Wine Holidays Derthona

Derthona is the ancient name for Tortona, a charming hill town in southeastern Piedmont that today lends its name to one of Italy’s most exciting white wine renaissances. Set among the rolling Colli Tortonesi hills, this wine region is defined by quiet villages, historic vineyards, and a deep connection to the land. Derthona captures the soul of a place where time seems to slow down, and wine becomes a reflection of both nature and heritage.

Travelers to Derthona are welcomed by tranquil hills lined with terraced vineyards and family-run wineries. Tastings often take place in centuries-old cellars, where visitors can discover how local winemakers have revived and elevated the Timorasso grape. Touring these estates offers an intimate connection to the territory, with each glass telling a story of limestone-rich soils, traditional techniques, and passionate craftsmanship.

The cuisine of the Colli Tortonesi is both refined and rustic, making it an ideal match for Derthona’s structured white wines. Local menus highlight dishes such as tajarin with truffles, risotto with mountain herbs, and goat cheese aged in the hills. The rich texture and vibrant acidity of Timorasso pair beautifully with this cuisine, allowing for deeply satisfying and balanced dining experiences.

Derthona wines are made exclusively from Timorasso, a native white grape that thrives in the limestone and clay soils of these hills. Once nearly forgotten, Timorasso is now prized for its full body, vibrant acidity, and age-worthy complexity. Typical flavors include pear, acacia honey, citrus, and a distinct mineral finish. The wines are often fermented and aged with care, resulting in bottles that evolve beautifully over time.

Each season reveals a new side of Derthona. Spring is alive with green vines and the freshness of new vintages. Summer offers warm days perfect for tastings in shaded courtyards overlooking the valley. Autumn is harvest season, when the hills are ablaze with color and activity. In winter, the region turns peaceful, ideal for slow travel, quiet tastings, and sampling aged Timorasso by a crackling fire.

Start your visit in Tortona, then follow winding roads through the Colli Tortonesi to explore wineries set among chestnut woods and vineyard slopes. Stop for a leisurely lunch in a country trattoria, then continue to nearby villages like Monleale or Avolasca for scenic views and small-scale cellars. The relaxed pace of the region invites long conversations, lingering tastings, and the kind of travel that leaves lasting impressions.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Derthona:

• Cascina Giambolino
• Il vino e le Rose
• Vigneti Repetto

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Derthona:

• Authentic Farm and Wine Experience at Cascina Giambolino
• Winery tour & Natural Wine Tasting at Il Vino e Le Rose
• Territory Wine Tasting at Vigneti Repetto