A Short History of Wine Making on the Umbria Tuscany Border
The soft rolling hills that undulate like a bellydancers tummy along the Umbria and Tuscany Border, may be piccola in size, but it is big on many other alluring things. Beauty, fertile soil, history, food and dolce vita for example. It was those wiley Etruscans who, noticing most of the above (before creating the rest), settled here many thousands of years BC. They went on to establish a sophisticated culture that included revolutionary agricultural practices. Developing an understanding of irrigation, crop rotation, and soil management, they cultivated the regions fertile lands. They enabled diverse harvests and even terrace farming on the hillsides that prevented soil erosion and maximized arable land. They grew grains, olives, grapes, and legumes. The Etruscans were also skilled in viticulture and olive cultivation, introducing techniques that laid the groundwork for the longstanding wine and olive oil traditions.
These agricultural advancements not only supported their communities but also played a crucial role in establishing the Tuscan border town of Chiusi, as a centre of Etruscan prosperity and cultural influence. The area is known to this day for its scrumptious olive oil, delicious wines, ancient grains, and sexy black truffles.
Somewhat shockingly, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century, that winemaking finally took off. Sig. Giorgio Lungarotti decided to transform his family’s farm into a successful commercial vineyard. Giorgio founded his vineyard with a visionary belief in the region’s untapped potential to produce world-class wines. In Umbria’s unique terroir—rich in mineral soils and bathed in a balanced climate of Mediterranean warmth and cool mountain breezes—he saw the opportunity to cultivate wines that could rival those from Italy’s more famous wine regions. His passion for quality and tradition combined with a commitment to innovation allowed him to build a legacy that put Umbrian wines, especially Torgiano Rosso, on the international map. In 1968, he (and Umbria) earned its first DOC appellation. Today the region boasts two DOCGs and ten DOCs, with 30% of its vineyards are now classified, recognised for its distinctive and elegant wines. While Orvieto’s white wines were once the region’s claim to fame, distinctive reds like Sangiovese and the unique Sagrantino, a deep, tannic wine found only in Umbria, have gained popularity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gamay, and Canaiolo are also widely grown.
Before you go! Top Tips for Tastings and Tours
- Booking: It’s often necessary to book tastings and tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Events: Check the vineyard websites or contact them directly for specific event dates and availability.
- Experience: Many vineyards offer enhanced tasting experiences, such as food pairings or guided tours that provide deeper insight into the winemaking process.
Madrevite
Location: Cimbano di Vaiano, Umbria (approx. 10-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: Madrevite, located between Umbria and Tuscany in the hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno and Lake Chiusi, is a family-run winery rooted in the traditions of three generations of winemakers. Founded in 2003 by Nicola, who revived his grandfather Zino’s old vineyards from 1978, Madrevite is deeply committed to environmental and economic sustainability. The winery focuses on producing high-quality wines by enhancing soil fertility, promoting biodiversity, and avoiding chemicals, all while maintaining a profound connection between man and nature.
Tastings: Offers guided tastings and tours of the vineyards and cellars. Tastings can be booked online or via phone.
Wines: Red, White, Rose
Grapes: Gamay del Trasimeno, Grechetto and Sangiovese
Other Products: EVOO Olive oil, Trasimeno beans, chickpeas, black chickpeas
Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, including harvest celebrations and wine-pairing dinners. Check facebook for their picnics where magic happens every weekend at sunset with wine tastings and fun in a unique atmosphere.
Website: Madrevite
Podere Marella
Location: Panicarola, Umbria (approx. 10-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: Podere Marella, among the first wineries in Italy to embrace organic farming, is centrally located near Lake Trasimeno at the Tuscany-Umbria border, providing easy access to major routes connecting northern and southern Italy as well as Siena and Perugia. Surrounded by a centuries-old oak forest, the estate offers sweeping views of vineyards, olive groves, and fields within the DOC Trasimeno wine district, a hidden gem comparable to the renowned Montepulciano and Cortona regions.
Wines Red, White, Rose
Grapes: Grechetto, Trebbiano and Sangiovese, Gamay del Trasimeno, Merlot, Canaiolo.
Other Products: Organic Trasimeno beans, organic red lentils, organic Valdichiana garlic
Tastings: Offers personalised wine tastings and tours of the vineyard. Advance booking is recommended.
Events: Organizes wine events such as vineyard tours during harvest time and special tastings.
