Wine Holidays in Abruzzo

Wine tasting weekends in Abruzzo: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo country

The 4 wine holidays on this page are in two parts of Abruzzo: the Tirino valley inland, among the region's national parks, and the hills near Chieti, a short drive from the Adriatic. Three last one night; the fourth is a three-day bike trip with two nights.

Where can you stay at a winery in Abruzzo?

• San Calisto, the rooms of the Valle Reale winery at Bussi sul Tirino: a night in one of the rooms named after its vineyards or in the suite, a tour of the vineyard and the winery, a tasting of 4 wines with local products and a sweet and savoury breakfast.
• Villa della Rosa, at Villamagna near Chieti: a guided tour of the winery and vineyards, a five-course lunch or dinner with a truffle dish from the estate's own truffle ground, a tasting of 4 wines and a night in the Wine Room.
• Bike & Wine weekend in Abruzzo, from Miglianico: 3 days and 2 nights cycling through the hills near Chieti, with 2 dinners, a tasting and travel assistance. Bikes are rented separately.

Is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo the same as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?

No. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape, grown across Abruzzo. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a Tuscan red named after the town of Montepulciano and made mainly from Sangiovese. Abruzzo also makes the white Trebbiano d'Abruzzo and a deep-coloured rosé, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo.

When is the best time to go?

From May to October, when the mountains and the sea are both within reach; the harvest runs in September and October. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons for the bike weekend, as the days are cooler. Pescara is the nearest airport, and you need a car to reach the estates.