Italy is a wine destination that all hedonists dream of. In addition to unique and authentic food, abundance of excellent wines, you will come across at every step monumental historical sites and picturesque towns, traditional Italian hospitality and friendliness that turn every trip to this country into an adventure.

For travelers who yearn for a lavish wine experience and superb gastronomy, some destinations stand out though. We have selected a few must-visit destinations in Italy for genuine hedonists.

Valdobbiadene, Veneto

The hills of Valdobbiadene are the "sparkling heart" of Italy, the place where the best Prosecco wines are produced within Valdobbiadene DOCG appellation. This hilly terroir gives wines of extraordinary quality, and its beauty takes your breath away: rows of vines on the steep slopes of the surrounding hills seem to be a perfect setting for Instagram photos. The wineries are, of course, open for visits, and this region is within easy reach from our country, no matter whether you opt for a visit to Venice or you just want to enjoy local wines and gastronomy.

Barbaresco, Piedmont

The charming town of Barbaresco in northern Italy is home to the wine of the same name, somewhat less known than the one from Barolo appellation, but certainly an extremely important ambassador of Italy in the wine world. Medieval, picturesque town is adorned with the 11th-century tower and rows of ancient stone houses. All around, Piedmontese landscape deserves a closer look.Don't miss an opportunity to taste tajarin pasta (in the local dialect, taglierini pasta) with butter and truffle sauce.

Bolgheri, Tuscany

Terracotta, cypresses and the Renaissance flair: the village of Bolgheri is as Tuscan as possible. If you feel tired from Florence and want to take a trip to Tuscan vineyards, but you have just enough time to explore a single village, then Bolgheri is the best choice. This village features extraordinary restaurants and wine shops, and it is home to now legendary wine Bolgheri Sassicaia, an extremely important super-Tuscan blend, the only wine in Italy that has its own DOC appellation.

Amalfi, Campania

Amalfi coastline offers a blend of mundane and wine experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime. The mythical beauty of this coast has attracted powerful and famous people throughout history - from Roman emperors to today's Hollywood megastars. Wine lovers will enjoy touring the wine regions of Ravello, Furore and Tramonti, followed by a sumptuous lunch or dinner in the vineyards in the small village of Vietri Sul Mare, with an unforgettable view of the Gulf of Salerno.

Salento, Puglia

If you want to experience "domestic tourism" in Italy, that is, to visit an area that Italians themselves are happy to choose as their vacation spot, there may be no better choice than Salento, the "heel" of Italian boot. This arid peninsula is characterized by magnificent beaches, excellent restaurants and nightlife, and a rich selection of wines: regulations on controlled geographical origin allow for as many as fifty grape varieties. Still, local trump cards are aromatic and rustic red wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Palermo, Sicily

The capital of Sicily and a town where you can experience the Mediterranean at its best. It is also located near the most famous vineyards of this wonderful island. If you seek more than just tasting wines in excellent local restaurants and wine bars, you can head to the wineries of Vittoria region and taste the local wine called Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, produced in the only DOCG appellation on the island. Mount Etna is a special story - the spectacular volcano is also one of the most vibrant wine regions in Europe.

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This article is a part of the promotional online campaign about Italian wines, within the 5th Week of Italian Cuisine in Serbia, organized by the Italian Foreign Trade Agency ICE / ITA, in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy.

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