Discover Northern Corsica’s Wine Paradise
Northern Corsica offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and exquisite wines. This region, known as Haute-Corse, boasts pristine beaches, historic towns, and vineyards nestled between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
Towns and Villages
Bastia
Bastia, the economic capital of Corsica, serves as an excellent base for wine exploration. Its charming old port and citadel provide a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting adventures.
Patrimonio
Patrimonio is the heart of Corsican wine production. This small village is home to numerous wineries and offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Saint-Florent
Saint-Florent, a beautiful coastal town, combines wine culture with beach relaxation. Its marina and nearby vineyards make it a must-visit destination.
Wine Producers
Domaine Orenga de Gaffory
Located in Patrimonio, this family-owned winery produces exceptional reds, whites, and rosés. Their tasting room offers panoramic views of the vineyards.
Clos Teddi
This boutique winery in Patrimonio specializes in organic wines. Their Vermentino and Niellucciu varietals are particularly noteworthy.
Domaine Gentile
Situated near Saint-Florent, Domaine Gentile offers guided tours and tastings of their award-winning wines.
Accommodations
Hotel des Gouverneurs
This luxury hotel in Bastia’s citadel offers stunning sea views and easy access to local wineries.
La Dimora
A charming boutique hotel in Saint-Florent, La Dimora provides a perfect blend of comfort and local character.
Auberge du Pêcheur
This rustic inn in Patrimonio offers simple rooms and an authentic Corsican experience, ideal for wine enthusiasts.
Dining
A Casarella
Located in Patrimonio, this restaurant serves traditional Corsican cuisine paired with local wines.
Le Matahari
This beachfront restaurant in Saint-Florent offers fresh seafood and an extensive local wine list.
L’Ardoise
Situated in Bastia’s old port, L’Ardoise specializes in innovative Corsican dishes and features a curated selection of Northern Corsican wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Cave Mattei
Located in Bastia, this historic wine shop offers a vast selection of Corsican wines.
- Knowledgeable staff provides expert recommendations
- Regular wine tastings featuring local producers
Le Bar à Vin
This cozy wine bar in Saint-Florent showcases the best of Northern Corsican wines.
- Extensive by-the-glass menu
- Outdoor seating with views of the marina
Enoteca Patrimonio
Situated in the heart of Patrimonio, this shop specializes in wines from the local AOC.
- Offers tastings of rare and limited-production wines
- Sells local artisanal products to pair with wines
Other Shops
Les Halles de Bastia
This covered market in Bastia is perfect for sourcing local ingredients.
- Fresh produce, cheeses, and charcuterie
- Ideal for picnic supplies to enjoy with your wine purchases
La Boutique du Cap Corse
Located in Patrimonio, this shop specializes in regional products.
- Local honey, jams, and olive oils
- Handcrafted souvenirs and Corsican music CDs
Attractions
Musée du Vin
This wine museum in Patrimonio offers insights into Corsican winemaking history.
- Displays of traditional winemaking tools
- Interactive exhibits on local terroir and grape varieties
Cap Corse Peninsula
Take a scenic drive along this rugged peninsula for breathtaking views.
- Stop at Nonza for its black pebble beach
- Visit Centuri, known for its lobster fishing
Agriates Desert
This protected natural area offers beautiful hiking trails and secluded beaches.
- Saleccia Beach is a must-visit for its pristine sands
- Guided 4×4 tours available for easier access
Events
Fête du Vin de Patrimonio
Annual wine festival held in Patrimonio every July.
- Tastings from local producers
- Live music and traditional Corsican food
Bastia Wine Fair
Held in April, this event showcases wines from across Corsica.
- Opportunity to meet winemakers
- Workshops on wine tasting and food pairing
Saint-Florent Boat Show
Annual event in May combining nautical displays with local wine tastings.
- Wine and seafood pairings
- Sunset wine cruises around the Gulf of Saint-Florent
Grape Varieties
Northern Corsica’s wine industry thrives on both indigenous and international grape varieties. Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu dominate red wine production.
- Niellucciu: Produces full-bodied reds with herbal notes
- Sciaccarellu: Offers lighter reds with spicy characteristics
- Vermentinu: The primary white grape, creating crisp, aromatic wines
Main Wine Styles
Northern Corsica’s wines reflect the region’s unique terroir and climate. Red wines tend to be robust and full-flavored.
- Reds: Bold, tannic wines with notes of herbs and red fruits
- Rosés: Fresh and light, perfect for summer sipping
- Whites: Crisp and aromatic, often with citrus and floral notes
Food Specialties
Northern Corsican cuisine pairs beautifully with local wines. Charcuterie and cheeses are regional highlights.
- Prisuttu: Air-cured ham, perfect with red wines
- Brocciu: Fresh sheep’s milk cheese, ideal with whites
- Chestnuts: Used in various dishes, complementing both reds and whites
Drives & Walks
Explore Northern Corsica’s stunning landscapes and vineyards. The Route des Vins offers breathtaking views and winery visits.
- Cap Corse: Scenic coastal drive with numerous wineries
- Patrimonio: Walking trails through picturesque vineyards
- Désert des Agriates: Hiking paths with views of distant vineyards
Itineraries
Plan your Northern Corsican wine adventure with these suggested routes. Combine winery visits with cultural experiences.
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Explore Patrimonio wineries and visit Saint-Florent
- Day 2: Drive through Cap Corse, stopping at coastal vineyards
- Day 3: Discover Calvi’s wine scene and relax on the beach
Week-Long Exploration
- Days 1-2: Immerse in Patrimonio’s wine culture
- Days 3-4: Tour Cap Corse’s wineries and villages
- Days 5-6: Explore Balagne region’s wines and olive groves
- Day 7: Relax in Calvi, enjoying local wines and cuisine
Getting There & Around
Northern Corsica is accessible by air and sea. Bastia Poretta Airport serves as the main gateway for international travelers.
- Ferries: Regular services from mainland France and Italy
- Car rental: Recommended for exploring vineyards and coastal areas
- Public transport: Limited but available between major towns
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Northern Corsica for wine enthusiasts is during the grape harvest season in September and October.
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds
- Summer (June-August): Peak season, lively atmosphere
- Fall (September-October): Harvest festivities, pleasant temperatures
Sustainability Efforts
Northern Corsican wineries are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices. Many producers focus on organic and biodynamic viticulture.
- Domaine Orsini: Pioneers in organic wine production
- Clos Culombu: Implements biodynamic farming techniques
- Domaine Leccia: Uses solar energy in wine production
Language Tips
While French is the official language, Corsican is widely spoken. Learning a few wine-related phrases can enhance your experience.
- “Salute!” – Cheers!
- “U vinu” – Wine
- “A cantina” – Winery
Further Resources
Expand your knowledge of Northern Corsican wines with these valuable resources:
- Vins de Corse: Official website for Corsican wines
- “Corsica: The Wines of a Mountain in the Sea” by Tom Stevenson
- Visit Corsica: Comprehensive travel guide
