I’m Off to Puglia
I am very excited to report that in just a few days I will be traveling to Puglia! I’ve never been to this region of southern Italy, the heel of the boot to be exact, so it will be fun getting to explore a new area – an area completely different from the other parts of Italy that I have visited and fallen in love with.
I’ve been as far south as the Amalfi Coast, and have sung many praises about Positano and Ravello – but I’ve never been to the heel of the boot.
If all goes well, I’ll be adding Puglia, also known as Apulia, to the areas that I create custom itineraries, itinerary reviews, provide hourly consults and arrange foodie adventures for. I’ll also be canvasing the area for yummy cooking classes, wine tastings, market tours and local guides.
What am I most exited about? Why am I looking forward to going? I’m glad you asked. Let me tell you:
1. Puglia’s food, olive oil and wine. The Puglia region is known as a food-lover’s paradise. This area produces over 26 DOC wines, 40% of Italy’s olive oil and hefty amounts of pasta. Those are promising statistics for a passionate foodie like me. Red wines like Negroamaro and Primitivo will be on my list to sample. Also on offer will be regional specialties like orecchiette, burrata, focaccia and maybe some fresh local seafood, right off the docks.
I’m drooling just thinking about it – are you? And though it’s not a look that would blend with the locals, I’m thinking elastic waist pants will be in order.
2. Puglia is an off-the-beaten-path location. It’s certainly not the first place people think of when planning a visit to Italy – and that gets me really excited.
3. Puglia’s Climate. Because of Puglia’s southern location, the area enjoys a temperate climate year round. Many of its popular villages, cities and towns are located right on the Adriatic sea, which means beaches, seafood, port towns, azure water, lovely views and of course lots and lots of beautiful photos.
4. Puglia’s UNESCO world heritage sites. At least three of them and I am excited to explore a few of them.
5. The Trulli. Puglia is home to the town of Alberobello, famous for its white limestone houses with conical-shaped roofs, called Trulli - and I’m looking forward to seeing them up close and learning more about them. The architecture and scenery in this region are all very different from areas like Tuscany.
I’ll have lots to write about when I return, but if you can’t wait for my updates on the blog, feel free to follow along on Twitter and Facebook as I will be sending out updates about my discoveries, what I’m eating and of course lots of photos during my time in Puglia!
Photo Credit : Flickr
Online Hotel Reservations
CHEAP HOTELS IN ITALY & FRANCE
Friends & Supporters
Venice’s New Hotel Tax : An Overview and Tips for Paying Less of It
Earlier this year both Florence and Rome implemented a new hotel tax and now Venice is jumping on the bandwagon. Or should I say, jumping on the gondola?! Venice’s hotel tax which started on August 24th, may dissuade would-be visitors from setting foot in this already expensive Italian city. Many repeat visitors who’ve already visited Venice once may decide to steer clear, but for first-time visitors, I would still highly recommend you visit.
Since the specifics are lengthy, complicated, and require an accounting degree to decipher, I’ll give you a general overview of the tax, give you a few tips on how to avoid paying top dollar for your overnight accommodation in Venice and provide you with links to the detailed info.
Quick Overview of Venice’s Hotel Tax
- The hotel tax is similar to those in Rome and Florence in that the tax is based on a sliding scale of the hotel’s rating. So, generally speaking, a 1-star hotel in high-season in the historic center carries a 1€ fee, a 2-star carries a 2€ fee, and so on, all the way up to five stars.
- B&B’s, apartment rentals, room rentals, guest houses, campgrounds (yes, there are a few in Venice) and monasteries each have their own tax rate, which are a different rate than hotels.
- All tax rates, no matter what type of accommodation, vary by location. There are three separate location categories. Staying in Venice’s historical center garners the highest taxes, followed by the Islands (Lido, Murano, Burano). Staying on the mainland offers the lowest tax rate.
- Taxes are calculated per person, per night.
- Taxes will be collected on stays of up to five consecutive nights. So nights six and beyond are free – bonus!
- A visit in high-season will be taxed more than in low-season. High-season is generally considered the periods surrounding major holidays, ie – the new year, Carnivale, Easter, Christmas – and the busy months from April through the end of October.
