Where to taste wine in Umbria
The number one rated winery in Umbria (according to Tripadvisor) is the Tili Vini Societa Agricola, which overlooks the town of Assisi, but there are many 5-star establishments to choose from. Montioni Frantoio e Cantina, Vineria del Carmine, Decugnano dei Barbi and Azienda Agraria Saio are four other Umbrian wineries with hundreds of reviews and rated a 5 out of 5 on the website. Visitors can try the famous Montefalco Sagrantino at the multi-award-winning Montioni Frantoio e Cantina. According to Decanter, the most age-worthy and iconic white grape varieties are Trebbiano (known in Umbria as Procanico) and Grechetto.
For those who cannot make it to all of the wineries, many of the varieties can be tried in Umbria’s bars and restaurants. The servers at these venues will be happy to make a recommendation. If you like food with your wine, then you’re in luck, as Umbria produces many tasty delicacies that you can try while you’re there. There are even bicycle or e-bike tours, so you can work your muscles as you travel between vineyards and producers.
Gastronomic experiences to enjoy in Umbria
Food tours are one of the best ways to experience Italy – and since balsamic vinegar and olive oil are produced here, it’s possible to tour the factories and taste them afterward. The Umbrian woods are full of truffles. With the help of specialized hunting dogs, you can forage for some ‘black diamonds’ yourself and eat them for lunch afterward. Norcia is the ‘pork capital of Italy,’ and this small mountain village is full of butchers producing pork products and charcuterie at their shops, in the ancient tradition known as norcineria.
Tourists can also see Umbrian bread being baked and cheese being made. When enjoyed with local cured meats, balsamic vinegar, truffles and olive oil, this could be the most expensive (yet most delicious sandwich) of your entire life! There are also cooking classes available for those who want to learn even more about the regional flavors and produce. When this all comes with a perfectly paired wine against a picture-perfect Italian view, it may be difficult to ever leave the foodie paradise of Umbria.
