Discovering the Secrets of the ‘Strada del Vino Colli del Trasimeno’. An Adventure on Umbria’s Hidden Wine Route
Colli del Vino Trasimeno: Exploring Umbria’s (Virtually) Unknown Vino Trail
Umbria is a region steeped in history, culture yummy food and, enticingly, wine.
While neighbouring Tuscany – with its delicious wines and finely honed marketing machine – often steals the spotlight as the fine wine destination, Umbria’s charm feels more untouched and intimate. Both regions boast similar terroir – soils, climates, and a penchant for cultivating Sangiovese, Italy’s signature red grape.
The major wine producing areas of Umbria are Montefalco, Orvieto, Torgiano, and Trasimeno. These regions are linked by history rooted in ancient Etruria (and then) Rome. By rivers winding through fertile valleys and by roads that meander through 3D landscapes of Renaissance paintings. It’s a sensory journey.
This blog is specifically about the Trasimeno wines. The Trasimeno Wine Road to be exact.
Recently, after years wondering about the faded signs that dot the landscape, as they whizz by my car, good friend (and language teacher extraordinaire) Claudia, told me about a wine tasting. It happened to be a Strada Trasimeno wine tasting at the Laborghini Golf Course. If that name sounds familiar it’s because – clearly a man of taste and distinction, Ferruccio Lamborghini. Yes, the very same – automobile and tractor designer, inventor, mechanic, engineer, winemaker, industrialist, and businessman – bought the Panicale estate at the end of the 1960s. He purchased it and lived there at the end of his life because, while visiting, he naturally fell in love with the area.
The Trasimeno Wine Route
The Trasimeno Wine Route (Strada del Vino Colli del Trasimeno) winds through the hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno. It is one of Umbria’s 13 DOC regions spanning 222 hectares (2019) on the Umbria, Tuscany border. Benefiting from a long sunny summer and ideal growing conditions, the area boasts outstanding wines. Trasimeno DOC (aka the wine route), consists of 22 distinct wineries, each with its own rich history and unique winemaking traditions. You will find a list below.
What Makes Colli del Trasimeno Wines Unique?
Winemaking has deep roots in the Trasimeno area, yet somehow remains a “hidden treasure” amongst Italy’s renowned wine regions. The standout red grape here is the Trasimeno Gamay, (although it’s really a Grenache). Other key red grapes include Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese.
For the whites, the region cultivates Grechetto and Trebbiano, with Trasimeno Rosato and rosé wines earning special acclaim. These vibrant rosés have become synonymous with the relaxed charm of “dolce far niente” . Trasimeno Rosato pairs beautifully with local dishes, from fresh lake fish to the celebrated Trasimeno bean, prized for its flavor and nutritional value.
Umbria grows a different range of varietals (in addition to Sangiovese). Malvasia, Grechetto di Orvieto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Sagrantino, and Trasimeno Gamay are the region’s native grapes, while international stars like Merlot and Chardonnay still shine.
Caveat: I am a wine lover – in it for the fun, the truths, the adventure and the stories – not an aficionado – so, (until I make my way around all these vineyards – you know it’s going to happen) if you would like more detail on the varietals I found this cool blog here
A Short History of the Wines of Trasimeno
Winemaking near Lake Trasimeno dates back to the Etruscans, who recognised the potential of the region’s terroir long before the rise of the Roman Empire. Etruscans pioneered advanced agricultural methods, including vineyard terracing along Trasimeno’s hills, where they planted native grapes well-suited to the region’s unique climate. These early innovations continue to influence Colli Trasimeno’s vineyards today, combining ancient techniques with modern practices to create wines that embody the essence of Umbria.
Key Vineyards and Winemakers on the Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno
Each winery along the Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno represents a deep commitment to quality and sustainability, showcasing native grape varieties and the area’s natural diversity.
The DOC Trasimeno Region: A Unique Terroir
DOC Trasimeno zone includes Castiglione del Lago, Magione, Paciano, Panicale, Passignano sul Trasimeno, and Tuoro sul Trasimeno, parts of Città della Pieve, Corciano, Perugia, and Piegaro. The region has a distinctive relatively temperate microclimate created by the regions three lakes — Trasimeno , Chiusi, and Montepulciano. The rolling hills, varied ancient marine, clay limestone and sand soils, all collude to create a unique terroir that results in delicious Colli Trasimeno wines.
Experience the Trasimeno Wine Route
A trip along the vineyards of the Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno is more than a wine tasting tour. It’s a feast for the eyes, a gift for your soul. It’s an opportunity to connect with the history, landscape, people that make this region unforgettable.
