wine tasting in Italy

So g ood to be back in Siracusa, especially Ortigia. More images on Facebook, here are few from our 3nights in Ortigia.

Chianti Rufina is one of the smallest and most distinctive wine areas within the broader Chianti DOCG. It has the grace of Tuscany, the history of old estates, and the bright, savoury character of Sangiovese shaped by altitude and cool evening air.

Luxury wine and food travel is about more than just tasting; it’s about immersion. When you visit vineyards and local eateries, you gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle and dish.

Some say there are over 500 grape varieties in Italy. I have heard there are 750. If you have thoughts on this, let me know. Here are ten lesser-known varieties that are making a comeback.

Why it matters A true local specialty: Rooted in the Colli Bolognesi hills near Bologna, with a strong regional identity. The grape behind the name: Made from the Pignoletto grape, widely identified today with Grechetto Gentile. Many styles, one signature freshness: Found as fermo (still), frizzante, and spumante, typically showing citrus, pear/apple, white flowers, and sometimes a hint of almond/herbs. A wine with deep roots: Grown for centuries in the Bolognese countrysid

Valpolicella is a renowned red wine region in Veneto, northern Italy, near Verona and Lake Garda, known for producing diverse styles from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes.