What do you go to Italy for? The grand churches and basilicas? Sure! The charming villages and old-world towns? Why not? The world-famous sunny beaches? Definitely! What makes Italy such a worthwhile country is that it has a lot to offer. Not the least of which are the scenic vineyards. You've seen them on postcards, in movies, in TV series, and the like. They present a dreamy side of the country, one that beckons you to experience at least once in your life. And among Italy's finest vineyards, here are some of the most beautiful.
Antica Cascina dei Conti di Roero
In the beautiful province of Cuneo, located in the Piedmont region, the stunning Antica Cascina dei Conti di Roero vineyard has been enchanting tourists since the 1950s. Although the land itself has been cultivated since the 1800s, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that 37-acre winery opened to the public. Perched atop the hills of Cuneo, it's among the most scenic vineyards in all of Italy. So much so that not even a stack of postcards would be enough to truly depict its natural beauty. Pair that with the delicious wine they produce and it's no wonder so many people visit here.
Source: Antica Cascina dei Conti di Roero Facebook Page
Antinori nel Chianti Classico
When one thinks of an Italian vineyard, visions of rustic villas, rows of grape trees, and a rustic vibe come to mind. Now, these are all well and good for top tourist attractions and
movies set in Italy but there are some that go beyond this archetype. One good example is Tuscany's Antinori Nel Chianti Classico. Paired with a show-stopping estate that shows the very best in Italian modern architecture, this winery stands out amidst the rest. The eye-catching spiral staircase at the middle leads to both the underground wine storage and the second-floor museum that offers wine-tasting, among many others.
Source: Antinori nel Chianti Classico
Avignonesi
Speaking of unique vineyards, another must-see in Tuscany is the Avignonesi vineyard. The estate itself looks pretty classic, they type that can rival the great
villas in Rome, Florence, and even Lake Como. But what's really fascinating about the place is the perfectly circular vineyard a short walk away from the main estate that truly takes one's breath away. Most especially if you spot it from a distance. While most wineries will symmetrically line their trees row by row, Avignonesi goes for a rounder approach, making for a truly one-of-a-kind vineyard at the heart of central Italy.
Source: Avignonesi Facebook Page
Castiglion del Bosco
How do you know that Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany is a must-visit? None other than UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site! How's that for impressive? It does help that the winery itself has existed for thousands of years now, making it one of the oldest of its kind. Moreover, it's also one of the largest in Italy since it's made up of a whopping 5,000 acres in total. Compared to the more modern and innovative vineyards in the country, Castiglion del Bosco continues to rely heavily on nature, rarely changing up their production processes and not putting too much emphasis on machinery and the like. Moreover, it's even become a luxury hotel,
Rosewood Hotel, worth staying at!
Source: Castiglion del Bosco/ Rosewood Hotels
Mastroberardino Mirabella Eclano
Following the effect of World War II in southern Italy, the historic Mastroberardino Mirabella Eclano strove to revive Campanian wine-making and effectively helped preserve the country's wine industry as a whole. So it's only natural that this 160-acre estate belongs on this list. Not to mention the fact that, with its sloping hills and plentiful sunshine, the Mastroberardino Mirabella Eclano winery is also among the most scenic in the country. They provide luxury with the help of their many amenities, ranging from the
Radici Resort Hotel to the
Mirabella Golf Club, as well as, of course, Aglianico grape wine that tastes better after every sip.
Source: Mastroberardino Mirabella Eclano
Redaelli de Zinis
With a history that goes all the way back to the 18th century, the Redaelli de Zinis in Lake Cards is the type that embraces its heritage. In fact, to this day still avoid relying on machinery too much, focusing all of their attention on the continue their manmade traditions instead. As for the estate, it's as charming as ever. Luscious greeneries surround a brick-built villa, making for a postcard-perfect winery that'll be great for an Instagram post. And let's not forget the delicious bottles of wine they produce season after season. They’re the main stars of the show, after all!
Source: Redaelli de Zinis
Tenuta di Fessina
On the famous island of Sicily, hiding behind the shadow of Mount Etna, the Tenuta di Fessina vineyard stands to charm tourists about the history of Italian wine-making. With a history and heritage that goes all the way back to the 17th century, this is the type of old-world attraction that you'd expect in a place like Sicily. Even the estate itself exhibits that nostalgic and rustic Mediterranean appeal. With a villa that looks like an abandoned monastery, you can't help but imagine all the stories this place offers. And, of course, all the exceptional wines they produce too!
Source: Tenuta di Fessina Facebook Page
Italy's beautiful vineyards are a huge part of what makes the country such a romantic destination. Not only do they produce some of the finest wines in the world, but they exude natural beauty and a rustic charm that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
If you're lucky, you might even score a
luxury home near these beautiful vineyards in Italy.