Website: Podere Marella
Poggio Bertaio
Location: Castiglione del Lago, Umbria (approx. 10-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: A renowned winery producing high-quality wines reflecting the unique terroir of the region, including red, white, and rosé varieties.
Tastings: Offers guided tours and tastings, often paired with local cheeses and cured meats. Special tastings like vertical tastings are available.
Grapes Sangiovese, Grechetto
Wines Red, White
Events: Hosts events like Cantine Aperte, harvest celebrations, and private tastings.
Website: Poggio Bertaio
Podere Santa Maria
Location: Chiusi, Tuscany (approx. 10-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: A charming modern winery near Gioiella focusing on the production of traditional Tuscan wines, including Chianti and other Sangiovese-based wines. Poggio Santa Maria, founded in 2011 by Massimiliano Marchetti, is a winery deeply connected to its territory and family heritage. Starting with two red wines, Tresa and Montelungo, named after tributaries of Lake Chiusi, reflecting Marchetti’s roots. With the opening of a new winery in 2021, the range expanded to include a white wine, a rosé, and another red, all named after significant family members: Michelina, SB83, and MM78, honouring Marchetti’s grandmother, partner, and himself, respectively.
Tastings: Offers intimate wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and cellar. Advance booking is recommended
Wines Red, White
Grapes: Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, and Chardonnay
Other Products: Olive Oil, Pasta, Semolina
Events: Participates in local wine festivals and organises special tasting events throughout the year.
Website: Podere Santa Maria
Lungarotti Winery
Location: Torgiano, Umbria (approx. 50-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: One of Umbria’s most renowned wineries, Lungarotti produces a wide range of wines. Lungarotti is a symbol of Umbrian winemaking excellence, blending quality viticulture and cultural heritage. Spanning 250 hectares, the vineyards use innovative, sustainable practices that emphasise grape quality while maintaining the balance and health of the plants. With a focus on careful soil management and strategic planting density. The estate also includes a wine museum and an olive oil museum.
Grapes and Wines: Red, White, Vin Santo, Sparkling, Rose, Sparkling Rose
Sangiovese, Colorino, Vermentino, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Grechetto, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sagrantino
Other Products: Grappa, EVO Olive Oil, Vineger
Tastings: Offers a variety of tasting experiences, from basic tastings to more comprehensive tours that include visits to the museums.
Events: Hosts several events, including the annual Cantine Aperte and guided tastings.
Website: Lungarotti Winery
Castello di Monte Vibiano Vecchio
Location: Mercatello, Umbria (approx. 40-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: Monte Vibiano, an authentic château in the heart of Umbria dating back to the 1st century AD, is perched on a hill surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, ancient woods, and rivers, including the River Nestore, which flows through the picturesque Colli Perugini valley. Owned by the Fasola Bologna family, this 700-hectare estate blends deep historical roots with a modern commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. With less than 40% of the land cultivated, the rest remains untouched to preserve its rich biodiversity, embodying the family’s dedication to quality and nature. The estate also offers stunning views of the Umbrian countryside.
Tastings: Provides vineyard tours and tastings, often paired with local foods. Advanced booking is advised.
Grapes: Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Trebbiano Spoletino
Wines: White, Red
Other Products: EVO Olive Oil
Events: Participates in events like Cantine Aperte and organizes private events upon request.
Website: Castello di Monte Vibiano Vecchio
Montepulciano Vineyards
Avignonesi
Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany (approx. 30-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: This biodynamic winery is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The estate combines traditional winemaking with modern sustainability practices.
Tastings: Offers a range of tasting experiences, including vineyard tours and wine pairings with gourmet meals.
Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot
Wines: Red (Vino Nobile) and White, Vin Santo
Other Products: Balsamic, Grappa, Honey
Events: Hosts various events such as winemaker dinners, harvest experiences, and Cantine Aperte.
Website: Avignonesi
Carpineto
The Carpineto Vineyard, located in the heart of Tuscany near the town of Montepulciano (about a 40-minute drive) from Gioiella, making it a convenient and scenic destination for a day trip. Since 1967, Carpineto has been crafting some of Tuscany’s finest wines, from the rich and robust Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to their celebrated Chianti Classico. With its dedication to sustainable practices and a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, this vineyard offers an immersive experience into the world of Tuscan winemaking. To book a tasting or tour, visit their website or contact their hospitality team—reservations are recommended, especially during high tourist seasons.
