For hundreds of years, Italy has been the source for some of the globe’s greatest art, fashion, and cuisine. The European peninsula and its islands are home to renowned cultural institutions and centuries-old traditions, including wine production. Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world and the ideal place to explore unique geography and beautiful landscapes. Here are three different Italian regions to visit and raise a glass to this summer.
Zenato Family Wines (Valpolicella): Verona is located near Lake Garda in Northern Italy and is one of the country’s most popular destinations for tourists. Along the sparkling blue waters of the famous lake is an area called Valpolicella, where native grapes like Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta reflect the winemaking traditions of the region. Italian wine estate, Zenato wines, not only utilizes these native grapes, but blends ancient techniques with modern philosophies to create exceptional wines. The estate welcomes guests to stay at four-star accommodation Le Ali Del Frassino while they taste through Zenato’s brilliant portfolio of wines and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape surrounding the vineyards. Wine tastings and tour details for Zenato can be found here.
The wines: Zenato Alanera Rosse Veronese 2019 (SRP $18) and Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2018 (SRP $28)
Podere Sapaio (Tuscany): Central Italy is the location of the historically notable region of Tuscany, which is known for the city of Florence, Renaissance art, and classic architecture. On the west side of Tuscany, lies the enchanting area of Bolgheri where the vineyards meet the sea and Tuscan wines from the relatively undiscovered Maremma region come to life. It is here that we find Podere Sapaio, a fabulous wine estate producing ancient Tuscan and Bolgheri DOC wines. Podere Sapaio was born in 1999 thanks to Massimo Piccin, a Venetian engineer moved by a great passion for wine. Today, the winery boasts 25 hectares of vineyards and production of two labels: Sapaio and Volpolo. They host wine tours and tastings for visitors who are interested in sampling these incredible wines from this emerging region, with additional information here.
The wines: Sapaio (SRP $94) and Volpolo (SRP $36)
Duca di Salaparuta (Sicily): Off of the southwestern coast of the peninsula lies one of the most varied and fascinating Italian regions known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. This island is Sicily and houses the Duca di Salaparuta estate where two native varieties are produced: Lavico Etna Rosso DOC and Lavico Etna Bianco DOC. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the Duca di Salaparuta Winery to learn about their modern procedures of vinification and aging. It allows patrons to experience both the advanced technologies and history of the company which was founded in 1824. Tasting tour information can be found here.
The wines: Lavico Etna Bianco DOC 2021 (SRP $34) and Lavico Etna Rosso DOC 2020 (SRP $34)
These three distinctive regions are only a taste of the extraordinary viticulture of Italy. The country’s vast number of wine estates and vineyards provide endless options to experience wine tasting and tourism. Plan a trip, pour a glass, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Italian tradition of winemaking with a visit to these three fabulous wine destinations, or explore them at home.