- Children under 10 are exempt. Children up to the age of 16 will pay half.
- Hostels are exempt.
Tips for Avoiding or Paying Less of a Hotel Tax in Venice
- To avoid paying the hotel tax in Venice, consider staying in a hostel, since these are totally exempt from the tax.
- If hotels are more your bag, opt for a nice 2-star hotel instead of a five-star. The additional tax on a five night stay in a 2-star for 2 people would be 20€. The same scenario in a 5-star hotel will levy an additional 50€, so you can see how the cost can add up quickly.
- Travel in low season. This will not only offer you the best rates, better availability and less tourists, but it will also garner you a lower tax rate. The months of March and November seem to qualify.
Two Tempting (but not recommended) Options
- Though staying on the mainland or the other islands will offer the cheapest tax rate, I caution you against this, especially with limited time or on a first-time visit. You need to weigh the time and cost associated with traveling back and forth to Venice. Personally, I would always pay a bit extra to stay right in Venice proper. For me, an extra euro or so per day, is totally worth the convenience of strolling right outside my door and being able to get around, any time of day or night.
- You could take a day trip to Venice and avoid paying the overnight tax (rumor has it that Venice is also considering taxing day-trippers), but being that Venice is such a special place, meant to be savored at a slow pace, I don’t recommend it. I’d much rather see you pony up a few extra pennies to spend at least one night.
I suggest you check directly with your accommodations when booking to get the skinny on exactly how much you should expect to pay. You can also consult the City of Venice Tourism website, which offers specific information on the tax rates, specific dates for high and low season and location breakdown.
–
Ready to plan that dream trip to Venice? You might be interested in one of these Venice tours.
Italy Travel News : June 2011
In order to keep you in the loop, from time to time, as stories about Italy pop up that relate to travel,tourism and food, I’ll be sharing them with you. Here is some recent Italy travel news for June.
Photo Credit : Maurice
- Murano Wants to Attract More Than Day-Trippers
This tiny island, off the coast of Venice, will forever be known as the destination for glass-making. But this sleepy enclave is trying to think far into the future when it comes to attracting visitors for years to come. Murano is planning to build new hotels, expand its urban developement and possibly add an underwater subway which would connect the airport to Murano and Venice, providing rapid transport to and from the island. This in all in hopes of luring travelers to stay on the island, as opposed to day-tripping in from Venice. Let’s hope these efforts don’t cause Murano to lose its alluring charm.
- New Hotel Tax for Florence & Venice
Unfortunately, Florence and Venice have both decided to hop on the same bandwagon as Rome by adopting the same hotel tax in the city that Rome put into place at the beginning of this year. Beginning July 1, 2011, visitors to both locations should expect to pay an additional €1, per person, per night, which will be tacked onto their hotel bill. I would encourage you to email your hotel directly to double-check what the exact fee will be for your party, as I have seen conflicting reports on how these fees will actually be calculated.
- Walking in Florence Gets Safer
Though it is difficult to drive in the city center, and I discourage anyone from doing it – not only because it isn’t necessary, but because you’ll likely wind up with a pile of traffic tickets when you return home from vacation. Florence has decided to implement a few new traffic-free, pedestrian-friendly zones. This is excellent news for travelers walking and touring around the city. Now you’ll be able to experience the museum of life in these areas a little quieter and safer. But, you still need to watch for scooters zooming by you at record speeds, practically running you over while YOU are in the cross-walk. No improvement on that front quite yet!
- Milan’s La Scala Gets a Bail Out
You may remember luxury shoe giant Tod’s pledged big-time funds to restore and repair the Colosseum in Rome. Well, now he is also coming through for Milan’s La Scala opera house. According to Reuters, he is donating 5.2 million euros to save the famous failing opera house and is calling on other Italian businessmen to help save Italian cultural treasures. Why not support the cause by purchasing tickets to a show on your next visit to Milan?
Planning a trip to Italy? Click here to see the many ways I can help!
Not Your Everyday Italy Guidebook
Photo: fotologic
Anyone who has ever planned a trip to Italy on their own, or anywhere really, is very familiar with the big names in travel guides. Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, Rick Steves and DK Eyewitness Travel Guides all top the list.
