we are visiting Italy in October 14. We love wine and want to stay in one of Italy's wine regions. We are not
sure whether it should be Tuscany or Piedmont. Any suggestions which one? Also where should we stay in each if we were to
visit both?
Posted by
Portland, OR
1136 posts
Jmasters,
What are your favorite kinds of wines? People can give your their preferences, but it will help to know what you guys are looking for.
We personally prefer the Tuscan wines. Montepulciano and Montalcino are our favorites towns to stay and the food and wine in both of those towns are wonderful. We are staying in Montalcino this September for four nights here: http://www.canalicchiodisoprawinerelais.it/web/index.cfm?id=0E97327C-789D-4A5E-88F742FAB6074C5D&home
The brunellos and rosso are simply amazing in this area.
Let us know how we can expand your search more.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
I presume you are not going to Italy just to taste wine at a couple of wineries. I would base that choice on your overall itinerary.
If you itinerary takes you in the Italian North West, then Piedmont is a good choice (Langhe, Monferrato). If you trip includes only Central Italy, then Tuscany is the better choice (Chianti, Montalcino). If you trip takes you to the North East (Venice), then there are plenty of choices in that area as well (Valpolicella, Colli Euganei). Different people have different preferences. I don't know what wines you like. Whites, reds, full body, sparkling etc.
Piedmont is famous for Barbera, Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Spumante etc.
Tuscany's most famous wines are Chianti, Brunello, Montalbano and Vernaccia.
Veneto is famous for many wines, such as Valpolicella, Soave, Pinot, Prosecco, Bardolino.
All of them are available in North America, if not at a regular store, at specialized wine stores. Try a few at home and decide for yourself.
Actually you won't find too many places in Italy where they don't make wine. There are 383,000 wineries in Italy (Sicily has the largest amount of land devoted to grapes ) according to the latest census (compare with 3,750 in California or 8,800 in all of the US).
Wherever you stay in Italy, it is impossible to be more than 10 miles away from a winery. Not even if you stay high up in the Alps.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Looks like you have some good advice to help direct your research. Buon viaggio!