Discovering Umbria’s Sagrantino Wine Road
A drive on Umbria’s Sagrantino Wine Road is a wonderful addition to a Central Italian itinerary for travelers exploring by car. Umbria is renowned for blending stunning countryside vistas with a rich local culinary and wine experience. Often referred to as the green heart of Italy, the Umbrian landscape provides enchanting views and soothing drives. This picturesque route allows for an unforgettable day trip from towns like Perugia or Todi, offering travelers a blend of medieval towns and local wineries to explore at their leisure.
Sagrantino is a remarkable varietal unique to this region, celebrated for its complex flavor profile and traditional production methods. Alongside Sagrantino, visitors will discover other noteworthy Central Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Grechetto commonly produced in this area.
Exploring Umbria’s Sagrantino Wine Road
Medieval Towns and Castles on Umbria’s Sagrantino Wine Road
The following towns and castles are conveniently positioned along the SS316 road in Montefalco Province, providing easy access to various attractions:
- Montefalco – This charming hill town, surrounded by 14th-century walls, is often referred to as the balcony of Umbria due to its breathtaking views of neighboring towns such as Spoleto, Trevi, Spello, and Assisi. The Saint Francis Museum, located in a former 14th-century church, houses captivating frescoes and art exhibits.
- Bevagna – Known for its Romanesque churches and the remains of medieval architecture, this quaint town also features ancient Roman ruins.
- Castel Ritaldi – Visitors can explore this 13th-century castle, which includes a 14th-century church with a beautiful portal dating back to the 15th century.
- Gualdo Cattaneo – Offering several castles to visit, including La Rocca, a unique triangular fortress known for its intricate networks of underground passages.
Wineries and Wine Tours
For those seeking an organized experience, the well-regarded Gusto Wine Tours provides guided tours to several small, family-run wineries. Guests have the opportunity to meet the winemakers personally and learn about the fascinating process behind Sagrantino wines. This is a fantastic option if you prefer to enjoy wine tastings without worrying about driving.
For independent exploration, Arnaldo Caprai stands out as a large-scale modern winery committed to local grape varieties. Positioned conveniently between Bevagna and Montefalco, this winery offers educational tours of its research vineyards, production facilities, and barrel aging process, culminating in a guided tasting session featuring Sagrantino, Sangiovese, red blends, and Grechetto wines. While walk-in tastings are available for a small fee of €5, vineyard and winery tours, inclusive of wine and olive oil tastings, require advance booking through their website.