And while all of those guides are well-respected and serve a very specific, important purpose, I just love to shout from the Italian terracotta rooftops when I come across a unique travel guide about Italy.
When someone takes a creative approach to a place as written about as Italy and puts a different spin on it, looks at it through a different lens and then writes about something that appeals to a specific type of traveler, I like to talk about it. Reading an Italy travel guide with a quirky theme or a unique angle really gets me excited, especially when a learn something new at almost every page turn. It renews my passion for the Bel Paese.
Today, I thought I would share some that speak to me personally, which is why I have recommended them.
1. 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go. Susan Van Allen has created a delicious list of some fabulous places that travelers headed to Italy should experience. From spas to shopping, ceramics to churches and everything in between. And though the title speaks to females, perhaps for marketing reasons, there should be no reason that men wouldn’t enjoy most of the suggested items.
2. Italy for the Gourmet Traveler. More than a travel guide, this is a giant bible that should be on every food-worshiping Italophiles’ nightstand. Fred Plotkin is *the* ultimate Italian food foodie and his book focuses on, you guessed it, food. But not just the typical restaurant recommendations for the largest cities. Instead he aims to educate the reader on food, wine, recipes, customs and cultural traditions throughout more than 500 cities and all 20 regions of Italy. A favorite for getting off-the-beaten-path.
3. Made in Italy. This Italy guidebook is a shopper’s dream. It’s a perfect resource for those who wish to shop, experience or just browse through artisan shops and boutiques while traveling throughout Italy. The guidebook focuses on the artisanal traditions that Italy is famous for – jewelry, leather, ceramics, Murano glass and of course, food and liqueurs.
4. The Romantic’s Guide to Italy. No doubt about it, Italy is one of the world’s most romantic destinations. For those who want to have a love affair with Italy, get married or honeymoon in Italy or just spend time in some of those most charming and idyllic spots, this is the Italy guidebook for you!
5. Italy : Instructions for Use. Perhaps my favorite Italy guidebook isn’t packed with local addresses, restaurant and hotel suggestions or drop-dead gorgeous photos. Instead it has what travelers to Italy need most – practical advice. Tips on using Italy’s transport systems, the language, store and restaurant hours, cultural notes and more. It’s how to do Italy right. Don’t leave home without it!
Traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help plan your dream trip!
Travel Tip Tuesday : Italian Language Basics to Learn for Travel
There are those of you who love learning a new language, and those who don’t. Many travelers heading to Italy have no desire to learn the language and think everyone will just speak English anyway, so what’s the point.
Personally, I am in the first camp, especially when it comes to learning Italian. It’s just one of the most beautiful and melodic languages out there – I relish the opportunity to use it and learn more of it.
But I certainly understand those who don’t have the time or desire to tackle a new language. But, I still think learning some beneficial Italian language phrases before traveling to Italy, is a good idea. Here’s what I recommend:
1. Learn Italian pleasantries. Yes (si) and No (no) are easy. Hello and Goodbye (ciao), Please (per favore), Thank You (grazie) and You’re Welcome (prego) all go a long way and should be used often. Basic Italian greetings like good day (buongiorno) and good night (buona notte) sound lovely and will come in handy.
2. Learn how to ask questions. Who (Chi) , What (Che), Where (Dove), When (Quando) and How (Come). My biggest recommendation of the bunch is where or dove, pronounced doh-vey. It is an invaluable Italian word for travel. Very useful when you need directions, a bathroom, a specific restaurant, the post office or a museum. Commit Dov’é il gabinetto to memory. It means ‘where is the bathroom’?
3. Learn the days of the week, numbers 1-10 and how to tell time. These things will be very helpful when reading a train ticket, metro or bus schedule, as well as opening and closing hours for restaurants and museums. It is important to know that Italy generally follows military time.
4. Learn how to ask if someone speaks English. Sure, if you ask them in English and they do speak English, they will most likely answer you back. But asking in Italian is just more respectful. Locals will like the fact that you are at least making an attempt to speak a little of their language and they may be more helpful. Just ask “mi scusi, parla Inglese?” Conversely, learn how to tell someone you don’t speak Italian by saying “Mi dispiace, non parlo Italiano.”
