Recently my brother and I went on a cruise around Italy with our mom, and to Montenegro, Croatia, Greece, France, and Spain. Some of our favorite parts of the trip were the wine tastings we did. In addition to wine tasting in Montenegro and Croatia, we visited two Italian family vineyards, and they were both fabulous.
Our first of two Italian Family Vineyards–Torciano Winery
One of our early stops was in Livorno, Italy, which is near Pisa. Everyone on the whole ship wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it seemed, and there were tons of options to get there. Me, being me, opted for a day long trip with a visit to the stunning Tuscan village of San Gimignano, a wine tasting, and finally a visit to the tower. If you want flexibility on timing and where you can go, I suggest you rent a car.
When we arrived at Torciano, I was surprised to see horses and activities other than wine tasting. It is a complete family estate. They offer horseback riding and ….. as well as wine tasting.
Like many Italian family vineyards, they have been producing grapes and wine for centuries.
The members of the family continue to work the land, the grapes, and the tasting room. They have been here for 13 generations, which astonished me.
The wine tasting room was open air (and in November, it was gorgeous).
We tasted the housemade olive oils as well as 7 or 8 wines (I admit I lost count).
As an added bonus, they served us gorgeous antipasti, which both complemented the wines and olive oils, and helped let us sample more wine.
My brother and I ordered 6 bottles of various wines and a truffle infused olive oil. Torciano shipped our wine back to the U.S., as they have a facility in Northbrook, Illinois, so our wine arrived shortly after our return from the cruise. That was an added benefit, since I didn’t have to put it in my luggage to get it home. They also have wine available to be shipped here any time, so I can continue to enjoy my favorites.
Vineyard No. 2–Cantina del Vesuvio
On the next to last day of the cruise, we returned to mainland Italy, and spent the day exploring around Naples, including Sorrento and Mount Vesuvius. Our second Italian family vineyards experience was at Cantina Del Vesuvio, operated by the Russo family. Although the day was a tad rainy (as you can see), they warmly welcomed us. They offered us wines made from grapes grown in the volcanic soils surrounding Vesuvius, in particular the famous Lacryma Christi (which translates as the tears of Christ).
We met members of the family who still make the wine and lead the tastings (as well as a couple of the vineyard dogs, who were well behaved and sweet).
The wine tasting was accompanied by southern Italian dishes, including a delicious pasta and a gorgeous cake for dessert.
We didn’t need to eat dinner that night.
*some links in this post may contain affiliate links, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hello travelpayouts