and light spice, and drinks well young. Bottles average 12-18 euros and make a good entry point before tackling the DOCG.<\/p>\r\n<h3>3. Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG<\/h3>\r\n<p>Umbria's other DOCG, produced on the gentle hills of Torgiano south of Perugia from Sangiovese with Canaiolo and other local varieties. Aged a minimum of three years, it shows dried cherry, leather and a firm but polished tannin structure. Prices generally sit between 18 and 35 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>4. Orvieto DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>A historic white wine appellation built on Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico locally), grown on the volcanic tufo hills around Orvieto. Styles range from crisp and mineral to a richer amabile version with a touch of residual sugar. Everyday bottles start around 8-12 euros, with single-vineyard versions climbing higher.<\/p>\r\n<h3>5. Grechetto (as a varietal wine)<\/h3>\r\n<p>Beyond its role in Orvieto blends, the grape is bottled on its own across the region, giving a fuller-bodied, slightly nutty white with good acidity, sometimes compared to a softer Sauvignon Blanc. It pairs naturally with the region's freshwater fish from Lake Trasimeno. Expect 10-15 euros a bottle.<\/p>\r\n<h3>6. Colli del Trasimeno Sangiovese DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>Grown on the hills ringing Lake Trasimeno, this red is lighter and fruitier than its Tuscan cousins, with red cherry and a touch of herbaceousness from the lake's microclimate. It's one of the region's most overlooked appellations, rarely covered outside Umbria. Bottles run 10-16 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>7. Umbria IGT<\/h3>\r\n<p>A catch-all indication that gives producers room to experiment, from single-varietal Merlot and Chardonnay to blends that don't fit the stricter DOC rules. Quality varies but the better bottles offer real value, often 8-14 euros, and are worth asking about directly at the cellar door.<\/p>\r\n<h3>8. Colli Amerini DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>Produced around Amelia and Narni in southern Umbria, this small appellation makes both reds (Sangiovese, Montepulciano) and whites (Grechetto, Trebbiano) in an easy-drinking, food-friendly style. It rarely leaves the area, which makes tasting it on-site part of the appeal. Expect 8-13 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>9. Colli Martani DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>Centered on Todi and neighboring hills, this appellation is one of the region's main sources of varietal Grechetto, along with Sangiovese-based reds. The whites lean crisp and citrusy, built for the region's grilled river fish and fresh pecorino. Bottles typically cost 9-14 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>10. Spoleto DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>A newer appellation around the town of Spoleto, producing reds from Sangiovese and Sagrantino and whites from Trebbiano Spoletino, a local sub-variety showing more texture and stone-fruit character than standard Trebbiano. It's a good stop for travelers combining wine with the town's summer festival calendar. Prices average 10-16 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>11. Colli Perugini DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>Grown on the hills southwest of Perugia toward Torgiano, this appellation makes light reds and whites from Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Grechetto, generally simple, fresh wines meant for early drinking. It's a practical, budget-friendly stop between Perugia and Torgiano tastings, at 7-12 euros a bottle.<\/p>\r\n<h3>12. Lago di Corbara DOC<\/h3>\r\n<p>A small zone bordering Orvieto along the Corbara reservoir, focused on structured reds built mainly from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's less known than Orvieto's whites but gives a useful counterpoint for travelers wanting to taste the area's international-variety side. Expect 12-20 euros.<\/p>\r\n<h3>13. Passito wines of Umbria<\/h3>\r\n<p>Several appellations, including Orvieto and Colli Amerini, permit a sweet passito style made from dried grapes, usually Grechetto or Trebbiano. The result is a honeyed, apricot-scented dessert wine, traditionally poured with dry almond biscuits. Half-bottles run 12-20 euros and make an easy, packable souvenir.<\/p>","title_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"The must-see cities of Umbria","text_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"<p>Perugia, the region's capital, works as a natural base for tasting Torgiano Rosso Riserva and the Colli Perugini DOC without straying far, and its wine bars make a good introduction before heading into the hills; see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/cities\/perugia\">Perugia wineries<\/a> for addresses. Assisi sits close enough to Torgiano and Montefalco to anchor a day of tastings around its own wine bars and estate visits, detailed on our page for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/cities\/assisi\">Assisi wine tours<\/a>. Orvieto, perched on its volcanic outcrop, is the obvious base for the DOC whites that carry its name, while Montefalco remains the reference point for producers of the region's tannic flagship red, clustered on the surrounding slopes.<\/p>","villages_content":"","title_itineraries":"Our itineraries to visit Umbria","text_itineraries":"<p>A short weekend works around Montefalco and Torgiano: one day tasting Sagrantino on the slopes above Montefalco, the next exploring Torgiano Rosso Riserva estates on the way to Perugia. A fuller 4-to-5 day loop adds Orvieto for the DOC whites, a detour to Lake Trasimeno for Colli del Trasimeno Sangiovese, and a stop in Spoleto or Todi for the smaller appellations. Those building a longer Italian trip often connect this loop with our pages on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/umbria\">wineries in Umbria<\/a> to sort estates by appellation before setting the route.<\/p>","when_visit":"<p>The region's wine calendar tracks the seasons closely, and each one changes what's pouring and what's happening on the ground.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Spring<\/strong> (April-May) brings mild weather and quieter cellars, ideal for slower tastings before the summer crowds arrive, especially around Montefalco and Orvieto.