If you wish to learn some Italian language basics, and pronunciations, here are a few related links that might help:
Don’t forget to see what travel tips Cherrye has today!
Traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help!
Ten Things I Love About Ravello
Photo Credit : Flickr
I dare anyone to find a town along the Amalfi Coast that isn’t worth a visit. Each and every one of them has their own charm, hidden-gems and things that makes them special.
One of the loveliest and quiant towns, perched atop a cliff, high above the coast, is Ravello. And here are ten of the things I love most about Ravello.
1. The views. The fact that Ravello lies up in the hills above the coast, means it offers a fantastic vantage point from which to see both up and down the rocky coastline. No matter where you roam, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a different panorama at every turn.
2. Villa Rufolo. Named for the family who created it, the Villa Rufolo is an eclectic mix of Arabic, Sicilian and Norman architecture. Medieval towers, two-tiered Moorish cloisters and 19th century gardens combine in a beautiful setting. Inspired by the gardens, composer Richard Wagner used them for the setting for his opera Parsifal.
3. Villa Cimbrone. The stunning Italian and English-style gardens on the grounds of the Villa Cimbrone are the star of the show here. There are many different landscaped areas, but the most noteworthy spot is the Infinity Terrace, which is lined with marble busts. From this platform, you feel like your suspended in mid-air as you take in the views and feel swallowed up by the blue sea below and sky above.
4. A meal at the Villa Maria. The Villa Maria is a charming hotel in a prime location, situated at the end of a small cobbled pathway. The restaurant’s food is fresh and top-notch, but enjoying lunch or dinner on the outside terrace is enchanting, especially if you score a table near the railing which overlooks the Dragone Valley and the coast.
5. The Duomo. Built in 1087, this simple church with the white facade has a wonderful set of bronze doors, that are made up of 54 different panels. The interior boasts intricate white marble designs and busts, mosaics and medieval frescoes and pulpits. The lovely bell tower just adds to the charm.
6. The lemons. Lemons the color of sunshine itself and the size of softballs perfume the whole town as they dangle from graceful branches of lemon trees in gardens, terraces and hotel grounds all over town. Trust me, you’ve never seen such large lemons!
7. Limoncello. Even though lemons are used to make the addictive and refreshing smooth, yet tangy liqueur, I felt it really deserved its very own mention. Though other areas on the Amalfi Coast make limoncello, some of the best is made in Ravello. Watch how to make it, and enjoy a nice tasting at the Limoncello Factory at Via Trinity, 37.
8. Ceramics. I’m a sucker for colorful handmade Italian ceramics in vibrant colors like teal green, royal blue, and bright yellow. Thankfully Ravello has no shortage of places to admire or purchase pottery. The Ceramiche d’Art Pascal and Ceramiche Da Lena are two well-known options that have been staples for quite sometime. I love to wander the streets looking for the colorful platters, in many patterns that hang precariously over the ceramic shop doorways while larger pieces spill out onto the streets.
9. The outdoor concerts. Ravello hosts an outdoor concert series every summer, courtesy of the Ravello Concert Society. Lovely classical music and piano concerts are held outdoors in the romantically lit gardens on the grounds of the Villa Rufolo. As an added bonus, they serve limoncello at intermission. It makes for a magical evening.
10. The churches. Considering the tiny size of this sleepy town, it is surprising that it has so many churches. Other than the Duomo, the town has seven other churches, all within easy walking distance. They are all worth a visit, but some notable favorites are the Church of San Francesco, Santa Maria a Gradillo and the San Giovanni del Toro.
What is your favorite thing about Ravello?
- Planning a trip to Italy? Click here to see how I can help.
Travel Tip Tuesday : Five New Things in Rome
Any history lover knows to put Rome on the top of their Italy itinerary. What with the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and all the glorious churches on offer.
Believe me, there are so many ancient wonders to discover – it would take you a lifetime just to see them all!
