By Alexa Evans
A trip to Italy wouldn't be complete without the tasting pleasures of a well aged wine. The Italian countryside is dotted with wineries in the regions of Tuscany, Piedmonte, Sicily, Umbria and even along the coastal areas of Almalfi and Portofino. When planning your ideal Italian vacation, make time in your schedule for tempting your palate with vino d'Italia.
Tuscany
The most frequented spot for wine tasting tours is the expansive region of Tuscany. Visit the grape-growing regions of Montalcino, Montepulciano, Chianti and Maremma.
Piedmonte
Some of the best wine in the world comes from Italy's Piedmonte region in the north. The rolling hills of Barbaresco, Barolo, Gavi, Asti and Tortona are dotted with ancient castles and ancient medieval towns.
Sicily
The southern region of Sicily is widely respected for its gastronomical delights. Visit the charming Palermo and the medieval Erice to sample their wines, along with a big plate of pasta alla norma.
Umbria
A wine tasting jaunt through Umbria will leave you wishing you had booked your trip for longer. Don't miss Orvieto, Montefalco, Assissi and Spoleto. These quaint medieval hamlets are some of the best kept secrets in all of Italy.
Tour companies
There are many wine tasting tour companies to choose from. Here are some options ranging from least expensive to the ultimate in luxury: Italian Wine Tours, La Dolce Vita Wine Tours and Cellar Tours.
About the Author:
Alexa Evans is a freelance writer and marketing editor based in San Diego, Calif. Evans has been published in "Tango Diva," "Map Vivo" and "Trazzler." She earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
