Cinque Terre Wine
What and Where to Drink in Cinque Terre?
We spent two weeks in Cinque Terre researching what local wines to drink and where to drink them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these wines as soon as you arrive!
Significantly, there are several wines made from grapes grown in the terraced vineyards along the stunning coastline of Cinque Terre. The most famous wine produced in Cinque Terre is Sciacchetrà, which is a sweet and complex dessert wine made from the Bosco, Vermentino, and Albarola grape varieties. This wine is often enjoyed after a meal or paired with desserts such as fruit tarts or chocolate.
In addition to Sciacchetrà, other wines produced in the area include Cinque Terre DOC made from the Bosco and Vermentino grapes, as well as red wines made from the Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes. These wines are typically light-bodied and fruity, with flavors that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
These wines can be found in the shops in the villages. But if you’re interested in wine tasting, the Cantina Capellini winery in the hills above Manarola is a beautiful place to stop for a glass (or two) of wine while hiking the Cinque Terre trails.
If you have the opportunity to visit Cinque Terre, be sure to try some of these delicious local wines!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Monterosso al Mare
Local Wine in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre wine has a long and rich history that dates back to Roman times when wine production in the region was just a basic commodity. In 1973, the region was granted a DOC for its Cinque Terre and Sciacchetrà wine varietals.
Significantly, Cinque Terre is in the Liguria wine region, which includes the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre National Park.
Liguria Wine
Wine Shops in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is known for its great selection of local wines that can be paired with local specialties like fried seafood and pasta with pesto sauce. These wines can be purchased in many wine shops.
Riomaggiore
Enoteca D'uu Scintu
Address: Via Colombo, 84, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
The Wine House
Address: Via Colombo, 104, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
Bottega Alimentare
Address: Via Colombo, 60, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
Wine Bars in Cinque Terre
While every restaurant serves wine, there are not a lot of dedicated wine bars in Cinque Terre.
Manarola
Cantine Burasca
Address: Via Antonio Discovolo, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Nessun Dorma Cantina
Nessun Dorma Cantina offers a wine-tasting experience that includes a short walk through the vineyards above Manarola and wine-tasting in the winery with a sommelier.
Address: Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Trattoria dal Billy
Trattoria dal Billy is not a wine bar but, instead, a restaurant that offers a variety of wines. In addition to wine, it serves local cuisine, including black pasta with shellfish and hearty stuffed mussels. Many travel and food enthusiasts recommend it as a must-visit place for those who want to experience the authentic flavors of Cinque Terre.
Address: Via A. Rollandi, 122, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Wineries in Cinque Terre
Following are some of the best wineries in Cinque Terre:
Riomaggiore
Terra di Bargòn
Terra di Bargòn produces Sciacchetrà, the ancient and rare passito.
Address: località Bargone 65, Via Antonio Gramsci, 11, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
Volastra
Cantina Capellini
Cantina Capellini is located on the hiking trail from Riomaggiore to Corniglia. It is near Volastra in the hills above Manarola. Wine tasting in the middle of the vineyard terraces with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and Ligurian Coast makes wine tasting here like wine tasting in paradise!
Address: Via Montello 240 B, 19017 Volastra, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Groppo
Agricultural Cooperative Society 5 Terre
The Cinque Terre Agricultural Cooperative offers a variety of wine tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard tours. The winner can be reached by shuttle bus from Manarola.
Address: 19017 Groppo, Province of La Spezia, Italy
Vernazza
Cantina Cheo
Cantina Cheo offers tastings at Torre Bertram and at the vineyard by reservation.
Address: Via Brigate Partigiane, 1, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy
Monterosso al Mare
Cantina Sassarini
Cantina Sassarini offers multiple tasting options with a reservation.
Address: Loc. Pian del Corso 1, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy
Self-Guided Winery Tour in Cinque Terre
If you only have one day for a wine tour, we suggest visiting some of the recommended wineries in the following order:
If you have a driver (and you should), you can start in Riomaggiore and visit all five wineries on your way to Monterosso. The entire route is less than 25 miles from beginning to end and will only require about 1 hour and 15 minutes in the car. Of course, how long the entire tour takes will depend on how long you spend at each winery. Regardless, it will be a long day of wine tasting, and a stop for lunch is strongly recommended!
NOTE: Some of these wineries require reservations for tastings and tours. We suggest you contact them ahead of time to make any necessary arrangements.
Wine Tours in Cinque Terre
Organized wine tours are a great way to learn about the wine culture in Cinque Terre. Many of the winery tours will include presentations about the winemaking process, a trip to the wine cellar, and a glass of wine surrounded by vines growing on the hillsides.
A Pié de Campu
A Pié de Campu offers unique wine-tasting experiences with a certified sommelier.
One offering includes a walk to see the grapevines and the dry stone walls up close with a discussion of the characteristics of the vine and the pruning and cultivation techniques, followed by a visit to a traditional and historic wine cellar, and finally, a tasting of two wines from the Cinque Terre with focaccia and olives.
Address: Località piè di campo, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Other highly-rated wine tours include:
FAQs About Cinque Terre Wine
What Type of Wine Is Cinque Terre Known For?
The Cinque Terre region is famous for its Cinque Terre DOC, a crisp white wine known for its herbal freshness and citrus flavors. It is typically produced from two to three grape varieties: Bosco, Albarola, and sometimes Vermentino. Depending on the winemaker, some wines will also present a lively minerality. This crisp, dry white wine is perfect for those who prefer light-bodied whites with heady aromas of wildflower and citrus flavors. Cinque Terre wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood or pasta dishes.
The real jewel of Cinque Terre is the dessert wine, Sciacchetrà, pronounced shahk-eh-TRA. Made with the same blend as Cinque Terre DOC, this rare wine is made from the best grapes grown closest to the sea. After harvesting, the berries dry out on mats for several months.
What is the local wine in Cinque Terre?
The local wine in Cinque Terre is called Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert made from the best grapes grown closest to the sea. The production of Sciacchetrà is highly regulated, and it can only be produced in limited quantities using traditional methods.
If you have the opportunity to visit Cinque Terre, be sure to try some of the local wine and savor the flavors of this beautiful region.
What Is Sciacchetrà Wine?
Sciacchetra is a passito wine made from a blend of the local grape varieties: Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino. Passito is a sweet wine made from grapes that have been dried on mats or hung up to dry, concentrating their sugars and flavors The result is an amber-colored, sweet wine with flavors of honey, dried apricot, and hazelnut. This wine pairs best with desserts or strong cheeses and is perfect for special occasions.
What is Cinque Terre famous for?
Cinque Terre is a region in Italy that is famous for its cliffside villages with colorful houses, rugged coastline, and scenic hiking trails. The five villages of Cinque Terre – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their picturesque beauty and charm. Visitors come to Cinque Terre to admire the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, hike along the coastal trails, sample local wines and cuisine, and soak up the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an outdoor adventure, Cinque Terre has something to offer everyone.