Italy is one of the most iconic wine-producing countries in the world, offering incredible diversity in both grape varieties and regional character. From the bold reds of Tuscany to the mineral-rich whites of Trentino-Alto Adige, the wine regions in Italy are as captivating as their landscapes. With over 400 appellations and nearly 400 indigenous grape varieties, Italian wines are as rich in history as they are in flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your wine journey, this guide to the best wine regions in Italy will help you discover what to drink, where to go, and how to make the most of your Italian wine vacation.
Best Wine Regions in Italy
1. Tuscany
Tuscany is perhaps the most famous of all wine regions in Italy, beloved for its bold, structured reds and picturesque rolling hills. The region’s signature grape, Sangiovese, is behind legendary wines like Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Along the coast in Bolgheri, international blends like Super Tuscans (Sangiovese + Bordeaux grapes) broke tradition and became world icons. Pair wine with rustic Tuscan cuisine, stay in vineyard agriturismos, and explore ancient towns like Siena, San Gimignano, and Montalcino.
Top Wines: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscans
Main Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon
Famous Wineries to Visit: Antinori nel Chianti Classico, Castello Banfi, Tenuta San Guido, Avignonesi
How to Get There: Fly into Florence or Pisa. Rent a car to explore Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Chianti.
2. Piedmont
Nestled in Italy’s northwest at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is a paradise for serious wine lovers. It’s the birthplace of Barolo and Barbaresco, two powerful, long-aging reds made from the Nebbiolo grape. The region also produces juicy Barbera, fruity Dolcetto, and the sweet, fizzy Moscato d’Asti. Piedmont’s cool climate and clay-limestone soils create complex, elegant wines. Visit in autumn for wine and white truffle festivals in towns like Alba and Asti, and don’t miss the family-run wineries in Langhe and Monferrato.
Top Wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Moscato d’Asti
Main Grapes: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese
Famous Wineries to Visit: Gaja, Marchesi di Barolo, Ceretto , La Spinetta
How to Get There: Fly to Turin. Base yourself in Alba or Asti for winery access.
3. Veneto
Veneto in northeastern Italy is one of the country’s most diverse and productive wine regions. It's the birthplace of Prosecco, made from Glera grapes in the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills. Inland, the Valpolicella area crafts powerful reds like Amarone and Ripasso, made from partially dried Corvina grapes. The region also produces Soave, a crisp white from Garganega. Explore from Venice or Verona and enjoy vineyard views between alpine foothills and Adriatic breezes.
Top Wines: Amarone, Prosecco, Soave
Main Grapes: Glera, Corvina, Garganega
Famous Wineries to Visit: Allegrini, Masi Agricola, Nino Franco, Pieropan
How to Get There: Start from Venice or Verona. Take a Prosecco road trip
4. Sicily
Italy’s largest island, Sicily, is a rising star among wine lovers. Its sunny climate and volcanic soils, especially around Mount Etna, produce wines with striking minerality and complexity. Indigenous grapes like Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Carricante thrive here. The region also leads Italy in organic and biodynamic wine production. Visit small family wineries in Etna, Marsala, or Vittoria, and enjoy seafood-rich cuisine with a glass of vibrant island wine.
Top Wines: Nero d’Avola, Etna Rosso, Marsala
Main Grapes: Nero d’Avola, Carricante, Nerello Mascalese
Famous Wineries to Visit: Fly into Catania or Palermo. Rent a car for Etna or Vittoria regions.
How to Get There: Planeta, Donnafugata, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, COS Winery
5. Lombardy
Lombardy, in northern Italy, is home to Franciacorta, a premium traditional-method sparkling wine often compared to Champagne. The region also features alpine reds like Valtellina Superiore, made from a lighter, high-acid form of Nebbiolo grown on steep mountain terraces. In the Lugana area near Lake Garda, you’ll find elegant, mineral-rich whites made from Turbiana (a Trebbiano variety).
Top Wines: Franciacorta, Valtellina Superiore
Main Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Nebbiolo
Famous Wineries to Visit: Ca’ del Bosco, Bellavista, Ar.Pe.Pe., Montenisa
How to Get There: Milan is the ideal starting point. Day trips possible to Franciacorta or Lake Como.
6. Puglia
Puglia, located in Italy’s southeastern “heel,” is known for rich, fruit-forward reds at incredible value. Hot summers and dry soils suit Primitivo (genetically related to Zinfandel) and Negroamaro, both producing bold wines with soft tannins and dark fruit notes. Puglia’s long coastline, baroque towns, and historic masserie (farm estates) make it ideal for food and wine travel. You’ll also find a strong tradition of rosato (rosé) and growing interest in native white varieties.
