Umbria: Italy’s Green Heart of Wine
Umbria, nestled in central Italy, offers a captivating blend of rolling hills, medieval towns, and exceptional wines. This lesser-known region provides an authentic Italian experience away from tourist crowds.
Wine Regions
Towns and Villages
Orvieto stands out with its striking hilltop location and renowned white wines. Don’t miss the magnificent Duomo and underground cave network.
Montefalco, known as the “Balcony of Umbria,” is home to the powerful Sagrantino wine. Explore its charming piazza and panoramic views.
Torgiano houses the fascinating Wine Museum (Museo del Vino) and offers excellent wine tasting opportunities.
Wine Producers
- Arnaldo Caprai: A pioneer in Sagrantino production, offering guided tours and tastings.
- Lungarotti: Family-run winery in Torgiano with a rich history and diverse wine portfolio.
- Decugnano dei Barbi: Produces exceptional Orvieto wines with stunning vineyard views.
Book tours in advance, especially during peak season. Many wineries offer olive oil tastings alongside wine experiences.
Accommodations
Agriturismo options provide an immersive wine country experience. Consider Borgo della Marmotta in Spoleto or Le Tre Vaselle in Torgiano.
For luxury, the Castello di Reschio near Perugia offers an exquisite stay amidst vineyards and olive groves.
Budget-conscious travelers can find charming B&Bs in Orvieto or Assisi, providing easy access to wine regions.
Dining
Ristorante Redibis in Bevagna serves traditional Umbrian cuisine with an extensive local wine list.
Try Osteria a Priori in Perugia for authentic flavors and wine pairings in a cozy atmosphere.
For a Michelin-starred experience, book a table at Ristorante Vespasia in Norcia, showcasing Umbrian ingredients and wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Enoteca Properzio in Spello offers an extensive selection of Umbrian wines and guided tastings.
Visit Enoteca Giampiero Bea in Montefalco for rare and natural wines from the region.
Bottega del Vino in Orvieto provides a cozy atmosphere to sample local wines by the glass.
Other Shops
Purchase traditional Umbrian linens at Tessuti Umbri Antico Opificio in Città di Castello.
Find artisanal ceramics at Ceramiche Biagioli in Deruta, known for its colorful majolica.
Shop for truffles and local specialties at Norcia Food in Norcia, famous for its cured meats.
Attractions
Explore the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning frescoes.
Visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria in Perugia for a impressive collection of Umbrian art.
Discover the ancient Etruscan well (Pozzo Etrusco) in Perugia, a marvel of ancient engineering.
Events
Attend Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars) in May, when wineries across Umbria welcome visitors for tastings.
Experience the Umbria Jazz Festival in July, featuring world-class performances in Perugia’s historic center.
Join the Eurochocolate Festival in October, celebrating Perugia’s chocolate-making tradition.
Appellations
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG: Produces powerful red wines from the native Sagrantino grape.
Orvieto DOC: Known for crisp white wines made primarily from Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG: Crafts age-worthy red wines based on Sangiovese.
Grape Varieties
Umbria’s wine scene is dominated by indigenous and international grape varieties. Sangiovese and Sagrantino are the region’s star red grapes.
- Reds: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Whites: Trebbiano, Grechetto, Verdelho, Chardonnay
Main Wine Styles
Umbria produces a range of wine styles, from light whites to bold reds. The region is particularly known for its Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerful, tannic red wine.
- Dry whites: Orvieto, Grechetto di Todi
- Full-bodied reds: Sagrantino di Montefalco, Torgiano Rosso Riserva
- Dessert wines: Muffato della Sala
Food Specialties
Umbrian cuisine is rustic and hearty, perfectly complementing the region’s wines. Local specialties include:
- Norcia ham and other cured meats
- Truffles from Norcia and Spoleto
- Lentils from Castelluccio
- Pecorino cheese from Norcia
- Strangozzi pasta with black truffles
Drives & Walks
Explore Umbria’s picturesque landscapes and charming hill towns through scenic drives and walks. Some recommended routes include:
- Montefalco Wine Road: A 15-km route through vineyards and olive groves
- Trasimeno Ring: A 160-km drive around Lake Trasimeno
- St. Francis Way: A pilgrimage route from Assisi to Gubbio
Itineraries
Plan your Umbrian wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Explore Orvieto and its white wines
- Day 2: Visit Montefalco and taste Sagrantino
- Day 3: Discover Torgiano and the Wine Museum
Week-long Umbrian Experience
- Days 1-2: Perugia and surroundings
- Days 3-4: Assisi and Spello
- Days 5-6: Montefalco and Bevagna wine tour
- Day 7: Orvieto and departure
Getting There & Around
Umbria’s main airport is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, with connections to several European cities. Alternatively, fly into Rome or Florence and drive to Umbria.
- By car: Rent a vehicle for flexibility in exploring vineyards and hill towns
- By train: Reach major towns like Perugia, Assisi, and Orvieto via Italy’s rail network
- By bus: Local buses connect smaller towns and villages
Best Time to Visit
Umbria’s wine regions are beautiful year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences:
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming countryside, fewer tourists
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, truffle hunting
- Summer (June-August): Warm weather, outdoor events, busier with tourists
- Winter (November-March): Quieter, cozy wine tastings, holiday markets
Sustainability Efforts
Umbrian winemakers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices:
- Organic viticulture: Many vineyards eschew synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems and rainwater collection
- Biodiversity: Planting cover crops and maintaining natural habitats
- Energy efficiency: Solar panels and geothermal systems in wineries
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian wine terms can enhance your experience:
- Vino rosso/bianco: Red/white wine
- Cantina: Winery or wine cellar
- Degustazione: Wine tasting
- Salute: Cheers!
Further Resources
Deepen your knowledge of Umbrian wines and plan your trip with these resources:
