UMBRIA TOP WINE DESTINATION OF THE SPRING, BETWEEN VISITS, TASTINGS AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

Umbria reveals picturesque landscapes to visitors, historic cities such as Assisi and Perugia, hills, valleys and medieval villages. But between guided visits to the cellars, tastings, food-wine pairings, Umbria in spring becomes an ideal destination for lovers of wine tourism , given that numerous wineries are ready to welcome enthusiasts of the combination of beauty and taste. The region is home to vineyards that produce a variety of fine wines, including the famous Sagrantino di Montefalco and Grechetto. Visitors interested in wine tourism in Umbria can enjoy guided winery tours to learn about the wine production process, participate in guided tastings to sample local wines, and discover the region's winemaking traditions. Among the member wineries of Movimento Turismo del Vino dell'Umbria , which works every day to promote the culture of wine and visits to the places of production, here are four original proposals that contribute to making Umbria a TOP Wine Destination .

An area of twelve hectares of vines and the resulting small production allow the Dionigi winery in Montefalco to take care and control of the entire production chain. Wine tourists can take a guided tour of the company and taste four or more wines: the tour can be organized both in the morning and in the afternoon and lasts about an hour and a half. After the visit, guests are accompanied to the Show room with a panoramic window that opens onto the cities of Assisi and Spello or inside the cellar or on the outdoor terrace, where the tasting of four wines will take place accompanied by local cured meats, pecorino cheese and bruschetta with the company's organic extra virgin olive oil. The Dionigi winery produces 16 labels, so if you are interested in tasting more wines, you can do so by paying a supplement. For those who wish to stop, at the end of the tasting it is possible to book at the Bed&Wine 1.5km from the company. The winery also offers the possibility of taking a hot air balloon ride, to admire the Assisi Valley from above.

A moment of reflection and otium, understood as tranquility of the soul, a time to spend in silence, in the purity of nature, in the peace and pleasure of food and friendship: this is how the tasting proposals from Tenuta Vitalonga are intended , a border land, which still holds the mystery of a mysterious civilization linked to the history of wine like the Etruscan one. Located in Ficulle, in the province of Terni, the estate offers multiple solutions for wine tourists: in addition to the usual guided tour of the vineyard and cellars, it is possible to taste the wines paired with seasonal dishes of the local tradition, based on truffles or inspired to the Etruscan translation, but also take a walk with a visit to the caves of Etruscan origin, the ancient vineyard with married vines, an Etruscan cultivation practice, the vegetable garden and the orchard which contains a collection of fruit plants at risk of spreading. And for those who want to stop, the "Vigneria", the ancient farmhouse of Vitalonga, is located on the highest hill of the estate, immersed in a characteristic grove of oaks and holm oaks surrounded by vineyards.

The Carini agricultural company, a 140-hectare complex managed with organic farming methods, is characterized by farmhouses typical of Umbrian peasant architecture and two small lakes. It is located between the slopes of Monte Tezio and the plain of Lake Trasimeno, an area traditionally recognized as particularly suitable for the cultivation of vines and olive trees. From the picnic to the Big Bench, the giant colored bench from which you can admire a vast panorama of the Rio Caina valley, to the truffle hunt (from the last Sunday of May onwards), up to the cooking class with the preparation of the testo cake and details activities reserved for children: there are many experiences on offer, in addition to tastings of their wines (paired, for example, with Cinta Senese cured meats, pecorino cheeses, typical Umbrian bread and organic “Colle delle Macine” extra virgin olive oil) and to visit the wonderful vineyards of Sangiovese, Gamay del Trasimeno, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Grechetto. The Castello di Corbara winery, 1000 hectares located between Orvieto and Todi, has been supporting and promoting the territory for years with constant commitment and passion, firmly believing in traditions and intertwining them with innovations, looking towards increasingly sustainable and impact-neutral agriculture. The company falls within the oldest area envisaged by the Orvieto DOC and can therefore boast the specific "Orvieto Classico". With the same passion, the winery takes care of welcoming visitors and wine enthusiasts, to share and transmit its values and offer a unique experience.

Guided tours of the cellar, the barrel cellar and the historic vineyards are organised. The tour is free and it is possible to combine it with one of the following tasting options: two, three, four wines of your choice, paired with pizza, cured meats and local cheeses. Furthermore, it is possible to have lunch at the Il Caio farmhouse and book the "Truffle Dinner", not without the expert truffle growers and their dogs.

Many other food and wine itineraries organized by Umbrian wineries can be consulted on the social channels of the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement. Furthermore, this month the appointment with Cantine Aperte is renewed - 25 and 26 May - whose reservations will be available online from this year on the new portal amministrazione.mtvumbria.it . Umbria Wine Tourism Movement The Umbria Wine Tourism Movement (www.mtvumbria.it) is one of the regional branches of the Wine Tourism Movement, a non-profit association that includes over 1,000 of the best Italian wineries and distilleries. The Umbria Wine Tourism Movement, founded in 1993, has the objective of increasing the regional wine tourism sector through a spirit of innovation and quality of hospitality, according to a lifestyle that tends to place the guest at the center of attention . It enhances the associated companies and their productions, guarantees the protection of the environment and is committed to raising awareness of conscious drinking, with numerous initiatives aimed especially at young people. Innovative and quality hospitality, environmental protection and awareness towards conscious drinking: the philosophy of the Movement, now chaired by Giovanni Dubini, is understood and shared by the over 60 member companies, who act together to promote the events and initiatives announced by the National Association.