Top Wines: Primitivo, Negroamaro
Main Grapes: Primitivo, Negroamaro, Aglianico
Famous Wineries to Visit: Tormaresca, Masseria Li Veli, Cantine Due Palme, Botromagno
How to Get There: Fly into Bari or Brindisi. A car is best to explore Salento and Gioia del Colle.
7. Trentino-Alto Adige
Trentino-Alto Adige is a unique wine region in northern Italy, nestled in the Alps and sharing borders with Austria and Switzerland. This bilingual region combines Italian and Germanic traditions, producing crisp, aromatic white wines and elegant mountain reds. In Trentino, you’ll find smooth Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, while Alto Adige (or Südtirol) shines with Gewürztraminer, Lagrein, and Schiava. Its high-altitude vineyards, clean mountain air, and postcard views make it a peaceful and delicious destination for wine lovers seeking something off the beaten path.
Top Wines: Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Lagrein
Main Grapes: Pinot Grigio, Schiava, Lagrein, Chardonnay
Famous Wineries to Visit: Elena Walch, Cantina Terlano, Foradori, San Michele Appiano
How to Get There: Fly into Verona or Bolzano. Scenic drives through Dolomite valleys are unforgettable.
8. Campania
Campania, home to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, has been making wine since ancient Roman times. Volcanic soils from Mount Vesuvius give its wines bold character and earthy minerality. Aglianico, the region’s signature red, produces deep, tannic wines like Taurasi, while whites like Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino are fresh, floral, and full of personality. Visit vineyards overlooking the sea, pair with Neapolitan pizza, and explore ruins like Pompeii and Herculaneum between tastings.
Top Wines: Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina
Main Grapes: Aglianico, Greco, Fiano
Famous Wineries to Visit: Feudi di San Gregorio, Mastroberardino, Cantine Antonio Caggiano, Tenuta Cavalier Pepe
How to Get There: Fly into Naples. Wineries near Avellino and Benevento are within 1–2 hours.
9. Marche and Abruzzo
These neighboring regions on Italy’s Adriatic coast offer excellent wines with fewer crowds. In Marche, try Verdicchio—a zesty, green-tinged white perfect for seafood—or the full-bodied reds of Rosso Conero. Abruzzo is known for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a deep, juicy red that’s both budget-friendly and cellar-worthy. Both regions combine dramatic coastal landscapes with inland hills and traditional winemaking that respects native grapes and natural rhythms.
Top Wines: Verdicchio, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Main Grapes: Verdicchio, Montepulciano, Pecorino
Famous Wineries to Visit: Umani Ronchi, Valle Reale, Jasci & Marchesani, Garofoli
How to Get There: Fly into Ancona or Pescara. You’ll need a car for winery access.
10. Emilia-Romagna
A dream destination for foodies, Emilia-Romagna speciallises in offering culinary delicacies with local wines. The star is Lambrusco, a lightly sparkling red perfect with cured meats, pastas, and Parmigiano Reggiano. You'll also find earthy Barbera, fruity Pignoletto, and everyday-drinking Trebbiano. Cities like Bologna, Parma, and Modena offer rich cultural heritage, food markets, and access to family-run wineries that prioritize tradition and regional expression.
Top Wines: Lambrusco, Pignoletto
Main Grapes: Lambrusco, Barbera, Trebbiano
Famous Wineries to Visit: Cleto Chiarli, Cantina della Volta, Medici Ermete, Fattoria Moretto
How to Get There: Bologna is the perfect hub. Rent a car or take trains to Modena or Reggio Emilia.
Best Time to Visit Wine Regions in Italy
The ideal time for exploring the wine regions in Italy spans from April to early November, offering wine lovers the perfect combination of beautiful weather, active vineyards, and immersive tasting experiences. Spring (April to June) brings fresh air, blossoming vineyards, and the first signs of activity in the wineries. It's a fantastic time to enjoy crisp whites like Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio, and Falanghina, or young reds in regions like Tuscany, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna—often before the tourist rush. Many wineries begin offering guided tastings, vineyard walks, and food pairings, especially during May and June.
From late August through October, Italy’s wine regions enter the exciting harvest season (vendemmia). This is when the energy in the vineyards peaks, and travelers can witness or even join grape picking and production at select estates. It’s also the best time to taste cellar-fresh reds like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Barbera, and Chianti, or full-bodied styles like Amarone and Etna Rosso. Early November continues to offer memorable wine and food experiences, especially in places like Piedmont, where truffle season and aged reds create unforgettable pairings. Whether you're after vibrant whites or bold reds, this extended window is the sweet spot for wine travel in Italy.
Whether you're drawn to the historic cellars of Tuscany, the volcanic soils of Sicily, or the alpine elegance of Trentino-Alto Adige, the wine regions in Italy offer something unforgettable for every wine lover. Rich history, local food culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes all combine to create an experience that goes far beyond the glass. So pack your bags, raise a glass, and start planning your perfect wine journey through the heart of Italy!
