Vineyard Towns of Italy
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Latest page update: 28 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The vineyard towns of Italy listed below represent just the cream of the crop in a country which loves its wines like no other. From Piedmont to Tuscany, Lazio and Veneto, these towns and villages have a heritage of not only producing the wines but also for their hospitality and the modern-day culture of wine tourism.
The provinces of Asti and Cuneo in Piedmont are among the largest ares of vineyards with some of the best towns including Barolo, Barbaresco and La Morra. Tuscany's Chianti region is another that draws visitors from far and wide with a clutch of significant towns including Radda and Greve. It's a similar story in Veneto with the Valpolicella region and its numerous villages. |
Barolo, Piedmont
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Barolo
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Barolo, a picturesque town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is nestled among rolling hills and vineyards in the heart of the Langhe wine country. Renowned as the birthplace of Barolo wine, it is a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering numerous wineries and cellars to explore.
The town’s centerpiece is the Castello Falletti, a medieval castle that houses the Wine Museum and offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Barolo’s history dates back to Roman times, and its winemaking tradition has flourished since the 19th century. |
Barolo, Piedmont
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Bolgheri
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Bolgheri, a quaint village in the heart of Tuscany, lies along the Etruscan Coast near Livorno. Famous for its wine and idyllic scenery, it is surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves.
Visitors are welcomed by the iconic Cypress Avenue, a stunning 5-kilometer road lined with ancient cypress trees that leads to the village. Bolgheri is renowned for its prestigious Super Tuscan wines, with numerous wineries offering tastings of Bolgheri DOC labels. The historic village features cobblestone streets, charming squares, and the medieval,12th century Bolgheri Castle. |
Bolgheri, Tuscany
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Soave
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Soave is a picturesque town in the Veneto region of northern Italy, situated near Verona and surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards.
Renowned for its production of Soave wine, the town is steeped in history and charm. The medieval Scaliger Castle dominates the skyline, with its well-preserved walls and towers offering stunning views of the countryside. Soave's historic centre features cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and ancient churches like the Church of San Lorenzo. Its origins date back to Roman times, but it flourished during the Middle Ages under the Scaliger family. |
Soave, Veneto
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Greve in Chianti
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Greve in Chianti is located between Florence and Siena in the heart of the Chianti wine region. Known as the “Gateway to Chianti,” it is surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves.
The town’s centerpiece is Piazza Matteotti, a triangular square lined with arcades, artisan shops, and cafes. Greve has a rich history tied to winemaking, dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, and later flourished as a medieval market town. Visitors can explore the Wine Museum, historic churches, and sample renowned Chianti Classico wines. The nearby Castello di Verrazzano is surrounded by picturesque countryside. |
Greve in Chianti, Tuscany
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Barbaresco
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Barbaresco is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, nestled in the heart of the Langhe hills.
Renowned for its world-class Barbaresco wine, the town is surrounded by vineyards that produce this prestigious red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. Barbaresco features a charming medieval centre with narrow streets, traditional stone buildings, and the iconic 19th-century Barbaresco Tower, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. The town has a rich history of wine-making dating back to Roman times, and by the 19th century, Barbaresco gained international recognition for its wine. Today, it remains a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts. |
Barbaresco, Piedmont
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Montalcino
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Montalcino is a historic hilltop town located in the Tuscany region of central Italy, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Siena.
Known worldwide for its production of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest red wines, the town is surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills. Montalcino features a medieval centre with cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and the impressive Fortress of Montalcino, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The town has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan and Roman periods. |
Montalcino, Tuscany
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Bardolino
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Bardolino is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Known for its picturesque lakeside setting, it offers stunning views of the clear waters and surrounding mountains.
The town is famous for its production of Bardolino wine, a light red wine made from local grape varieties. Bardolino’s historic centre features narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a beautiful lakeside promenade. The Church of San Zeno, dating back to the 9th century, is one of its key historical landmarks. With origins dating back to Roman times, Bardolino is a popular destination for visitors seeking history, culture, and wine-tasting. |
Bardolino, Lake Garda
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San Giorgio di Valpolicella
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San Giorgio di Valpolicella is a small town located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, nestled in the hills of the Valpolicella wine region, just northwest of Verona.
