From Sagrantino di Montefalco, up to Torgiano and Orvietano, the Umbrian vineyards extend across unique landscapes, among hills, valleys and medieval villages. Among the wineries associated with Movimento Turismo del Vino dell'Umbria , which works every day to promote wine culture and visits to places of production, here are five top wine destinations for which it is still possible to book.
On the occasion of Easter Arnaldo Caprai will open the doors of his cellar. After a glass of Grechetto grecante served in the Monte della Torre square, the guided tour of the cellar will begin to discover the winemaking processes, subsequently in the rooms of the Monte della Torre Enoteca it will be possible to taste the most representative labels combined with the typical products of the Easter tradition. Arnaldo Caprai, symbol of Sagrantino di Montefalco, is synonymous with Italian excellence, capable of creating wines out of the ordinary in terms of depth, elegance and longevity: not only reds, but also whites. The credit for this adventure that began at the end of the Seventies goes to Marco Caprai, Arnaldo's son. In fact, it was he, more than anyone else, who believed in the richness of Sagrantino, reinterpreting it in a modern key, through the most innovative production and business management methods.
Immersed in the valley of the Church of Carmine , the winery of the same name is the place of choice for Spoleto Trebbiano: the proposal is for a lunch at Easter and Easter Monday. All guided product tastings take place at the Vineria del Carmine, the sixteenth-century farmhouse which is also the company's sales point. There you can choose your favorite option and let yourself be guided by the sommeliers to discover the wines and oil or visit the Chiesa del Carmine, the ancient deconsecrated parish church, now a farmhouse and the fulcrum of hospitality work. The Valle della Chiesa del Carmine boasts a long tradition in high-quality viticulture. The new farm includes an ancient terraced olive grove and 5.7 hectares of vineyards grown organically. In the surrounding area it is possible to visit Perugia, or a little further away Gubbio and Montone, a small village on the hill.
Hidden among the green and lush Umbrian hills, in a breathtaking setting, the Montegiove Castle dates back to the 13th century and since 1780 has belonged to the Marquises Misciattelli. Today, it is at the center of the estate of the same name which extends for 1200 hectares in the splendid Umbrian countryside and includes a busy agricultural company and an exclusive agritourism. For Easter Monday, April 1st at 11 am, a visit and tasting is scheduled: a pleasant walk during which it is possible to visit a part of the medieval castle and the cellar dating back to 1500 located in the basement and listen to the fascinating events that have characterized the history of the castle during its glorious past. The visit will end with the tasting of three wines and extra virgin olive oil with a platter of local cheeses and pork butchery.
Assisi, a jewel set among the green valleys, is preparing to dress up to welcome visitors from everywhere. The Saio Winery , a few steps from the Basilica of San Francesco, offers an authentic and engaging food and wine experience. Wine tourists can choose between a walk through the panoramic vineyards and discover Umbria's native vines, as well as savor fresh, fruity white wines and full-bodied, rich red wines during tastings led directly by the producer. Twenty hectares of vineyards and olive groves 800 m from the Basilica of San Francesco, recognized as a UNESCO heritage site: it is here that the Mencarelli family has been producing its wines and extra virgin olive oil since 2005, small productions characterized by craftsmanship and respect of nature.
In Amelia, in Umbria, in a suggestive hilly area dominated by the ancient manor house and the cellar complex, the Zanchi family has been producing exclusive wines with a strong territorial identity for fifty years. The company's land is cultivated with vineyards and olive groves according to the principles of organic farming, with practices with low environmental impact, in full respect of nature and its biodiversity. In collaboration with Slow Food, the Zanchi winery offers a special taste itinerary. Walking through the biodiversity vineyard it will be possible to discover the different recovered vines and the characteristics of the ancient clones of Ciliegiolo and Malvasia di Amelia cultivated, as in the past, together with the centuries-old olive trees of Rajo, a unique variety present only in the Amerino area. After a passage next to the deer grove, you will enter the cellar to learn about natural winemaking and aging practices, here it is also possible to admire the ancient utensils of the small wine museum. At the end, the wine tasting will be a convivial moment, a typical Umbrian country snack among the vineyards. The three organic wines from the Antichi Cloni collection will be accompanied by gastronomic products selected exclusively from the companies of the Transameria Slow Food Travel itinerary. A journey through the truest flavors of Amerino, to share the history and traditions of the area and play with food-wine pairings.
Many other Easter food and wine itineraries and not only organized by Umbrian wineries can be consulted on the social channels of the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement.
Umbria Wine Tourism Movement
The Umbria Wine Tourism Movement (www.mtvumbria.it) is one of the regional offshoots 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.