A List of the 22 Cantine of The Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno
Many wineries along the Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno offer guided tasting tours, and a chance to explore traditional cellars. A veritable insider’s look into the art and passion that joins the grapes inside every bottle. For a personalised experience, some wineries host private tastings with detailed explanations of the Colli Trasimeno DOC grape varieties. Organised multi-winery tours, are also available through local companies so you can explore several vineyards in a single day, with transport, tastings, lunch, and scenic walks included. Themed tours focusing on organic and sustainable winemaking highlight eco-friendly practices and add a unique twist.
During harvest season from September to October, at some wineries you can participate in grape picking and enjoy harvest festivals, to have a live, immersive experience of traditional winemaking. To make the most of these experiences, it’s best to book tours in advance, either directly with the wineries or through local tour operators.
Castiglione del Lago
Azienda Agricola Poggio Santa Maria
Loc. La Villa, 30 – Dr. Teodoro Calvo + 39 3351288121 – www.poggiosantamaria.it
Cantina del Trasimeno Duca della Corgna
Via Roma, 236 – Tel. +39 0759652493 – Fax +39 0759525303 – www.ducadellacorgna.it
Il Poggio
Via Petrarca, 60 – Macchie – Tel./Fax +39 075 9680381 – www.vitivinicolailpoggio.com
La Sugarella
Via Giardini, 23 – Petrignano del Lago
Tel. +39 0759528292 – 3332434743 – www.lasugarella.it
Madrevite
Via Cimbano, 36 – Vaiano – Tel./Fax +39 3470046160 – 3337290039 – 0759527220 – www.madrevite.com
Podere Marella
Loc. Ferretto, 32 – Tel. +39 0759659028 – +39 3663172990 www.poderemarella.com
Corciano
Agriturismo e Azienda agricola Casali del Toppello
Via Toppello, 5/7 – Loc. Mantignana
Tel. +39 3356170584 – www.casalideltoppello.it
Colle Umberto
Az. Agr. Carlo e Marco Carini
Strada del Tegolaro – Tel./Fax +39 0756059495 – www.agrariacarini.it
Coldibetto
Voc. Col di Betto – Tel. +39 346 1454558 Raffaele – www.coldibetto.com
Fontignano
Società Agricola Casaioli Stefano
Strada Pievaiola, 321/H – +39 349 3822657 – www.agricolacasaioli.it
Magione
Az.Agr. Pucciarella
Via Case Sparse, 39 – Fraz. Villa di Magione- Tel. +39 0758409147 – Fax +39 0758409440 – www.pucciarella.it
Cantina Berioli
Via del Moscatello, 3 – Tel. +39 3452586604 – 335 5498173 – 349 5241724- www.cantinaberioli.it
Cantina Nofrini
Via Colle Castelluccio, 5 – Tel. +39 075841595 – +39 3204605322 – www.casaleilpicchio.it
Castello di Magione
Viale Cavalieri di Malta, 31 – Tel. +39 075843547 – www.castellodimagione.it
Molini Popolari Riuniti Cantina Terre del Carpine
Via Formanuova, 87 – Tel. +39 075840298 – www.mpr-eu.it
Panicale
Az. Agr. La Querciolana
Via Vieniche, 4 – Tel. +39 3930261934 – +39 3282196849 Alessio www.laquerciolana.it
Yes Trasimeno Card: free guided tour of the vineyard, cellar and church by appointment. Followed by paid tastings
Tenuta Lamborghini
Loc. Soderi, 1 – Tel. + 39 0758350029 www.tenutalamborghini.it
Piegaro
Azienda Agricola Pomario
Loc. Pomario , 30- Tel. + 39 0758358579 – 3470680626 – www.pomario.it
La Casa Dei Cini soc. agr. semplice di R. e C.Cini
Voc. Petroso, 68 – Pietrafitta – Tel. +39 349 2594845 – www.lacasadeicini.it
Tuoro sul Trasimeno
Az. Agricola Montemelino
Fonte S. Angelo, 15 – Tel. +39 3382858418 – www.montemelino.com
Perugia
Vineria Chiesa del Carmine
Strada Castiglione Ugolino snc
Loc. La Bruna – Tel. +39 075 9414219 www.chiesadelcarmine.com
On the Strada del Vino Colli Trasimeno you can immerse yourself in the heart of Umbria’s winemaking heritage, where Etruscan traditions and modern sustainability meet.
Each vineyard along the route tells a story through its wines, the essence of the Colli Trasimeno landscape and the dedication and passion of local winemakers.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a memorable journey, this scenic route offers a taste of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
HERE for more about other excellent Umbrian Winemakers
CIN CIN!
December 23, 2024
April 28, 2025