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Summer<\/strong> (June-August) is busiest, with warm days suited to Orvieto's whites and Spoleto's festival season overlapping with estate visits, so booking ahead matters.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Harvest<\/strong> (September-October) is the most rewarding window for wine travelers: Sagrantino picking usually runs through late September into October, and several estates open for harvest-focused visits.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Autumn<\/strong> (October-November) pairs cooling weather with truffle season, a natural match for Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso at the table.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Winter<\/strong> (December-March) is the slowest period, with fewer estates open to visitors, but it's a good time for cellar tastings of riserva bottlings in a quieter setting.<\/p>","how_visit":"<p><strong>By train<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Perugia and Orvieto both sit on regional lines connecting to Rome (around 1.5-2 hours) and Florence, with onward regional trains toward Spoleto, Assisi and Foligno.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>By car<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>From Rome, roughly 2 hours via the A1 and SS3bis; from Florence, about 1.5-2 hours via the A1 and E45; the DOC zones are easiest to link up by car.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>By plane<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Perugia's Sant'Egidio airport handles limited routes; most travelers fly into Rome Fiumicino or Florence and continue by train or car.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>Getting around<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A rental car is the most practical option for reaching hillside estates in Montefalco, Torgiano and the Colli Martani; regional trains cover the main towns, and guided day tours are useful for groups tasting multiple appellations without driving.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","hotels_visit":"<p><strong>Charming hotels<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Castello di Monterone<\/strong> (Perugia): a four-star castle-hotel just outside the city center, convenient for Torgiano and Colli Perugini tastings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Hotel-Search?destination=castello%20monterone%20perugia\">check availability<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Palazzo Bontadosi<\/strong> (Montefalco): a boutique four-star property inside the Sagrantino zone's main town, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Hotel-Search?destination=palazzo%20bontadosi%20montefalco\">check availability<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Locanda Palazzone<\/strong> (Orvieto): a design-forward boutique stay set among Orvieto DOC vineyards, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Hotel-Search?destination=locanda%20palazzone%20orvieto\">check availability<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Nun Assisi Relais &amp; Spa Museum<\/strong> (Assisi): a five-star spa hotel inside a restored monastery, well placed for Assisi wine tours, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Hotel-Search?destination=nun%20assisi%20relais%20amp%20spa%20museum%20assisi\">check availability<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>Guesthouses in the vineyards<\/strong> Several Sagrantino and Colli Martani producers around Montefalco and Todi rent rooms directly on the estate, letting guests wake up looking at the same rows they tasted the evening before. These stays tend to be small, family-run and best booked well ahead during harvest season.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Living Umbria differently<\/strong> For a slower rhythm, basing a stay in a farmhouse near Lake Trasimeno mixes lakeside mornings with afternoon visits to Colli del Trasimeno Sangiovese producers, an easier pace than jumping between Montefalco and Orvieto in the same day.<\/p>","display_map":true,"map_title":"","map_widget_link":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/affiliate\/widget?partner=14&#038;type=map&#038;lat=42.938004&#038;lng=12.6216211&#038;location=Umbria,Italy\">https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/affiliate\/widget?partner=14&amp;type=map&amp;lat=42.938004&amp;lng=12.6216211&amp;location=Umbria,Italy<\/a>","other_images_for_term":"","title_faq":"Good to know before visiting Umbria's wine region","text_before_faq":"","acf-repeater-faq":[{"faq_question":"What are the main wine appellations in Umbria?","faq_answer":"Umbria has two DOCG wines, Montefalco Sagrantino and Torgiano Rosso Riserva, plus 13 DOC appellations including Orvieto, Colli del Trasimeno, Colli Martani, Colli Amerini, Spoleto and Colli Perugini."},{"faq_question":"What grape varieties define Umbria wine?","faq_answer":"Sagrantino and Sangiovese lead the reds, with Ciliegiolo and international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in supporting roles; Grechetto and Trebbiano (Procanico) dominate the whites."},{"faq_question":"When is the best time to taste wine in Umbria?","faq_answer":"September and October cover the Sagrantino harvest and open several estates for harvest visits, while spring offers quieter cellars and milder weather for touring."},{"faq_question":"Is Umbria wine similar to Tuscany's?","faq_answer":"Umbria shares Sangiovese with Tuscany but builds its identity around Sagrantino, a grape barely grown outside Montefalco, giving the region's reds a distinct tannic structure."},{"faq_question":"Which towns work best as wine tasting bases?","faq_answer":"Montefalco anchors Sagrantino, Orvieto anchors the DOC whites, Torgiano covers the second DOCG, and Perugia or Assisi work well as bases for day trips between appellations."},{"faq_question":"Can you visit wineries in Umbria without a car?","faq_answer":"It's possible around Orvieto and Perugia using regional trains, but reaching hillside estates in Montefalco or the Colli Martani is far easier with a car or a guided tour."},{"faq_question":"How do you book a winery visit in Umbria?","faq_answer":"Most estates require advance booking, especially during harvest; you can compare and book a winery visit in Umbria across the region's main appellations."}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/taxonomies\/category"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/819"}],"wp:post_type":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts?categories=952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}