Cisalpine Gaul

Northern Italy was "Cisalpine Gaul"—Gaul on this side of the Alps. Romans planted vines in the fog-shrouded hills of Piedmont and the thermal-influenced Veneto. Today these regions produce Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone, and Prosecco—among Italy's greatest wines.

10 experiences 🇮🇹 Italy challenging 1-2 weeks

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  1. 1
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    Verona Arena & Wine Bars

    Third-largest Roman amphitheater, still hosting opera. Walk the ancient streets Romeo and Juliet supposedly walked, then explore enotecas serving Valpolicella and Amarone.

    tour $$
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    Valpolicella & Amarone

    Romans dried grapes for sweeter wines — the ancestor of Amarone. The technique (appassimento) has survived 2,000 years. These powerful, raisined wines are unlike anything else.

    tasting $$$
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    Soave Castle & Wine

    Dramatic medieval castle on Roman road foundations. The Garganega grape makes crisp whites that Romans would recognize. The volcanic soils produce wines with unusual minerality.

    tasting $$
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    Prosecco Hills

    UNESCO World Heritage landscape of impossibly steep vineyard terraces. Romans first terraced these hills. The sparkling wine is modern, but the viticulture is ancient.

    adventure $$
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    Aquileia - Roman Wine Port

    One of the Roman Empire's largest cities, now a quiet village with stunning mosaics. Wine was shipped from here across the empire. The basilica floor mosaics are extraordinary.

    tour $
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    Collio & Goriška Brda

    Border region where Italian and Slovenian wine cultures merge. The Collio hills produce Italy's finest white wines from indigenous grapes Romans would recognize.

    tasting $$
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    Alba - Truffle & Wine Capital

    White truffle capital on Roman roads, gateway to Barolo and Barbaresco. The Romans called this Alba Pompeia. Today it's one of Italy's gastronomic temples.

    tour $$$
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    Barolo - King of Wines

    The "King of Wines, Wine of Kings" from hills Romans described as perfect for viticulture. Nebbiolo reaches its apex here. The village and WiMu museum are excellent.

    tasting $$$
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    Barbaresco

    More elegant sibling to Barolo, from the same Nebbiolo grape on different soils. The village tower offers views over the Tanaro Valley. Angelo Gaja made this famous worldwide.

    tasting $$$
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    Asti & Moscato

    Sweet sparkling wines Romans would recognize. Moscato d'Asti is low-alcohol, aromatic, and delicious. The medieval Palio horse race celebrates the region's traditions.

    tasting $$