Cinque Terre, or the “Five Lands”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Situated in the northwest region of Liguria, this string of five picturesque villages along the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera is a must-see for any traveler to Italy.
While all of the villages in Cinque Terre are worth a visit, here are five of the best wineries to check out on your trip:
- Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre
This cooperative winery was founded in 1938 by a group of local wine growers and currently has over 300 members. Cantina Sociale Cinque Terre produces a wide variety of wines, including white, red, and rosé, all made from grapes grown in the Cinque Terre vineyards. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a wine tasting.
- Enoteca Internazionale
This family-run winery is located in the village of Monterosso al Mare and specializes in producing top-quality white wines. The Enoteca Cinque Terre tasting room is located in an historic building in the heart of the village, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while sampling the wines.
- Cantina Cheo
Located in the village of Vernazza, Cantina Cheo is a small, family-owned winery that produces a limited number of high-quality wines. The vineyards of Cantina Cheo are some of the steepest in Cinque Terre, and the wines produced here are some of the most acclaimed in the region. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.
- La polenza
This small, family-run winery is located in the village of Corniglia and specializes in producing white wines. The La Cantina dei Ciliegi vineyards are located on a terrace high above the village, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.
- Terra di Bargòn
Located in the village of Manarola, Terra di Bargòn is a family-run winery that specializes in producing red wines. The vineyards of Terra di Bargòn are located on a steep slope overlooking the town, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of the wines.
What is the typical wine there?
Sciacchetrà is a dessert wine from the Italian region of Liguria. It is made from the grape variety Moscato Bianco and is typically very sweet and high in alcohol. The wine is often served as an aperitif or after a meal, and is also used in the preparation of some traditional Ligurian desserts.
Sciacchetrà is made using the passito method, whereby the grapes are dried on mats or racks for several weeks before being pressed. This concentrates the sugars in the grapes and results in a wine with a high level of sweetness. The fermentation process is then halted early, leaving residual sugar in the wine. Sciacchetrà typically has an alcohol content of around 15%.
The wine is usually golden in color, with a rich, honeyed flavor and aromas of apricot, peach and citrus. It is often served chilled and pairs well with desserts that are not too sweet.