Cinque Terre Wine

Wine has been produced in Cinque Terre since Roman times, but it wasn’t until 1973 that the region was awarded DOC status for its white wines and Sciacchetrà, its legendary dessert wine. These wines are made on steeply terraced vineyards that rise from the sea, making grape growing here not only labor-intensive but heroic—literally. Viticulture in this area is considered viticoltura eroica (heroic winemaking) due to the extreme terrain and manual effort required.

The dominant white grapes in Cinque Terre are Bosco, Vermentino, and Albarola, which are often blended to create the Cinque Terre DOC. These wines are dry, crisp, and saline, often showing notes of citrus, Mediterranean herbs, and stone fruit. They pair perfectly with the region’s seafood and pesto-based dishes.

The true crown jewel of Cinque Terre is Sciacchetrà, a passito-style wine made from late-harvested and sun-dried grapes. It’s rich, amber-colored, and full of flavors like dried apricot, honey, and nuts. Traditionally served with dessert—or aged cheeses—Sciacchetrà is a rare and prized expression of the region’s viticultural identity.

While white wine dominates, small amounts of local Sangiovese and Canaiolo are used for red wines, though these are far less common.

For a deeper dive into the grapes and wine styles of the region, continue to the Liguria Wine section below.

Liguria, the coastal region that hugs the northwest curve of Italy, is one of the country’s most dramatic and difficult places to grow grapes—but also one of the most rewarding. The steep, terraced vineyards carved into rocky hillsides, combined with salty sea breezes and abundant sunshine, result in wines that are fresh, vibrant, and truly expressive of place.

White Grapes

• Bosco – The backbone of the Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà, Bosco adds structure and floral aromatics. It is indigenous to Liguria and rarely found elsewhere.
• Vermentino – Known for its aromatic intensity and minerality, Vermentino thrives in Liguria’s coastal vineyards. It contributes citrus and herbal notes to white blends.
• Albarola – Adds freshness and delicate acidity. Though often a blending grape, it enhances the finesse and drinkability of Ligurian whites.
• Pigato – A close relative of Vermentino, Pigato is slightly richer and spicier. It produces varietal wines with complex aromas of peach, sea breeze, and Mediterranean herbs.

Red Grapes

• Rossese – The most significant red grape of Liguria, Rossese makes light-bodied, aromatic reds that pair beautifully with local fare. It’s grown primarily in the western part of the region.
• Ciliegiolo – A cousin of Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo contributes juicy cherry flavors and floral aromas. It’s often used in blends but occasionally bottled as a varietal.
• Ormeasco – The Ligurian name for Dolcetto, Ormeasco grows in the mountainous inland zones and produces soft, fruit-forward reds with subtle tannins.

Whether you’re sipping a zesty Vermentino on a seaside terrace or enjoying a rare bottle of Sciacchetrà with dessert, Ligurian wines reflect the character of the region—bold, bright, and shaped by the sea.

While traditional wine bars are limited in Cinque Terre, several spots offer a rewarding wine experience—often paired with panoramic views or local seafood dishes. These are the best places to sip and savor local wines, including the rare Sciacchetrà.

Manarola

Address: Via Antonio Discovolo, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

A rustic wine bar and shop offering a wide range of Ligurian wines, including local favorites and hard-to-find vintages. Perfect for a casual tasting before dinner.

Cinque Terre is home to a handful of charming wine shops where you can sample and purchase local wines, including Cinque Terre DOC and the coveted Sciacchetrà. These shops offer bottles perfect for gifts, picnics, or enjoying back at your accommodation with a seaside view.

Riomaggiore

Address: Via Colombo, 84, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy

A cozy, well-stocked enoteca offering a curated selection of Cinque Terre wines. Friendly staff are happy to explain the differences between local varietals.

Despite its small size and rugged terrain, Cinque Terre is home to several exceptional wineries producing unique local wines—particularly Sciacchetrà and Cinque Terre DOC whites. Many of these wineries are small, family-run operations perched on dramatic terraced hillsides. Here are the most notable ones:

Riomaggiore

Address: Località Bargone 65, Via Antonio Gramsci, 11, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy

Terra di Bargòn is a boutique winery producing limited quantities of Sciacchetrà, the region’s renowned passito dessert wine. The vines grow on steep slopes in the Bargone area, making every bottle a testament to heroic winemaking.

Volastra (near Manarola)

Address: Via Montello 240 B, 19017 Volastra, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy

Located on the hiking trail between Riomaggiore and Corniglia, Cantina Capellini offers tastings in the middle of terraced vineyards overlooking the Ligurian Sea. A must-stop for hikers and wine lovers alike.

Groppo

Address: 19017 Groppo, Province of La Spezia, Italy

This large cooperative aggregates grapes from local growers to produce Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà. The facility offers tastings, vineyard tours, and cellar visits. Easily reachable by shuttle from Manarola.

Vernazza

Address: Via Brigate Partigiane, 1, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy

Cantina Cheo offers tastings by reservation either in their atmospheric Torre Bertram location or directly in the vineyard. Their wines reflect the rugged, seaside terroir of Vernazza.

Monterosso al Mare

Address: Loc. Pian del Corso 1, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy

Offering guided tastings with reservations, Cantina Sassarini is known for producing high-quality Sciacchetrà and Cinque Terre DOC wines. Their facilities are located just inland from the coast.