Wine tourism in Italy is constantly growing, which makes this sector one of the Top activities in Italy.
The possibility of being outdoors, visiting wineries and vineyards, tasting local products, meets the preferences not only of Wine Lovers but of any type of traveler.
In this article, particular attention will be paid to a niche sector now in continuous expansion, organic vineyards and wines in Italy and the connections with tourism in the regions of greatest production.
What do you know about organic wine?
A wine is defined as organic when it comes from grapes grown without the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyards, without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, while in the cellar the vinification takes place using only traditional and authorized oenological products and processes.
The attention paid to organic agriculture and organic wine is constantly increasing, a trend that has been consolidated for more than 10 years, moreover possible thanks also to the greater sensitivity of consumers towards ecological and genuine products.
Italy is one of the leading nations in Europe and in the world in the organic wine sector, testified by the continuous growth of vineyards cultivated with respect for the environment.
Casale Marittimo, Vineyards,Countryside, Maremma,Tuscany
Organic Wine in numbers
The success of the Italian organic wine is further evidenced by the appreciation of consumers and by the numbers that indicate an increase in sales of 72% for red wine and + 151% for organic white wine.
This strong success due to the attention that consumers reserve for this type of wine recognizing values and quality, respect for the environment as well as the authenticity of the product.
Organic wine meets the favor of Italian and foreign consumers, particularly interesting are the export numbers which already represent 38% of wines exported to Germany, 12% of those in the USA and 10% in Canada and Switzerland.
Red Grapes, Italy Vineyards
Wine Tourism in Italy a winning sinergy
Wine Tourism in Tuscany
Tuscany was perhaps the Italian region forerunner of this type of tourism. Today, after many years, Wine Tourism in Italy it is a definitely a winning model that combines the excellence of the territory, respect for the environment and knowledge of local traditions is a touristic products exported to the major Italian regions and around the world.
Together with Sicily, Puglia and Veneto, Tuscany is one of the leading regions with the largest organic vineyard area, the land occupied by organic vineyards has doubled in the last five years, reaching 12% of the Italian national production.
It is therefore no longer a dream, to realize a food and wine holiday in the Chianti Hills by visiting organic Chianti Classico vineyards, tasting the wine produced here accompanied with stays in farms and rural houses in typical Tuscan style.
In conclusion, Wine Tourism in Tuscany is a way in which to combine the pleasures of wine and of the typical Tuscan culinary tradition with its stunning panoramic views and small medieval towns atmosphere.
Picturesque Tuscany Vineyards and Castello Banfi
Wine Tourism in Veneto Region
Of particular interest for the size of the land with organic vineyards is certainly Valpolicella, the picturesque hilly region between Lake Garda, the first Veronese and Trentine pre-Alps, where the renowned Amarone DOCG is produced, and other organic red wines.
This regions is widely appreciated by wine and nature lovers, who want to spend a few days relaxing in the romantic city of Verona,living the worldliness of the Lake, tasting local organic wines and visiting agricultural farms where cold cuts and cheese are still produced according to ancient traditions.
Continuing our journey in search of organic vineyards and tourist opportunities at short distance from Verona and Valpolicella we find the Unesco Prosecco hills, for all wine lovers a private tour among wineries, taverns and producers of the famous Italian bubbles is something not to be missed.
Local producers in these rolling hills just over 1 hour from Venice, recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, have considerably increased the surface area of organic vineyard land in recent years, producing in good quantities an excellent Prosecco organic DOC appreciated in Italy and abroad.
Organic Vineyards in Valpolicella, Veneto,Italy
Wine Tourism in Southern Italy
Going towards Southern Italy, we must undoubtedly mention the organic vineyards of the famous Primitivo di Manduria grape.
The particular climatic conditions of Salento, the constant solar irradiation throughout the year,the ventilation and most importantly the absence of rains in summer they particularly favor organic farming without having to resort to the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic products.
The organic wine that is produced in this region also thanks to the withering technique on the vine, has a strong character, with fruity notes without being excessively sweet.
Visits to vineyards, Primitivo wine tastings and culinary experiences in Salento, a land with a rich gastronomy that combines land and sea dishes, are available in many food and wine tours with stays in Salento farms here called Masserie.
Sicilian Vineyards with Etna Volcano at Background
Another Italian region, with extensive cultivation of organic vineyards and with favorable climatic characteristics similar to those found in Salento is Sicily.
The large Sicilian island, the land where the first wine in history was found in a Greek artifact, is a place of production of many wines appreciated by connoisseurs and simple consumers all over the world.
There is also a wide range of organic wines ranging from from the red Nero d 'Avola, to the wines of Etna and the white liqueur wines such as Marsala.
Almost all tours and tourist packages include at least one wine tasting in Sicily and cellar visit at outstanding locations to offer the opportunity to learn the history and taste the flavor of these ancient wines all with a robust and decisive character.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wine tourism in Italy will continue to grow in the coming years, becoming a consolidated tourist trend. Consequently, the offer of tours and food and wine experiences around Italia will increase, for every type of tourist, wine lovers and not only.
Consequently, the production and export of Italian wine throughout the world will increase too, bringing benefits to local producers and overseas consumers. Wine and Tourism is definitely a win-to win sinergy!