And just when you thought you’d be running out of things to keep you busy in the Eternal City, a few new ones get restored and reopen. Recently, there have been quite a few – and this Travel Tip Tuesday, I thought I’d share five of them with you.
How exciting it would be to get a peek at these treasures for the very first time.
1. The Colosseum Dungeons. This past October, the lower lever of the Colosseum opened to visitors. For the first time, visitors got to walk through the underground dungeons, which held caged animals, and experience the life of a gladiator. These tours were temporary, but rumor had it that because of its populararity and how much was spent on the restoration – that the powers that be would likely make this a regular feature. And I’m happy to report that it’s true. Tours have just begun again, but you do need a reservation.
2. The House of Vestal Virgins. After 20 years of restoration, the Roman Forum opened about 7 acres of land, this past January. This includes the elegant palace, the House of Vestal Virgins, garden and the Temple of Vesta. Images and statues are part of the restoration as well as a new visitors route, called the Via Nova. Since the house was exclusively for women and the priestesses and goddess Vesta were very important to ancient Rome - it’s a must see for women.
3. Museo Missionario di Propaganda Fide. A new museum dedicated to Baroque art and architecture has opened a restored 17th century palazzo. It seeks to highlight the history of over four centuries of Roman Catholic missionary work. Don’t miss the library designed for Bernini and the Chapel of the Maggi on the second floor.
4. Made in Italy Museum. Yep, that’s right, a new museum dedicated to products made in Italy will be coming to Rome. Slated for a 2012 opening, the four-floor exhibition will be housed in Civiltà del Lavoro Palace, in EUR, a southern suburb of Rome. Also in the works is an Aquarium which may open right across the street.
5. Trevi Fountain Makeover. And though it certainly isn’t new, special props to the Trevi Fountain, which will go through a 1-million-euro make-over this year. Statues will be cleaned, improved lighting will be added and the streets will be widened for pedestrian traffic. Don’t forget to bring your three coins and your sunglasses – the glare from the shine just might blind you!
Which of these will you add to your Rome visit?
Traveling to Rome? Click here to see how I can help with your trip!
Historic Cafes of Venice
Venice is well-known for its canals, gondolas, Carnivale and the Bellini. And of all the notable places, the Piazza San Marco might be the most popular and heavily-trafficked part of Venice. Most would tell you to steer clear of the overcrowded touristy square, but not me.
Being a coffee-lover, people-watcher and a sucker for history and elegance, I’d advise you to make it a point to visit one of the famous historic cafes, whose tables spill out onto the piazza. Here, waiters dressed smartly in black pants, bowties and white dinner jackets will deliver what is sure to be the most expensive drink you’ve ever had. But in return, you’ll be rewarded with time to linger, a priceless view and from April through October, musical accompaniment. A fair trade, indeed. On second thought - why not visit them all?
Caffé Florian
First opened in 1720, Florian is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. On the inside you’ll be amazed at all the gilt-gold decor, the red velvet banquettes, hand-painted mirrors and gorgeous frescos that adorn the ceiling. In a word – stunning. Famous clientele reportedly included Casanova, who used to hunt for prospects here, as it was the only cafe that admitted women at the time. It’s also home to the Venice Biennale, an annual contemporary art exhibition. Florian is located the furthest away from the Basicila, at the far end of the square.
Caffé Quadri
This cafe and restaurant has been around since 1775. Quadri started its life as a cafe, but in 1860 the addition of a restaurant on the second floor breathed new life into the place. The decor of pastel yellow and light green stuccoed walls serves as a perfect backdrop for Pongo’s paintings of daily Venetian life. Frequented by both modern day actors attending the Venice Film Festival, including Woody Allen and past literary greats like Proust, the cafe is a popular haunt for artists, writers and journalists. The gelato al forno is an exclusive favorite.
Caffé Lavena
Located at the foot of the L’Orologio (clock tower) in San Marco square, Lavena has been open since 1750. Billed as an Austrian-style salon, it boasts green marble tables, 18th century mirrors and hand-blown Murano glass wall lamps and chandeliers. Visitors can sit near second-floor windows which look out onto the piazza. The cafe’s orchestra is named after Richard Wagner, a loyal customer who is alleged to have composed part of his world-renowned opera Parsifal at a table. To locate Caffé Lavena, just look for their signature yellow chairs on the Piazza San Marco in front of their doors.
