From the hilltop towns of Tuscany to the UNESCO protected hills of Valdobbiadene, Italy provides the most amazing scenery and a vast range of wine styles. 

Visiting cellar doors in Italy is generally by appointment only, partly to ensure an English speaking person (if required!) is available but mainly because they want to ensure it is a rewarding experience.  They are very proud of their heritage and methods and we generally found that the owner/winemaker or one of their staff will want to share as much as possible with you by taking you on a tour of their winery and vineyards and walking you through their wines and processes.  While our journey was limited to Northern Italy, we thoroughly enjoyed our visits in all of it's regions.

One other thing to remember when planning your visits in Italy is that most places close for a couple of hours in the afternoon for "siesta".  Times differ slightly, but generally between 2-4pm in the afternoon many cellar doors will close, but as a result are often open later into the evening.

Tuscany

Conegliano-Valdobbiadene

Soave

Valpolicella

Piedmont