Oltrepò Pavese Wine Travel Guide (Lombardy, Italy)

Discover Oltrepò Pavese: Lombardy's Hidden Wine Gem Nestled in southern Lombardy, Oltrepò Pavese is a picturesque wine region often overshadowed by its more famous Italian counterparts. This area, known as the "Tuscany of the North," offers a blend of rolling hills, historic towns, and exceptional wines. Towns and Villages The charming town of Varzi serves as a gateway to the region, known for its medieval architecture and local salami. Stradella, the area's unofficial capital, boasts a rich musical heritage and serves as a hub for wine tourism. Voghera: Largest town, home to the iconic clock tower Fortunago: One of Italy's most beautiful villages Zavattarello: Medieval castle with panoramic views Wine Producers Oltrepò Pavese is home to numerous family-run wineries and larger cooperatives. Some notable producers include: Travaglino: Historic estate known for sparkling wines Cantina di Casteggio: Large cooperative producing a wide range of wines Tenuta Mazzolino: Boutique winery specializing in Pinot Nero Ca' di Frara: Organic winery with a focus on traditional methods Many wineries offer tours and tastings, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. Accommodations Oltrepò Pavese offers a range of accommodation options, from charming agriturismos to luxury wine resorts. Castello di Stefanago: Organic winery with on-site rooms Agriturismo La Rocca: Family-run farm stay with stu

ing views Hotel Ristorante Selvatico: Comfortable hotel in Rivanazzano Terme For a unique experience, consider staying at a working winery to immerse yourself in the local wine culture. Dining The region's cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines, offering hearty dishes and local specialties. Ristorante Prato Gaio (Montecalvo Versiggia): Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing local ingredients Locanda Vecchia Varzi (Varzi): Traditional dishes in a cozy setting Hosteria La Cave Cantù (Casteggio): Wine bar with an extensive local wine list Don't miss trying the local salame di Varzi DOP and risotto alla vogherese, paired with a glass of Oltrepò Pavese wine. Wine Shops & Bars Oltrepò Pavese offers a variety of wine shops and bars for tasting local wines. Here are some top recommendations: Enoteca Regionale Oltrepò Pavese (Broni): Official wine shop showcasing the region's best wines Vineria Porrati (Stradella): Charming wine bar with an extensive selection of local wines La Cantinetta (Voghera): Cozy wine shop offering tastings and local products Many wineries also have on-site shops where you can purchase wines directly. Remember to ask about shipping options if you're traveling internationally. Other Shops While wine is the main attraction, Oltrepò Pavese offers other shopping experiences: Salumeria Mazzocchi (Varzi): Famous for its DOP Salame di Varzi Mercato di Voghera: Weekly market for local produce and crafts Bottega del Monastero di Santa Maria (Casteggio): Monastery shop selling homemade jams and liqueurs Look for locally-made cheeses, honey, and truffle products as souvenirs. Attractions Beyond wine, Oltrepò Pavese offers cultural and natural attractions: Castello di Oramala: 11th-century castle with sweeping views Terme di Salice: Historic thermal baths for relaxation Parco Naturale del Monte Alpe: Nature reserve perfect for hiking and birdwatching Consider visiting the Museum of Natural History in Voghera to learn about the region's flora and fauna. Events Oltrepò Pavese hosts several wine-related events throughout the year: Oltrevini (May): Wine festival in Stradella showcasing local producers Festa del Salame di Varzi (July): Celebration of the famous Varzi salami Vendemmia in Piazza (September): Harvest festival in various towns Check local event calendars for smaller, village-specific wine celebrations during your visit. Appellations Understanding Oltrepò Pavese's wine appellations helps in appreciating its diverse wines: Oltrepò Pavese DOC: Covers red, white, and sparkling wines Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG: High-quality sparkling wines Bonarda dell'Oltrepò Pavese DOC: Light, fruity red wine Look for these designations on wine labels to ensure you're tasting authentic local wines. Grape Varieties Oltrepò Pavese is known for its diverse grape varieties. Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) is the star, used for both still and sparkling wines. Other important varieties include: Croatina - locally known as Bonarda Barbera Riesling Italico Moscato Uva Rara Main Wine Styles Oltrepò Pavese produces a range of wine styles. Metodo Classico sparkling wines, made primarily from Pinot Nero, are highly regarded. Other notable styles include: Still red wines from Croatina and Barbera Aromatic white wines from Riesling and Moscato Rosé wines, often made from Pinot Nero Food Specialties The local cuisine pairs perfectly with Oltrepò Pavese wines. Risotto alla Certosina, made with crayfish and local herbs, is a regional favorite. Other specialties include: Salame di Varzi DOP - a prized cured meat Tortelli di zucca - pumpkin-filled pasta Mostarda di Voghera - candied fruit in mustard syrup Drives & Walks Explore the picturesque Oltrepò Pavese landscape. The Strada del Vino e dei Sapori dell'Oltrepò Pavese is a scenic wine route co

ecting various wineries and villages. For hiking enthusiasts, the Greenway Voghera-Varzi offers beautiful trails through vineyards and forests. Itineraries Weekend Wine Tour Day 1: Visit Casteggio for wine tasting, explore Varzi's medieval center. Day 2: Tour wineries in Santa Maria della Versa, enjoy a vineyard picnic. Culinary Adventure Day 1: Salami tasting in Varzi, di

er at a traditional osteria in Stradella. Day 2: Cooking class in Voghera, wine pairing di

er in Broni. Getting There & Around The closest major airport is Milan Linate (LIN), about 70 km from Oltrep� Pavese. Rent a car for easy access to wineries and rural areas. Public transportation options: Trains co

ect Pavia to major cities like Milan and Genoa Local buses serve smaller towns and villages Best Time to Visit September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the grape harvest. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather and blooming landscapes. Events to consider: Festa del Moscato di Volpara (July) Varzi Cheese Festival (August) Sustainability Efforts Many Oltrep� Pavese wineries are adopting eco-friendly practices. Organic and biodynamic viticulture is on the rise. Sustainable initiatives include: Solar-powered wineries Water conservation techniques Biodiversity preservation in vineyards Language Tips While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases enhances your experience. Wine-related terms are particularly useful. Key phrases: "Posso assaggiare questo vino?" (Can I taste this wine?) "Qual � il vitigno principale?" (What's the main grape variety?) Further Resources For in-depth information on Oltrep� Pavese wines and tourism, consult these resources: Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrep� Pavese - Official wine consortium website Strada del Vino e dei Sapori dell'Oltrep� Pavese - Wine and food route information "Wines of Lombardy" by Burton Anderson - Comprehensive guide to regional wines