And just so you can get the full effect, here’s a little video of an orchestra playing at Lavena on the piazza!
So, would you shell out extra euro to grab a table and watch life go by on Venice’s Piazza San Marco?
Photo Credits: TracyElaine / brianandjaclyn / Krancien
Heading to Venice? Perhaps you’d be interested in one of these Venice excursions.
Travel Tip Tuesday : Italy Celebrates 150 Years
Though Italy is a country steeped in old traditions, the unified Italy that we know today is a relatively young country. In fact, Italy is celebrating their 150 year anniversary this year.
And this Travel Tip Tuesday, I wanted to let you know of some great events happening on the actual anniversary, which is March 17th.
Part of the country-wide celebration includes Notte Bianca, Rossa e Verde (white, red and green night) where most Italian museums in major cities will stay open late on the evening of March 16th, until about 1:00 am the morning of the 17th. And at 7:00 am on March 17th, Italian flags all over Italy will be raised simultaneously as a tribute to the anniversary.
Here is a listing of some other events taking place in Italy’s major cities – Rome, Florence and Turin that day.
Florence
- A special lighting ceremony at the Pitti Palace, designed to showcase the facade of the Palazzo.
- A beautiful red, white and green path, honoring the Italian flag, will be set up from the Piazza Baccaria to the Piazza della Republica – many shops along the route will also be decked out.
- A stage show dedicated to Italian art in the Piazza della Signora.
- Live music and theater pieces in Santa Croce.
- A market near the Duomo, featuring hand-crafted items.
Rome
- An opening ceremony at the Vittorio Emmanuele monument in the Piazza Venezia.
- Memorial ceremony honoring Italy’s first king in the Pantheon, where he is buried.
- Release of white doves and music concert in the Piazza del Popolo.
- Cannon salute (yes, 150 shots!) and a tricolor fireworks display in the park on Gianicolo Hill.
Turin and Piedmont are two other regions that are hosting many other special events for a nine month period – beginning March 17th and running through November. For more information on that, you can visit the website for Esperienza Italia.
You can also visit the main website for the 150 year celebration, which is only in Italian.
Know of any other cool events happening for Italy’s 150 year anniversary? Please tell us about them in the comments!
—
Don’t forget to check out Cherrye’s travel tips at My Bella Vita.
Thinking of traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help plan your trip!
Four Wine Regions in Italy
The country of Italy brings many things to mind: mopeds, the Renaissance, tantalizing food and wine. Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world and is responsible for about one-fifth of world wine production.
There are twenty wine regions in Italy, that correspond to the twenty administrative regions. Today we’ll be exploring four of our faves.
Tuscany
When most people think of Italy, they picture the scenic vineyards of Tuscany. They see rows upon rows of grapes, nestled safely between rolling hills of fantastically green grass. If that is what you’re searching for, these two vineyards will be perfect for you.
Castello Banfi lives up to its luxurious name – despite the fact that the place is barely twenty-years-old! With 2,400 acres of vines, about 13 individual vineyards and an 11th century castle on the grounds, a trip to this vineyard is sure to highlight your visit to Italy. There’s housing, two restaurants and a variety of tours to go on whether you plan on spending a day or a weekend on site.
The Castello Banfi rests beneath the shadow of Monte Amiata (the second highest mountain in Italy) and is a close drive to either Florence or Siena. Between the wines, the scenery and the Italian hospitality – this is a perfect spot to visit on your tour of Italy.
The Greppo Estate is owned by the Biondi Santi family and is located in Montalcino. This vineyard gives a variety of tours and offers on-line booking so that you’ll be set and ready to go once you arrive. A tour can include anything from a quick thirty minute visit to the wine cellar to a two-hour expedition.
One of the best times to visit may be mid September when the grapes are being harvested – by hand! The wines on this vineyard vary from the Riserva (made only in exceptionally good years from vines older than 25 years) to the younger Red Stripe and the fruity White Label.
Located in southern Tuscany, the Greppo Estate will leave you with the ability to take a day trip to Siena to explore the medieval architecture and perhaps, if you’re around at the right time, catch the city’s historic palio .
Piedmont
Located in the northwestern corner of Italy, this picturesque, fog-shrouded, often overlooked region is responsible for 12 DOCG wines. Great reds like Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco and sparkling whites like Moscata d’Asti and Spumante are a perfect complement to the truffles the area is famous for.
If you’re in Alba, stop at Pio Cesare , the oldest and largest remaining producer in this area. The winery was created in 1881 and still remains five generations later. Pop by for a visit to the ancient cellars, whose walls date back to the Roman Empire, and sprawling 130 acres of vines and taste the wines that are made using a combination of modern and traditional techniques.
A smaller option is Cascina Minella. Located in Dogliani, it’s a relatively new winery, started in 2002 and consists of only about 12 acres of Dolcetto and Barbera grape vines. They prefer traditional methods, but mainly age their wines in steel tanks, with the exception of one which is aged in wood barrels. The owners welcome guests for wine tastings, but prefer that you book in advance.
Lazio
The region of Lazio is best known for housing Rome, yet what many overlook are the breath-taking mountains, the luscious beaches and the divine taste of their wines. Predominantly known for its whites, Lazio is the perfect place to see and taste some of the best grapes Italy has to offer. A few white wines that hail from the area include Marino, Est! Est!! Est!!!, Colli Albani and Frascati. They all come almost exclusively from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, or a combination of the two.
Principe Pallavincia, a large vineyard in Colonna, is divided into three main sections: Colonna, Pasolina and Marmorelle. Colonna holds the main cellars, the bottling line and the restaurant L’Osteria della Colonna where you can end the day with a glass of their finest wine.
Close by, the Pasolina vineyards are spread across the lush landscape. The grapes surround a medieval tower, which offers brilliant views of Rome. This is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for some classic Italian scenery. This vineyard specializes in red wines, while the last (Marmorelle) produces more aromatic varieties such as Chardonnay.
A visit to Colonna will place you perfectly close to Rome, giving you a chance to explore the fantastic history of the city, as well as the perfect opportunity to see the countryside.
In Cerveteri, Principe Pallavincia has another vineyard – though this one is tucked away in the country and a good distance from Rome. Instead, when you venture here you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful sunlight, refreshing sea breezes and miles upon miles of greenery. Not to mention, you’ll be in a prime location to pick up a bottle of Sangiovese, Merlot or Syrah – the three wines in which this vineyard specializes. The warm and dry climate, mingled with limestone soils, creates a unique and intense flavor in this vineyard’s wines. Plus, the best part of this trip is that after a relaxing morning of strolling through grapes and sipping wine, you can take a short drive over to the beach and take a dip into the Mediterranean!
Sicily
With it’s warm temperatures, rich soil and sea breezes Sicily has the ideal conditions for growing grapes and producing wine. In fact, some statistics show that Sicily produces more wine per-year than Australia, New Zealand and Hungary combined.
Located in Marsala, a charming seaport city, the historic winery Donnafugata, is open for tours, tastings and dining. This is a family owned business begun in the 1980′s that grew from nothing into one of Italy’s finest wineries. It is also one of the most extensive, covering a wide variety of wines from the exquisite Ben Rye to the velvety Mille e una Notte. As usual, this vineyard is perfect for a quick day trip as you’re passing through or a lovely weekend away. It’s a short trip from the well-known city of Palermo, giving you plenty of options to fill your days with!
Tasca D’Almerita is a fantastic winery that consistently receives praise for its wine and exports to over sixty countries across the globe. Set in the pristine countryside, visitors are welcomed into the Regaleali Estate, where you can have a wine tasting or even do a tasting lunch! This vineyard uses both indigenous and international grapes, giving their wines unique and full flavors. This is the place to go for those looking to get far from the cities and the coast, for those who long for nothing but the beauty of the Sicilian countryside.
Thirsty yet? Tell us about your favorite Italian wines or any vineyards you’ve visited and your experiences there!
Written by : Kelly Gallucci Photos: waldec / M^3 / grogri87 / Michal Osmenda
Traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.
