Between the Alps and the islands, there are hundreds of appellations and thousands of wine producers in Italy. From tiny family farms to grand estates that have been bottling wine for centuries, you'll find that some of the best wineries in Italy offer more than just mouthwatering wines.
Why Italy is perfect for wine tourism in 2025
What makes Italy especially good for wine tourism is how close the vines are to places you’re probably visiting anyway. Turin and Alba lead you straight into Barolo country, Florence is ringed by scenic vineyard walking trails, and the Adriatic coast hides peaceful estates a short drive from the sea.
Italy is the EU’s top wine producer and exporter, but it’s the variety that really stands out. In the space of a week, you can move from powerful Nebbiolo reds in misty Piedmont to savoury Sangiovese in the Tuscan hills, and some of the top Italian dessert wines like Vin Santo and Moscato along the way.
The 5 best wineries in Italy to visit in 2025
Marchesi di Barolo, Piedmont
Barolo is one of Italy’s most famous reds, and Marchesi di Barolo sits right where it all began, in the small town that gives the wine its name. The cellar has roots in the early 1800s and is still closely tied to the story of how Barolo became known as the “king of wines”.
Why it’s worth the trip
- You’re tasting Nebbiolo within sight of the vineyards and slopes that made the wine famous.
- The castle of Barolo is just above you, and the Langhe hills rippling away in every direction.
- The on-site restaurant makes it easy to wrap everything into a proper Piedmontese meal, with local dishes built around beef, mushrooms and, in season, truffles.
Tenuta di Castelbuono, Umbria
Tenuta di Castelbuono, in the countryside near Bevagna in Umbria, is as much an art stop as a wine stop. The estate is part of the Lunelli family holdings and its most recognisable feature is the Carapace, a striking copper and concrete dome designed by sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.
Why it’s worth the trip
- Walking up to what looks like a piece of land art in the middle of the vines, then realising it’s actually the cellar.
- That mix of contemporary art, gentle Umbrian countryside and structured reds based on Sagrantino and Sangiovese.
- It’s an easy win for travellers who enjoy design and architecture as much as what’s in the glass.
Azienda Agraria Guerrieri, Marche
Azienda Agraria Guerrieri is a family-run estate in the rolling countryside of the Marche region, in the province of Pesaro e Urbino. It’s very much a working farm rather than a polished showroom, producing wine alongside olive oil, grains and vinegar.
Why it’s worth the trip
- You get a broader taste of rural life, not just a quick pour and a goodbye.
- The atmosphere is relaxed, prices tend to be down-to-earth, and it suits anyone who prefers a quieter, more genuine countryside visit.
- With the Adriatic coast not far away, it also works nicely as a day out from a beach base.
Tili Vini, Assisi
Tili Vini spreads across the hills around Assisi, with organic vineyards looking back towards the basilicas and stone houses of the town. It’s family-run and leans heavily into personal, hands-on experiences for visitors.
Why it’s worth the trip
- Sipping Umbrian wine while looking out over Assisi is already a bit special.
- Tili Vini also offers “Winemaker for a Day” experiences, traditional lunches and olive oil tastings.
- For those not yet in Italy, their virtual tastings are a nice way of bringing a little piece of the Umbrian hillside into a living room elsewhere in Europe.
Castello di Nipozzano, Tuscany
Castello di Nipozzano sits in the hills east of Florence, in the Chianti Rufina area, and has been linked to the Frescobaldi family for centuries. The castle and its estate dominate the surrounding Tuscan landscape, with vineyards and olive groves rolling away on all sides.
Why it’s worth the trip
- You’re tasting Sangiovese-based wines right where the grapes grow, in a place that has been cultivating vines and olives for around a thousand years.
- The working farm element is still very present, so you’re not just getting the history lesson.
- Being within easy reach of Florence, it fits neatly into a city break without needing days of driving.
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