Website: Carpineto
Santa Mustiola
Location: Chiusi, Tuscany (approx. 15-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: The winemaker, Fabio Cenni began this journey in the early ’90s, wanting to enhance the area’s winemaking heritage and rejuvenate the old family business. Poggio ai Chiari, the first wine produced by the winery, was named after the lakes the vineyards that overlook: Lago di Chiusi, Lago di Montepulciano, and Lago Trasimeno. The vineyards on Colle di Santa Mustiola, are tied to the Etruscan history of Chiusi and its surroundings. The vineyard is in a breathtaking setting that also contributes to exceptional grape production. Located at 300 meters above sea level with Pleocene soils and a north/east exposure, the vineyards are ideally suited for Sangiovese, ensuring high-quality grapes for their wines. After extensive experimentation and research, new vineyards were planted in 1992, and a natural tuff cellar was built. Over the years, Vignaflavia, a selection of five Sangiovese clones aged in large barrels, and Kernos, a fresh rosé, were added. The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices and organic cultivation shows dedication to preserving the land’s integrity while producing exceptional wines, reflecting a profound connection to the region and meticulous vineyard management.
Tastings: Provides comprehensive wine tasting experiences, including vineyard tours and detailed explanations of their winemaking process.
Wines Red wine, Sparkling Wine
Grapes Sangiovese
Other Products
Events: Hosts events such as Cantine Aperte, special wine-pairing dinners, and seasonal celebrations.
Website: Santa Mustiola
Cantina del Trasimeno
Location: Castiglione del Lago, Umbria (approx. 15-minute drive from Gioiella)
Description: Cantina del Trasimeno has grown significantly since the 1980’s and today it is a cooperative of 200 members with 300 hectares of vineyards collectively. The winery focuses on high-quality wines and advanced technologies. The “Duca della Corgna” line is named after the Duchy of Castiglione del Lago and the Marquis Ascanio della Corgna – 16th Century builder of the Rocca del Leone castle.
Tastings: Offers tours and tastings that showcase their range of wines, often paired with local food products
Grapes: Grechetto, Sangiovese, Trasimeno Gamay (Ganache del Trasimeno)
Wines Red, White, Rose, Sparkling
Events: Participates in events like Cantine Aperte and organizes special tastings and vineyard tours.
Website: Cantina del Trasimeno
Vineyards of the Trasimeno Hills
Fontesecca
Location: Città della Pieve, Umbria (approx. 30-minute drive from Gioiella)
Interview with the wine maker
Description: Known for its organic and biodynamic wines, Fontesecca focuses on sustainability and quality, producing a range of reds and whites. It all began in 2001, when Paolo and Stefania Bolla, along with their three daughters Carlotta, Beatrice, and Roberta, left their life in Verona, where Paolo had worked in the wine industry, and moved to Umbria. They were drawn to Podere Fontesecca while searching for a spot to start an organic wine project that would respect local varieties and natural processes. Nestled on a charming hill between Umbria and Tuscany, the site boasts ancient marine soils and stunning views. They built a cellar in 2006, harvested their first grapes that year, and bottled their first wines in 2007. They later renovated the farmhouse into “Agriturismo Fontesecca,” keeping its original character. Today, Beatrice and her partner Paolo Brunetti run the farm, where nature is a key player. Visitors can enjoy the company of cats, donkeys, and friendly goats. The Bollas are dedicated to producing genuine wines with manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation, and minimal sulfur, allowing the land’s unique qualities to shine through in their natural wines and organic olive oil.
Tastings: Offers personalised tastings and tours of the vineyard and cellar. Booking in advance is recommended.
Wine Red, White, Rose
Grapes: Ciliegiolo, Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto, Sangiovese and Malvasia
Other Products Brandy
Events: Hosts events such as Cantine Aperte, harvest celebrations, and private tastings.
Website: Fontesecca
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
These are Italian wine classifications that ensure the quality and authenticity of wines produced in specific regions.
- DOC: Introduced in 1963, DOC wines must adhere to strict production regulations regarding grape varieties, production methods, and geographic areas. These regulations aim to preserve the traditional characteristics of the wine, reflecting the terroir and heritage of the region.
- DOCG: A step above DOC, DOCG was introduced in 1980 to represent the highest quality wines in Italy. Wines with DOCG status undergo more rigorous testing and are guaranteed for their superior quality. DOCG wines are also sealed with a numbered government label to prevent counterfeiting.
Both classifications serve as a mark of quality, ensuring that the wine is produced with adherence to traditional practices and regional standards.
These vineyards produce wines under classified appellations DOC or DOCG