The town is known for its beautiful landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves, and historic stone buildings. It is famous for producing high-quality wines, particularly Amarone della Valpolicella, a rich red wine made from dried grapes. San Giorgio di Valpolicella boasts a charming medieval centre, with notable landmarks such as the Church of San Giorgio and nearby villas. With roots dating back to Roman times, the town offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere, rich wine culture, and historical heritage. |
San Giorgio di Valpolicella, Veneto
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Radda in Chianti
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Radda in Chianti is a small medieval town located in the heart of Tuscany, within the renowned Chianti wine region. Positioned on a hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of vineyards and olive groves that define the Tuscan landscape. The town is characterized by its narrow streets, stone buildings, and charming piazzas.
Historically, Radda was an important centre during the Middle Ages, once serving as the capital of the Chianti League. It is also home to several historic churches and a nearby castle. Today, Radda in Chianti is famous for its wineries, local cuisine, and picturesque setting. |
Radda in Chianti, Tuscany
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Gavi
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Gavi is a picturesque town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled in the hills of the province of Alessandria. Renowned for its vineyards, Gavi is famous for producing the white wine known as Cortese di Gavi, made from the Cortese grape variety.
The town's charming medieval centre is marked by cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and the impressive Gavi Fortress, which dates back to the 12th century. Gavi’s history stretches back to Roman times, but it flourished during the Middle Ages as a strategic military location. Today, it remains a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. |
Gavi, Piedmont
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Montepulciano
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Montepulciano is an historic hilltop town located in the Tuscany region of central Italy, renowned for its vineyards and production of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The town features narrow medieval streets, beautiful Renaissance architecture, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana. Notable landmarks include the Piazza Grande, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Palazzo Comunale.
Montepulciano has a rich history dating back to the Etruscans and later flourished under Roman and Renaissance influence. Today, it is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and history lovers, offering a blend of natural beauty, culture, and world-class wine. |
Montepulciano, Tuscany
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La Morra
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La Morra is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled in the Langhe hills, renowned for its vineyards and exceptional Barolo wine production. The town offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, rolling hills, and the Alps in the distance.
Its historic centre is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and the Church of San Martino. La Morra has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times, and flourished during the Middle Ages as part of the Kingdom of Savoy. Today, it is a popular destination for wine lovers, offering tastings and tours in its renowned wine cellars. |
La Morra, Piedmont
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Asti
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Asti is a famous wine-producing town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, known for its vineyards and production of renowned wines such as Asti Spumante and Barbera.
Situated in the heart of the Langhe and Monferrato hills, the town features charming medieval streets, ancient churches, and impressive buildings like the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Alfieri. Asti has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and was a significant centre during the Middle Ages, flourishing as a trading hub. Today, it attracts visitors with its wine festivals, medieval architecture, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding vineyards. |
Asti, Piedmont
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Frascati
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Frascati is a charming town located in the Lazio region of central Italy, just southeast of Rome. Nestled in the Castelli Romani hills, it is famous for its vineyards, producing the renowned Frascati wine, a light white wine enjoyed throughout Italy.
The town is known for its beautiful villas, such as the Villa Aldobrandini, and its historical churches, including the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Frascati has ancient origins, with a history dating back to Roman times, and it was a favored retreat for aristocrats during the Renaissance. Today, the town attracts visitors for its wine, gastronomy, scenic views, and close proximity to Rome. |
Frascati, Lazio
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Nizza Monferrato
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Nizza Monferrato is a picturesque town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled in the heart of the Monferrato hills, known for its vineyards and wine production. Famous for its Barbera wine, Nizza Monferrato is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine landscape of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.
The town features traditional cobbled streets, beautiful historic buildings, and the impressive Church of San Giovanni Battista. With a history dating back to Roman times, it was an important centre for trade and viticulture in the Middle Ages. Today, Nizza Monferrato attracts visitors with its local wines, and rich heritage. |
Nizza Monferrato, Piedmont
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Canelli
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Canelli is a small town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, situated in the Langhe hills, known for its world-famous sparkling wines, particularly Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti. The town’s historic centre is dotted with traditional buildings and the impressive Church of San Tommaso.
Canelli is renowned for its underground wine cellars, called "Underground Cathedrals," which have been used for centuries to age wine and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area has a rich history of winemaking dating back to Roman times, and its vineyards continue to thrive today, making Canelli a key destination for wine lovers and tourists alike. |
Canelli, Piedmont
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